Edwards Gibson data and commentary extensively featured in LexisNexis’ report ‘Death of the Rainmaker’

In the LexisNexis report out today, “Death of the rainmaker”, Dylan Brown examines whether the traditional rainmaker model is being weakened by AI, collaboration and shifting client expectations. Brown highlights that while trust and relationships remain critical, firms are increasingly investing in shared knowledge, technology and productised services to reduce dependence on key individuals. Consequently, the rise of AI‑enabled research, document analysis and knowledge management is accelerating the shift away from the traditional rainmaker model, alongside growing pressure from clients for consistency, scalability and measurable outcomes.

The report cites data from Edwards Gibson showing that London partner moves increased 21% year‑on‑year, surpassing the previous record set in 2025. This surge in mobility underscores how quickly firms can lose partners, clients and teams when key individual rainmakers depart, with Brown noting the vulnerability of firms overly reliant on star partners. Our data shows that Paul Hastings lost nearly a third of its UK partnership (including high-profile teams), while A&O Shearman and Kirkland & Ellis also saw significant senior departures.

Edwards Gibson commentary also features extensively throughout the report. Director Scott Gibson argues that “the classic rainmaker is no longer just an individual originator but a platform builder,” he explains — someone capable of attracting work, talent and trust at scale.

Notwithstanding widespread rhetoric around collaboration and AI‑enabled knowledge sharing, Gibson remains sceptical that AI will fundamentally alter hiring activity at the elite end of the market – at least not in the medium term.  This is because, at the top, BigLaw remains dominated by sponsor‑led private capital, where personal relationships and portability trump efficiency and pricing; In a law firm partnership structure there is simply no incentive for powerful rainmakers to undermine their own position by institutionalising their hard-won relationships. For now, any law firm which pushes too hard in that direction, risks losing these incredibly mobile assets.

Edwards Gibson is proud that our market‑leading data and commentary continue to anchor industry analysis across the London legal market.

Read the full LexisNexis report here (paywall).