The Wyoming Bar Association addressed on May 6 the challenges surrounding partner tracks in small law firms, highlighting the informal and often uncertain nature of these arrangements.
Partner tracks, which are paths associates follow to become partners, are frequently undefined in smaller firms. The association said that this leads to unfulfilled promises, particularly when senior attorneys assure younger associates of future partnership or firm succession but fail to formalize these plans. “A common variation on this theme is an older partner telling a younger associate that said partner is just about ready to retire (5 years away is a common trope), and will pass the firm over to the associate then. Only that never happens and the senior attorney keeps practicing and practicing and practicing . . .”
The statement explains that most parties have good intentions but lack concrete succession plans or business knowledge. This situation can result in strained relationships and eventual departures: “Most of these partners have the best intentions – they just really like practicing and don’t have any kind of succession plan that they can rely on (and, maybe wouldn’t even know how to create one, even if they wanted to). Meanwhile, the younger associate is not necessarily business-savvy, and starts hanging on for an opportunity for as long as they can stand to.” The association encourages firm owners considering equity or non-equity roles for associates to clearly define their offers: “Know what your real offer is going to be… Don’t yank your associates’ chains; offer them a real transition plan. (Or, don’t.) Neither is a law firm ever ‘too small’ to have partner track for exceptional performers.”
For associates evaluating such offers, the association recommends looking for tangible signs of commitment like shared financial information or written transition plans: “If the offer is ephemeral, pretend it doesn’t exist, and make your career decisions accordingly.” The Wyoming Bar Association also provides free consulting services through Red Cave Law Firm Consulting.
The Wyoming Bar Association oversees legal practice across Wyoming while advancing public access to justice through pro bono programs and volunteer efforts. It honors contributions within the legal field via awards programs and operates under an elected board representing each judicial district. As Wyoming’s official integrated bar organization, it combines regulatory duties with professional development support for its members across the state according to the official website.
Looking ahead, lawyers interested in developing clear succession strategies are encouraged by the association’s resources aimed at helping law firms run more effectively.