With the partnership track lengthening throughout the legal industry and law firms seeking out any advantage they can in the talent market, Kirkland & Ellis’ announcement Wednesday that it is shortening its equity partnership timeline from 10 to nine years is sure to make waves in the legal industry, some experts and observers say.

“Kirkland is already a destination firm for top talent and shortening the partnership track will help it compete with firms like Cravath, Swaine & Moore; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom and Davis Polk & Wardwell,” said Peter Zeughauser, a legal consultant at Zeughauser Group.