I often hear lawyers recite an observation about making partner at a large law firm that goes something like this:

Making partner is like winning a pie-eating contest in which the prize for winning is more pie.

The point is that associates have to work long and difficult hours to make partner-- and if they make it, they are rewarded with a job in which they are expected to continue to work long and difficult hours.

  My question is, does anyone know who first came up with this line? I found one article crediting "a partner" for it, but I wondered if anyone knew any more details. If you think you know, please leave a comment.