Young salaried partners in legal firms are facing a growth crisis as they are struggling to pull their weight in the absence of their own clients or “books.” A book, in legal parlance, refers to a “book of business ,” meaning the financial and client records of a lawyer or a law firm.

The profitability per partner is significantly low, making it hard for them to either get promoted to “equity partners” or find new jobs elsewhere.

Says Akanksha Antil, vice president for law firm and fund recruitment at Vahura, “several law firms are looking to hire people who already have a book. In top tier firms there’s a glut at the salaried/execution level.” Firms now want partners to generate business, lead client relationships and help with strategy and business. “If you want equity eventually,

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