Lawyers

At Barnes & Thornburg, we don’t just say we support growth — we’ve built the infrastructure and systems to deliver on that promise. 

Whether you’re seeking a more robust platform to serve your clients and grow your practice or are looking for a supportive environment where you can begin your legal career, B&T offers a clients-first culture that prioritizes service to fuel your – and your clients’ – goals.  

We set lawyers up for success at every stage of their careers. Given our consistent growth trajectory, we’re adept at welcoming new lawyers to the firm with seamless integration, meaningful collaboration across practices and offices, and the technology and tools that make for smooth moves. In fact, we’re proud that our lateral retention rate stands high above industry average – and we intend to keep it that way.

What Sets Us Apart

A launchpad for partners and practices.

Whether you’re expanding your book of business or looking to grow within an established team, you’ll find real support here. Barnes & Thornburg is structured to help partners thrive, not compete for space.

• Origination credit policies that recognize real contributions from day one
• Customizable rate-setting based on your practice, market, and strategic goals, not arbitrary targets
• Dedicated business development and marketing teams who know your space and help you grow it
• Collaborative compensation culture that values team success, not just individual tallies
• Opportunities to co-chair a practice, build a team, or launch something new

New lateral partners have successfully launched and scaled practices in areas like private equity, funds, Latin America, and securities regulation. If you’re ready to take your practice further, you’ll find the tools, trust, and team to make it happen here.

Training that evolves with you.

From new associates to partners, we offer programming to enhance the substantive and professional skills of our legal talent.  In addition to firm-wide, department, and practice specific programming, we host targeted audience programs for attorneys at every level:

• BTLaw Academy introduces junior associates to the business and practice of law with ongoing in-person and virtual training.
• Pathway to Partnership provides mid- and senior-level lawyers a transparent roadmap to partnership or alternate paths, if that’s the better fit.
• Partner Development Series strengthens leadership, client development, and matter management skills.

Support beyond the curriculum.

• One-on-one coaching for legal writing, communication, time management, and more
• Customizable mentoring (peer, senior, and lateral integration)
• Formal mentorship for first- through fourth-year associates
• Structured sponsorship for fifth-year and senior associates through Project Keymaker
• Performance evaluations twice a year with associate-led input
• Firmwide and department-specific core competencies to guide growth

A faster, clearer path to partnership.

We have more partners than associates, which means advancement is achievable — not aspirational. Capital partnership isn’t a black box. You’ll know the benchmarks. You’ll know the process. You’ll have support every step of the way.

A large firm with an agile mindset.

Despite our national reach, we operate with a small-firm feel. You’ll know your colleagues. You’ll work across offices. And you’ll be heard. Through the Legal Talent Development Committee and Associate Committee, attorneys at all levels help shape firm policy, culture, and compensation.