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I was a 1L summer at a Vault 100 firm (whatever that means) where the model was to only hire 5-10 summer associates. It was made clear this model at this particular firm looks to keep associates as long as possible.

My question is, with more leveraged / bigger firms that hire more like 20-40 summer associates, is it generally expected by the firm that a huge chunk of junior associates leave after 2-3 years? My question is more about the employer, rather than the employees who leave. Obviously, a self-selecting chunk of juniors leave for in-house and/or are just sick of the biglaw experience. But I'm just wondering if the firm uses attrition as a method of keeping cheap labor in hand and don't look around in 2-3 years and hint, "You should probably leave" if self-selecting attrition is limited.

Apologies if the above post is a bit confusing.

Yes, it is generally expected at big offices that a big chunk of junior associates will leave. Yes, some firms will drop hints that you should leave after 2-3 years, although many do not do this until much later (6-7 years or even until you are passed up for partner), assuming you're making your hours. If you're not making your hours (and not even coming close to making your hours), they will try to push you out ASAP.

Sometimes you get starved out of hours if you do shitty work and have a bad reputation.