Aaron Dunham: Partner

What does it mean to be a partner, anyway?

We’re excited to announce Aaron Dunham is now a “partner” in our firm. But what does “partner” mean in a law firm?

Today, it means different things depending on what law firm you are talking about. From TV shows you would think that means the lawyer has arrived – the attorney will be living a lavish lifestyle, making the big bucks, going out to expensive dinners and making all the younger attorneys do the work. That is not the real world.

Legally speaking (since we are lawyers), the term “partner” refers to being an owner in the firm. Historically, law firms were owned by several attorneys and the structure of their firm was as a “partnership” as opposed to a corporation or LLC. So to be a partner in a law firm, meant that you were an owner.

Today, it is often used more broadly to indicate an attorney has reached a certain level of expertise within the practice.

At our firm, while there are benefits that come with being a partner, it is really about the increased responsibility the attorney is taking on. A partner is a leader in our firm that tackles more difficult tasks, mentors younger team members and helps our firm grow.

To be partner at WHC you have to have integrity, be committed to serving others, solve problems, communicate well, and be constantly improving.
Aaron Dunham consistently demonstrates these values, which is why we are proud to call him Partner.