In many firms, lawyers, particularly associates, simply do not understand what is expected. Successful firms have written partnership agreements and fair criteria for partnership with written policies and procedures. In many firms the most productive lawyers do not always receive all the financial rewards they have earned. The concept of a firm necessitates sharing with others. A law firm cannot ensure that everyone is happy all the time.
Disagreements occur in healthy firms.
Most important, however, is that everyone feels that he or she is being treated fairly most of the time. Willingness to Place the Interests of the Firm Ahead of Personal Interests Selfishness and an unwillingness to compromise weakens and ultimately destroys law firms. Individuals must subordinate individual interests and personal aspirations for the good of the whole. Consensus legitimizes important decisions. Consensus-building, however, can go too far and paralyze a firm.