Foley & Lardner LLP partner Jeanne M. Gills is quoted in the ManagingIP article, “Beyond partnership: how firms help associates find other paths,” offering insight on how firms can help associates seeking an alternative to partnership find their way.
“The demands of partnership have grown, and associates see that you work much harder as a partner than you do as an associate,” Gills said. “You have the opportunity to make significantly more money, but it comes with more work and pressure. Not everyone wants that life.”
Gills commented that she has several in-house clients who regularly ask law firms to help fill positions. In other cases, she will proactively refer a Foley attorney for an in-house opening. She added that she has seen associates permanently join the companies where they were seconded.
“For us, that’s a win-win,” Gills said. “We’ve embedded a Foley lawyer with a current or even a new client and that’s one way we get to know the company better.”
Gills noted that in her practice, she seeks to introduce associates to clients over virtual meetings or at conferences.
“We’re creating an environment where associates can ask candid questions of people with law backgrounds, who aren’t firm layers,” she added.
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