I'm not so sure it is a conflict as it is a missed communication. The only places where "firm first" is still prevalent among the younger generation are the big cities, NYC, SF, Chicago, LA, etc. Everywhere else firms are having to deal with the revelation that no matter how much they push salaries and billables, there is a different ethos among the younger generation. I'm in between the generations but I've suggested things like giving billable hour credit for continuing legal education because it ultimately provides value to the firm, giving billable credit for attorneys who take vacation, perhaps at a half rate. Otherwise you can take all the vacation you want but still have to meet the monstrous mountain of billables. We'll see how it shakes out - one of two ways, either firms will inculcate their values (bill, bill, bill, and family be damned) into the next generation as I suspect has happened as firms replicate themselves OR young associates will defect in massive numbers and start firms that aren't predicated on a 24/7 commitment to legal practice and place emphasis on family values and actual pro bono work. One paradox is that the bigger the firm, the better their pro bono program is and the more it actually takes on high profile cases where you feel like you are making a difference. Mid-size firms on the other hand are struggling with the concept of pro bono even though their partners are well compensated (sure, not in comparison to NYC and the million dollar babies but certainly in comparison to the rest of the population [doctors excepted]). As I've said before, if you can't get by on $200,000 per year then your value system is likely out of whack. I see both sides since I am in between generations but something has to give. Partners need to be willing to take home a little less money and give their associates a little more time with their families. Without that flexibility, the wholesale defections to government work and in-house counsel will be continue and firms will be caught in a continuous training cycle. Firms need to give some serious thought to law as big business rather than honorable profession - the change may destroy what is good and honorable about practice!