In 2016 we introduced our very unique model for cooperation and partnership, the Bech-Bruun model. A so-called pure lockstep model, not applied by any other Danish law firms.

The model is based on three principles. The first is the indispensable principle that all owners of Bech-Bruun share equally in the profit generated by the firm. No exceptions. Because, as we know, the Devil is in the detail. The second principle is that we have abandoned assessing each other on the basis of the "traditional" financial performance parameters usually applied in the legal sector, evaluating the individual partner in isolation. Now we go by so-called conduct parameters. The third principle is that the Bech-Bruun model relies on us working closely together and jointly generating the highest.

Consequently, the Bech-Bruun model means that there is no financial gain from competing internally. The Bech-Bruun model eliminates concepts such as "my own clients" and "my revenue". There is no bonus for partners who brought in more revenue from "their own clients" than others did. Nor is there any risk of a reduced salary or being enrolled in special schemes if "your own clients" bring in less revenue.  It is a joint effort – and the clients are ours.

A unique model
On a global scale, very few law firms apply a model like the Bech-Bruun model. Nor are we aware of any law firms that have switched from a traditional profit sharing model, allowing considerable bonus rewards (modified lockstep), to a pure lockstep model, as we have.

The few known law firms that apply a similar model were all born with this structure. And there is a good reason for this.  What seems like a detail on paper – going from modified sharing with the possibility of a bonus to completely equal sharing – in fact makes a world of difference, culturally and in terms of cooperation.  When profits are shared equally, everybody works to increase the size of the cake. This is best achieved by delivering optimal service and counselling, regardless of position.

All new evaluation parameters
Naturally, the Bech-Bruun model still involves evaluation. And it very much involves performance. But even here the model differs from that of most other law firms. At Bech-Bruun, evaluation no longer concerns how much revenue a person is responsible for, or how much a person has invoiced, both typical evaluation parameters in other law firms. 

Instead, we evaluate each other based on our own Bech-Bruun parameters, which are four general parameters of conduct.  With these four parameters, importance is attached to whether a person delivers what we call a "full contribution" – rather than a keen eye on financial targets. We strongly believe that this is how we will best utilise each other’s strengths.

All are not alike, and all should not be alike. But we all need to apply all we have, and we all need to be working towards a common goal.