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Brand New Report, Just Released

BTI ASSOCIATE SATISFACTION A-LISTERS 2026

Associate Flight Risk Surges

Only 9.4% of associates are in it for the money alone, down from 17.2% in 2022.

Associates don’t leave for comp – they leave for job experience failures and partner behavior.

Brand new 2026 survey data exposes the reality:

  • 46.2% of associates say now is a great time to make a lateral move
  • Women associates report 17% lower job satisfaction than men – a gap most firms don’t see coming and aren’t equipped to close.
  • Why only 31% of associates are optimistic about their ability to grow within their current firm

Most firms misdiagnose the reasons they lose associates – and pay for it in recruiting costs, lost productivity, and client disruption.

Firms delivering real career building behaviors win the retention race.

Partners and practices fueling genuine advancement keep top talent far longer – turning flight risk into long-term commitment, particularly for women who value targeted development.

BTI Associate A-Listers 2026 has rapidly become the essential guide for winning – and keeping – elite associate talent across genders.

BTI Associate Satisfaction A-Listers 2026:
BTI Survey of Law Firms Where Associates are Happiest 

189

Number of Law Firms Named Best At Cultivating Associate Job Satisfaction

138

Number of Law Firms Singled Out by Women for Cultivating Associate Job Satisfaction

37

Number of Law Firms Named as Best of the Best

Women Associates See Things Differently:

Women associates hold and expectations – and rank their job satisfaction wholly differently than men.

You’re managing two very different associate experiences – whether you see it or not.

This report shows how women associates evaluate the experience – and why they rank key attributes so differently.

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Compare Your Performance Against 8 Competitors of Your Choice

Or, we can tell you who clients say you compete with and compare your firm to this group – you are likely to be surprised.

This insightful, custom analysis is included in the price of your report.

Methodology

BTI Associate Satisfaction A-Listers 2026 draws on data collected in BTI’s ongoing Annual Survey of General Counsel.

This research is independent and unbiased – no law firm or organization other than BTI sponsors this study.

BTI developed this analysis to measure associate satisfaction with their jobs at their current law firm, and analyzed more than 27 aspects of the associate experience and associate satisfaction with no prompts or suggestions for names of law firms.

All associate responses and comments are confidential and anonymous.

Executive Summary

BTI conducted a large-scale survey of associates at Am Law 200, global, mid-size, and smaller law firms to uncover the drivers behind associate retention and job satisfaction. Law firms can use this knowledge to develop strategies to not only retain their associates — but provide an experience where they are happier and more productive.

For a more in-depth look at the BTI Associate Satisfaction A-Listers 2026, download a complimentary copy of the executive summary or reach out to BTI Consulting with any questions.

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Pay for the report today with a credit card. No further payment required. You will receive a paid invoice receipt for your records.

Unlimited Telephone Support

Your copy of BTI Associate Satisfaction A-Listers 2026 also includes unlimited telephone support. Call us to discuss any aspect of the market and this report – all included with your purchase.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

If the BTI Associate Satisfaction A-Listers 2026 doesn’t meet your highest expectations, we will give you a full refund. No questions asked.

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Join the law firms relying on the BTI Associate Satisfaction A-Listers 2026 as their definitive guide to developing business.

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Your firm will receive an invoice within 1 week of your order. This invoice is due within 30-days.

Payment Plan

BTI will invoice your firm in equal installments over a 4-month period.