Are law firms hierarchical?

Jan 04, 2023

Written By Tom Hale

Law firms rely on a hierarchical and structured system. In this sense they are like all businesses: in order to function not just effectively, but competitively, they must implement a structure of simple hierarchy. While hierarchies are sometimes viewed as oppressive, it is important to remember that this is not the case in the majority of businesses.

The pyramid

Traditionally law firms’ hierarchy can be grouped into clearly defined bricks in a pyramid, obviously this is not a be-all and end-all structure. For the most part, however, it is the hierarchy most firms follow.

Starting at the bottom of the pyramid we have support staff, then we have business professionals. Moving up the ladder there is the paraprofessional staff (those who are trained to perform legal tasks but are not qualified to practise law), the solicitors, and lastly (if the firm is a partnership), the partners.

The bricks

Each block within the hierarchical pyramid is not an isolated and self-contained team, or at least it shouldn’t be. In order for any hierarchy to be effective there needs to be streamlined and open communication between all the bricks of the structure.

If this does not happen it can lead to colleague resentment, feelings of segregation and ultimately, a less effective workforce.

The best law firm hierarchies implement a structure that is not hard or regimented, a structure that doesn’t restrict individuals and contain them within their part of the hierarchy. Instead, they allow for upwards mobility of employees.

The hierarchy within the hierarchy

Although the hierarchy I have so far shown seems simple and easy to follow, this is only a surface level breakdown. Of course, there are further ways we can break down the hierarchy. In fact, each part of what I’ll refer to as the macro-hierarchy (the one that I have so far suggested) there is a smaller hierarchy.

For example, at the top of the pyramid are the partners. All these partners are not equal however. They have their own hierarchy; some will hold more power due to having more equity in the firm.

This smaller hierarchy occurs in every step of the pyramid, thus, there are many smaller hierarchies within each hierarchy. All of which, if the firm hopes to function smoothly, communicate openly and freely with each other.

The round up

So, the answer is yes, law firms are hierarchical. Although in our modern age it seems possible that certain businesses could operate without a set structure of hierarchy for the most part, in any business, this is not the case. A law firm is no different.

In order to operate properly law firms hold a hierarchical structure. However, the best ones are not rigid in their roles within this pyramid. The best ones encourage free communication between the rungs on the ladder and allow for the possibility of upward mobility. Anyone can reach the tip of the pyramid, so that means you can too.

Law Firm Structure