d39bcd59_ons_of_non_equity_partnerships__Advantages
[Management Attribute] Retention [Pitfalls] Firms risk losing bright up-and-comers who see a number of income partners “above” them and surmise that too many people are in the queue ahead of them for equity partner. [Advantages] 
Firms may retain key people who do not qualify for equity partnership by acknowledging their value or contributions with a promotion to the partner level, albeit in a non-equity position.
The pros and cons of non-equity partnerships
Advantages