TRP 239: Law Firm Partner Compensation with Chuck Curtis

The Rainmaking Podcast

In this episode of The Rainmaking Podcast, host Scott Love speaks with Chuck Curtis, legal industry consultant and former director of lateral partner hiring at Pillsbury, about navigating the complexities of law firm partner compensation. With decades of experience at firms like Latham & Watkins and PricewaterhouseCoopers, Chuck shares practical insights into how law firms determine partner pay and how legal recruiters can facilitate more successful negotiations.

Chuck emphasizes the importance of establishing clear communication between firms and candidates early in the process, particularly around compensation expectations. He explains why compensation is rarely the only factor in a lateral move, but often becomes the deciding one. Chuck also highlights the role of guarantees, performance incentives, and market perception in shaping offers, while addressing the delicate balance firms must maintain between attracting talent and preserving internal equity.

This episode provides valuable advice for law firm leaders, recruiters, and lateral partners on how to approach partner compensation negotiations strategically, ensuring outcomes that are beneficial for all parties.

Visit: https://therainmakingpodcast.com/

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This show is sponsored by Leopard Solutions Legal Intelligence Suite of products, Firmscape, and Leopard BI. Push ahead of the pack with the power of Leopard. For a free demo, visit this link:

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Chuck Curtis is a dynamic professional with nearly 40 years of professional services experience, including as Senior Director of Attorney Recruiting at Pillsbury from 2007 until his retirement in 2023. Shortly thereafter he began his own coaching/consulting practice utilizing his deep expertise and industry knowledge to consult with law firms regarding upgrading their partner hiring and integration processes, including aligning firm leadership with practice section leadership and recruiting leadership to developing winning hiring strategies and practices. He also provides strategic coaching to partners, associates, high level internal recruiting leaders and external legal recruiters.

Links:

https://clcurtis31consulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-curtis-7461a39

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