Many managing partners face a frustrating pattern: they bring in equity partners hoping to lighten their load, but everything still runs through them.
The partners aren’t stepping up. Decisions still require approval. Problems still land on the managing partner’s desk.
But often, the managing partner is creating this exact problem.
The Trap
Here’s what happens:
A partner comes with a decision. The managing partner reviews it, gives feedback, course-corrects.
They tell themselves they’re developing the partner. Teaching them. Maintaining quality.
But here’s what the partner learns: “Don’t make a decision without checking first.”
Next time, the partner brings it earlier. Why risk getting it wrong when approval is required anyway?
Eventually, the partner doesn’t even try. They just bring the problem and wait for it to be solved.
The “Faster If I Do It Myself” Problem
Partners often justify stepping in: “It would take twenty minutes to explain. I can do it in ten.”
So they handle it themselves.
Except now the partner learned: “If I wait long enough, he’ll just do it.”
And the managing partner wonders why partners never develop independence.
Why This Pattern Persists
It’s hard to break because:
- It feels responsible (protecting quality)
- It feels faster (explaining vs. doing)
- It feels necessary (“they’re not ready yet”)
But what’s actually happening: The managing partner is protecting their importance.
The Real Cost
This destroys future options.
Every time you step in, you prove the firm can’t function without you.
Which means:
- You can’t sell (nobody buys a firm dependent on the seller)
- You can’t step back (partners can’t suddenly not depend on you)
- You can’t transition leadership (no one’s capable of taking over)
- You can’t take real vacation (everything pauses when you’re gone)
What Changes It
Stop reviewing everything. Tell partners: “You’ve got this.”
Stop explaining how you’d do it. Ask: “What do you think?” If reasonable, say: “Go with that.”
Stop rescuing them from discomfort. Let them figure it out.
The Test
One managing partner stopped stepping in for three months.
Month one: Convinced everything would collapse.
Month two: Partners made decisions without checking first.
Month three: A partner handled a major issue independently. Successfully.
For the complete framework on developing independent partners without sacrificing quality, read our guide on sustainable law firm leadership. https://dougbrownjd.substack.com
