Law firms are becoming increasingly comfortable de-equitizing partners, especially those who aren’t contributing to the bottom line, legal industry consultants and recruiters say, and it's a trend likely to continue into the next year.

Multiple Am Law 100 firms, as well as midsize and regional law firms, have de-equitized partners in recent months, several sources told Law.com. While law firms may be having a strong year in profits and demand, some have been shrinking their equity tiers through de-equitizations, retirements and control over partner promotions.