Associates Are Leaving Faster Than Ever, But Let’s Be Honest, Biglaw Designed It That Way.

Above the Law, Kathryn Rubino, April 22, 2026

“New NALP Foundation data shows a record 83% of departing associates left within five years of hire. Biglaw firms make enormous amounts of money off junior and mid-level associates’ billing rates that have little to do with their actual compensation. Better, from a pure profit standpoint, to have a constant stream of fresh first- and second-year associates hungry to prove themselves than to accumulate too many expensive senior associates who might start asking uncomfortable questions about the partnership track. The up-or-out model didn’t become the industry standard by accident. Firms are buying experience off the shelf rather than growing it.”

The Legal Research Renaissance. What’s Behind the Explosion of New Startups?

Law.com, Rhys Dipshan, April 20, 2026

“Breakthroughs in technology have made it easier for small firms to have large practice resources. Combine this with Next Gen Technology knowledge and an abundance of smart talent. Natural Rainmakers can take their skills, contacts, and competitive pricing strategies and provide niche legal services with lower overhead and better profit margins.”

No time to train the Next Generation, winners? No problem, we will do it for you. At a price point less expensive than lateral hires.

A law firm is a business enterprise. Profits are distributed to owners. Young lawyers today have a dream and the technology to support that dream. I built businesses from scratch over decades and generated 99% of the business. I teach, train, and show attorneys how to do it. I interview attorneys in my program and build them a business plan in 15 minutes. Other Attorneys in the program see it evolve and start putting their plans in place as well. We build your brand in real time, so that you can start living it now. Your future rainmakers are smart and self-driven. They know the culture; it will either support their staying or encourage them to leave. 

A poor culture will eventually drive away your best originators.