I count myself quite lucky.

My boss is pretty well known in certain circles so we get a steady stream of clients. He doesn't need to offer profit-sharing...he can simply hire other assocs/SAs/JPs to assist, but i think he'd rather retain and work with someone he gets along with.

I know he's had trainees and assocs in the past who've "stolen" clients from him so he's been burned before. I am pretty content with my small firm life so i present a safe option. I have a thing against establishments and have never applied to a big4/biggish firm. My rents still think i've made some stupid decisions with my career.