Howrey Law Firm to Pay Associates Based on "Merit" Rather than Seniority

Story here.  This could have huge, and not necessarily welcome, ramifications if it becomes widely adopted.  My guess is that, in the short-term, Howrey is going to have real trouble recruiting new associates, and that will discourage other firms from following suit.  On the other hand, if the Howrey partners find their profits-per-partner going up as opaque "merit" evaluations result in lower associate salaries (or higher salaries pegged entirely to much higher hours billed), other firms may well follow suit.