d39bcd59_ons_of_non_equity_partnerships__Advantages
[Management Attribute] Recruiting [Pitfalls] Recruiting any outsider as an income or equity partner risks alienating young up-and-comers who believe these positions should go to internal candidates. If a firm lists a lot of income partners on its website, top talent could view the partner ranks as overcrowded and dismiss the firm as a potential employer. [Advantages] 
Firms can test-drive a partner-level candidate as a “direct admit” without having to commit to equity status initially. Some firms believe that having a non-equity partner level gives them an “easy in” and an “easy out” if things don’t work out with a strong recruit.
The pros and cons of non-equity partnerships
Advantages