It's time for that question again--which is better to be?  A junior partner, or a senior associate?  Well, in one area at least, compensation, there is less and less difference. 

According to <a xhref="http://www.law.com/jsp/llf/PubArticleLLF.jsp?id=1201601151515">this article</a> on Law.com, the recent runup in associate pay has narrowed the gap considerably.  In some cases, due to bonuses and incentives, the top associates can make more than the junior partners. 

Let's face it, the top priority is to protect the senior partners profits.  And with the compensation wars for associates heating up, who is likely left to be holding the bag?  Yep, the junior partners.  Plus, with the downturn in the economy looming, there's likely going to be less money floating around to help pay the junior partners.  In fact, they may get the axe to save the firm money in some certain situations.

What does it all mean?  Well, partner track is looking less and less desirable, I guess.  You may be more valuable to the firm as a top-notch associate than an anonymous junior partner.