Key facts
- Kirkland & Ellis has created a new 'senior income partner' tier in its London offices.
- This tier is an alternative path for senior lawyers outside the traditional equity partnership track.
- Senior income partners receive negotiated compensation but do not share in firm profits.
- The firm introduced this role globally in early 2024.
- Fewer than 10 London partners have entered the tier so far, with more expected.
Kirkland & Ellis has expanded its London team by creating a new "senior income partner" tier. This move introduces an alternative career progression for senior lawyers within the firm, distinct from the traditional path to equity partnership. The senior income partner role, which was rolled out globally in early 2024, offers individually negotiated compensation packages but does not include a share in the firm's profits. This structure aims to retain experienced legal talent by providing a continued career path within the firm, without precluding future promotion to equity partnership. Currently, fewer than 10 London partners have been placed in this new tier, with expectations of more to follow.