The Rich Get Richer

In response to The Wall Street Journal's article titled "Pay Gap Widens at Big Law Firms as Partners Chase Star Attorneys"

The big law firms in this country are trying a new strategy as they seek to rise above the economic downturns that have struck the United States in recent years. The old strategy that encouraged team work is barely keeping some of these major firms above the rest. Research shows that clients are wanting the best of the best individual lawyer and care less about the entire team or the entire firm. Because of this and the economic state, the big firms are widening the payment gap between the "star" partners and the rest of the lawyers. Now more than ever, law firms in Washington, New York, and Chicago want the "star power." They will seek out the best of the best and pay them tens of millions while the rest only see figures in the hundreds of thousands. 
"It's not without economic justification, but it comes with a cost in terms of ego and morale, " said William Roberts who worked for a big firm before starting his own practice in Boulder, Colo.
The old traditional ways are falling to the wayside as firms are craving after the big business generators, whatever the cost. Lawyers whose billing rates are not shaken by the economy are what is desired. Some firms like Swaine & Moore LLP keep their traditional ways of paying based on seniority and commitment to the firm, but saving million dollar bonuses for the "big stars" is becoming more of a normal thing. 




Critically, it is a good thing to announce this occurrence to the public. First, it shows that the big and the small are struggling with the United States' current economic situation; but more importantly,it follows up by telling the world how certain a specific group is dealing with the situation. This article does not show any emotion to affirm or negate, rather it seeks to inform and call attention to what others think. Should this question our ethical standards? Are the big law firms staying ethical? In the article it calls into question the motive by saying, "The divergence hurts the firm's partnership ethos, creating a sense among some partners that being a lawyer is 'less of a profession and more about making the most money you possibly can." I would start to question if the lawyers are really honest or selfish and greedy. Are there alternative motives to raising the pay checks and widening the gap between the "stars" and the rest? 


The writing immediately announces the issue and discusses both sides. Statistics from recent years show that the "piece of the pie" or the "bacon" is getting much bigger. It stirs up questions within the reader, but unfortunately the writer cannot say whether this is a good thing or a bad thing because this is not an opinion section. All in all, it is clearly written.