October 21, 2025


Top Biglaw Firm Rejects Two-Tier Partnerships Amid Legal Industry Upheavals

In a bold stance against the growing trend of two-tier partnerships in the legal industry, a leading Biglaw firm has firmly decided to maintain an all-equity partnership structure. This decision underscores a commitment to equality among partners and a clear deviation from the practices adopted by many other top-tier law firms, which have increasingly favored a division between equity and non-equity tiers.

The commitment by the firm to not alter its partnership structure signals a broader debate within the legal profession about the values of equity, transparency, and inclusivity. This approach not only impacts the internal dynamics of the firm but also sets a precedent in an industry often criticized for its opaque and hierarchical partnership models.

In other legal news, the 9th Circuit has issued a controversial ruling that grants former President Trump the authority to deploy military forces in domestic scenarios, specifically targeting the whimsical inflatable frogs known for their appearances outside car dealerships. This decision has sparked a fierce debate over the boundaries of executive power and the use of military force on American soil.

The legal community is also reacting to the dismissal of a law professor following her comments regarding the late Charlie Kirk, a political commentator. The professor's termination came despite an appeals panel's objections, highlighting the tense intersection of free speech and professional conduct within academic environments.

Furthermore, the ongoing debate between what constitutes indoctrination versus education continues to heat up, especially in law schools across politically diverse states. A recent commentary defends the educational approaches criticized by some as "woke indoctrination," arguing for a nuanced understanding of diverse educational content in shaping competent legal professionals.

Lastly, the legal sector is encouraged to participate in a new survey focusing on the compensation trends among in-house legal counsel. This initiative seeks to shed light on the internal compensation landscapes of corporations and potentially guide future decisions regarding career paths in the legal field.

As the legal industry continues to evolve, these developments reflect a broader spectrum of challenges and changes facing law professionals today. From partnership structures and federal rulings to academic freedom and compensation trends, the landscape is anything but static, promising continued debates and decisions that could reshape the profession for years to come.