The data comes from 128 participating law firms and reflects a multi-year trend. Despite 8.2% salary increases in 2025, 82% of current associates expect to leave within five years, with 16-17% planning to exit the legal profession entirely. The report does not break down departures by specific firm or identify which practices are most affected, though the pattern spans entry-level and lateral hires across all firm sizes. In-house moves account for 18% of departures.
For managing partners and talent officers, the numbers present a stark challenge: early attrition persists even as compensation reaches record levels and firm profits remain strong. Replacement costs for a third-year associate exceed $1 million, yet the leaky pipeline—particularly acute for diverse talent—suggests compensation alone is not solving retention. Firms should examine whether burnout, unmet performance standards, and career development gaps are driving associates out faster than pay increases can retain them. The divergence between associate compensation and retention rates warrants urgent internal review of work culture and advancement pathways.