The Entrepreneurial Paradox: How “Big Law” weeds out future partners
- Sebastian Elawny
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Over the last few weeks, I've covered “Big Law's” attrition and retention crises. This week: the structural flaw that makes partnership impossible for those best suited for it.
There are three roles in law firms: Finders, minders, and grinders.
Finders bring business.
Minders manage relationships and projects.
Grinders do technical work.
In theory, you need all three to run a successful practice. In reality? Only grinding matters early on.
Want to build relationships? Not yet. Want to bring in clients? Stay in your lane. Want to develop business? That's not what juniors do.
If you're entrepreneurial early on, the system rejects you. You are only valued for your technical prowess. This weeds out the entrepreneurs. Those who naturally think about business development get the message that they don't fit. So, they leave.
Then suddenly, you need entrepreneurialism to make partner (or to be a successful one anyway). You need a book of business. You need to be a finder, not just a grinder. The trait they punished becomes the only path forward.
The problem is that the best candidates walked away years ago because the system told them their entrepreneurial instincts were a problem, not an asset. Those who stayed learned to suppress those instincts.
“Big Law” prioritizes endurance over entrepreneurship, then acts surprised when partners struggle to develop business.
This isn't individual failure… It's a design flaw in how “Big Law” develops talent. You can't suppress a skill set for seven years, then suddenly demand it.
If you're entrepreneurial and "Big Law" feels wrong, trust that instinct. The system isn't designed for you. And that's not your failing.
About Outsiders Law
At Outsiders Law, we help business partners navigate the complex realities of growth, transition, and change with practical, plain-language legal solutions. If you’d like to learn more about shareholder agreements or have your existing one reviewed, contact us for a consultation.
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