Financial advisors who understand Big Law and partnership economics.
Capital contributions, NQDC deferrals, associate-to-partner decisions, lateral moves, of-counsel transitions — matched with advisors who work with AmLaw 200 attorneys every day.
Big Law comp is its own financial universe
Six-figure mandatory capital contributions at partnership. Distributions that arrive quarterly with K-1s instead of W-2s. Deferred comp elections due every December with 409A consequences if you get them wrong. Firm-specific capital-recapture rules if you leave before retirement. A generalist advisor doesn't know any of this — they'll suggest a 60/40 portfolio and a 401(k) contribution and miss the actual leverage points.
- Partnership capital funding. $200K-$800K contributions are common. Structured as loan-to-partner, interest rate and payback terms matter — and taxes on distributions used to repay can stack badly.
- NQDC deferral elections. How much to defer, when to take distributions, how 409A distribution rules constrain flexibility (you can't just "take it out early").
- Lockstep vs. eat-what-you-kill comp modeling. Your firm's specific compensation formula drives different savings strategies.
- Lateral moves. Evaluating a competing-firm offer including partner capital already contributed, distributions in flight, and restricted LLP agreements.
- Retirement / of-counsel transitions. Your largest asset at retirement is often your partner capital, and draw-down rules vary by firm.
Tools & guides
Partner Capital Contribution Calculator
Model the financing and tax impact of your partnership buy-in. How much cash do you actually need up front, and when does the distribution stream cover the loan?
Financial Planning for Big Law Associates & Partners
Full-career guide: student loans through associate savings rates, partnership-track financial decisions, mid-career tax stacking, exit planning.
Big Law Partnership Buy-In: The Financial Decision
What the $400K capital contribution actually buys you — equity stake, voting rights, income distribution, and tax implications.
Deferred Compensation for Law Firm Partners
How NQDC plans work at Big Law firms, 409A election rules, and how to design a deferral strategy that actually reduces lifetime tax.
Lateral Partner Moves: The Compensation Analysis
What to ask before signing a lateral offer — capital contribution refund timing, income transition, restrictive covenants, and the real economics of firm-switching.
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