Welcome to our daily feature, [Quote of the Day](https://abovethelaw.com/tag/quote-of-the-day/).

"They’ve done a perfect job of it. You have Kirkland non-share partners on the recruiter’s speed dial, because they’re hot sh*t. It doesn’t matter that they aren’t equity. The recruiting firm gets to tell all their people, and clients, that we’ve collared a Kirkland partner, a real one. And they love it. It changes how the firm is seen in the market, the whole vibe. It makes firms feel like they’re players," says a former Kirkland & Ellis partner, speaking anonymously to the [American Lawyer](https://www.law.com/americanlawyer/2025/06/23/the-all-equity-era-all-but-over/) about the seismic shift Kirkland's nonequity partnership tier has introduced to the legal industry.

The impact is so profound that this model, once unique to Kirkland, is now emulated by nearly every major law firm. Described as a “market changing hydra,” this approach has reshaped how firms structure their partnerships and their strategic market positioning. The wave of changes has led to the introduction of income partnership tiers across the board. This model not only adds depth to a firm’s bench but also enhances its market allure and competitive edge.

Staci Zaretsky, a senior editor at Above the Law, where she has been providing insights since 2011, offers a deeper look into how this trend has evolved. Staci encourages readers to [email her](mailto:[email protected]) with any insights or comments and invites engagement on various social platforms including [Bluesky](https://bsky.app/profile/stacizaretsky.bsky.social), [X/Twitter](https://twitter.com/stacizaretsky), and [Threads](https://www.threads.net/@stacizaretsky), or to connect on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/staci-zaretsky).

The trend initiated by Kirkland has clearly set a new standard in the legal industry, proving that sometimes, non-equity partnerships can indeed be "hot sh*t," capable of not only attracting top-tier talent but also commanding respect and altering perceptions in the highly competitive world of Biglaw.

For more detailed coverage on this evolving story, visit [Above the Law](https://abovethelaw.com).