After a turbulent 2020, there was some expectation the upheaval that played out all year would be reflected in Big Law’s partner classes. Instead, rather than change course or over-correct as a result of the pandemic and social unrest, firms seem to be sticking to long-term strategic concerns, according to some industry observers.

An analysis of a small sample of new partner classes in Big Law as well as anecdotal evidence from several industry experts found that partner classes appear to be holding steady on head count with slight improvement around gender diversity.