In today’s episode, I examine strategies to help lawyers navigate a successful start to the new year in large law firms, touching on topics such as avoiding time traps, setting achievable goals, and maintaining work-life balance. 

I share real-world examples, actionable steps, and personal insights to address challenges unique to the legal profession, including managing non-billable tasks and actively shaping your career path. If you’re looking to step into the new year with intention and clarity, this episode offers practical advice to make the most of your time and energy.

At a Glance:

• 0:00 Introduction to today’s focus on starting the new year strong

• 02:02 The importance of avoiding last year’s mistakes and saying “no”

• 03:13 Prioritize meaningful opportunities and balance workload effectively

• 04:10 Move forward from past setbacks and focus on future plans

• 05:24 Set actionable priorities for the year with specific goals

• 06:24 Engage with your network strategically to grow client relationships

• 08:15 Proactively meet new colleagues and build internal connections

• 09:18 Set a timeline for your professional goals and sticking to it

• 10:41 Use trackers and schedule to stay accountable and avoid frustration

• 11:07 Take ownership of your career path and seek better opportunities

• 12:14 Avoid passivity and actively shape your work experience

• 13:04 Identify changes to move forward when feeling stuck

• 14:16 Assess physical and mental health to maintain balance

• 15:07 Build better rest habits to improve focus and productivity

• 16:28 Encouragement for the new year and ways to connect

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life?  Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law. 

For Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast here! 

For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.

Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? - here are ways to reach out to her:

www.lauraterrell.com 

laura@lauraterrell.com  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/ 

Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast