<p>Lockstep compensation for most only lasts for so long, though. Most attorneys who start out in BIGLAW with lockstep comp either move on to greener pastures or stick around and make partner (at least for the very few of them make partner). Most partners and most opportunities out among the greener pastures do tie compensation to some combination of your experience, your expertise, your work ethic and your ability to either generate revenue or successfully protect revenue. </p>
<p>I agree with cartera that the amount of money you make is not a proxy for how good a lawyer you are. However, in most cases, good lawyers, who are determined to be good by their peers and their clients, will have more opportunities to choose their career paths, which could invite choices between high paying and lower paying jobs.</p>