A growing profit pool may make it easier for law firms to reward their top-performing equity partners without dinging steady performers, but surging profitability figures are also likely to complicate firms’ choices when it comes to elevating and pursuing new partners.

Outstanding financial performance is serving to raise the floor for equity partner pay, and that could force firms to get creative in how they compensate sought-after additions. Nonetheless, several leaders at thriving firms say they face no obstacles in adding needed talent to their partnerships.