After revamping its compensation system to allow high performers to earn more money, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher has seen a number of significant partner exits in recent months, with several former partners raising concerns about how the changes were communicated. But leaders assert the revamped model has already allowed it to attract “stellar” lateral talent.

The firm, starting early this year, has shifted its compensation system away from a 5.75:1 pay ratio for equity partners to an 8:1 ratio, according to sources within Gibson Dunn. That change has allowed top performers to approach $13 million annually, according to several recruiters and one former partner.