<p>Being any kind of a partner is no guarantee of continued employment.</p>
<p>Sakky is exactly right about "non-equity’ partner being an oxymoron. Non-equity partnerships have none of the indicia of an actual partnership. Many of us who were practicing law when the term was introduced found it offensive. The term “permanent associate” was briefly in vogue at firms that decided to repeal their “up or out” policy.</p>
<p>I found the granting of “non-equity partnerships” to be symptomatic of a general decline in collegiality that has become endemic at large law firms. That lack of collegiality has, in some instances, led to the collapse of a number of Biglaw firms, something that was once nearly unheard of. </p>
<p>EE2JD, there are no guarantees. Salaries are a function of supply and demand, which fluctuate over time, and vary according to local conditions. After you take the LSAT, graduate from college, gain admission to a law school (Ivy League or not), decide what city you wish to practice in, and are close to graduation, our crystal ball readings may become a little clearer.</p>