At some law firms, they’re called “service” partners. Others describe them as “support” or even “ancillary” partners. Regardless of the jargon, these partners just might have the most to gain amid Big Law’s rapid expansion in Northern California.

In the last two years, the market has seen nothing short of an invasion from elite Wall Street and British-born firms that run nearly every aspect of their business differently. Among these differences are the high leverage, rates and hours that enable profitability—and lockstep compensation.