In summer 1997, the firm named five part-time partners at once. Although the associates used creative strategies to persuade the firm on part-time partnership, the primary persuasion was the associates themselves. They had already demonstrated the ability to successfully handle reduced schedules. Keep your clients happy. A formidable obstacle to selling part-time partnership is the myth that clients will not accept the arrangement.
Clients are much more okay with it than lawyers at the firm.
Key to the success of this arrangement is the lawyers' commitment to their clients. Instead of minimizing service to their clients, the part-timers minimize the number of client matters they handle. Some firms allow part-time associates to stay on the partnership track, but slow their progression rates. Remember, part-time partnership is still a novel concept for much of the profession. Changing tradition takes time.