Lockstep partner pay compensation is increasingly under pressure in Big Law, as law firms ditch traditional compensation systems to attract and retain high-performing partners. But the lockstep system—in which partner pay is mostly determined by seniority—is still in favor in some corners of the legal industry.

Some midsize law firms, such as Rochester, New York-based Harter Secrest & Emery and Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Warner Norcross + Judd, retain the model, resisting pressure to change, because, firm leaders say, they see the benefits of collaboration and client service. Leaders at these firms also said they have no intention of changing their systems, despite the pressure, after having this partner pay model for over 50 years.