To succeed at retaining and attracting partners, it's not enough to have high firm-average profit per equity partner (PEP). In addition, a firm's comp system must have wide enough a range, and be variegated enough, to match individual partners' comp with the economic contribution of their practices. Failure to do so undercompensates stronger performers and allows them to be lured away by competitors. Even firms with lower PEP but more variegated systems will be able to offer higher compensation.