New research 2026 | How are professional services firms rewarding their equity partners and are their approaches keeping pace with a changing industry?
The 2026 Equity Partner Contribution and Compensation Survey by MHPR Advisors and Performance Leader, explores how firms are approaching partner reward, contribution ad performance, drawing on responses from more than 140 firms across legal, accounting and consulting sectors.
Four key themes from the research:
- 1. Partner compensation systems are not yet designed around the innovation required to compete in an AI world.
- 2. High-dispersion merit systems have won, yet long-term value creation does not yet feature in most firms’ approach.
- 3. Firms have increased the frequency of check-ins, but the formal review process continues to underperform.
- 4. The execution gap: firms know what they want to change. Getting there is the challenge.
Why this research matters
Professional services firms are navigating a period of significant disruption. The lasting effects of a global pandemic, the rapid emergence of AI and increasing private equity investment are reshaping the competitive landscape. Against this backdrop, the research asks a fundamental question: are equity partner reward systems evolving quickly enough to support the future of professional services?
The findings offer a timely perspective on how firms recognise contribution, reward performance and make decisions about partner compensation.
Access the 2026 survey report
Explore the findings and discover what the research reveals about equity partner contribution, compensation and the challenges facing professional services firms.
Openside was a contributor to the report. To access and download the report please complete the form below.
