A reader pointed out that I was a bit vague on this week’s leader about how the magic circle will look in the future. So, attempting to rise to that challenge, I said I would come back with more specifics. So here are my less-vague projections on where the partnerships of the big four will be in 2011.
A&O will come in around the 425-partner mark. With Linklaters it largely depends in if they make the obvious cuts to their international network. If they don’t, you are looking at the 460 region. If they do, it’ll be more like 400. I know some rivals think they 
will split from those offices, but I don’t have a feel for which way the wind is blowing. Freshfields won’t be much different to now – around 440. Clifford Chance will come in under 550, maybe as low as 525.
