Big Law Life #72: How to Assert Yourself in the BigLaw Sandbox
In today’s episode, I dive into the complex dynamics of self-advocacy inside Big Law firms—especially when you know stepping up may trigger pushback or quietly harm your reputation. I talk about what it really feels like to raise your hand in an environment where power dynamics are murky, and how to do it strategically so you're not sidelined for asking for what you've earned.
Whether you’ve been burned in the past or you’re simply unsure how to assert yourself without risk, I break down practical ways to navigate firm politics, advocate for your own advancement, and shift how you're seen by the decision-makers at your firm.
You'll hear real-world examples from my coaching clients, including how one partner successfully challenged a toxic situation by staying grounded in facts—not emotion—and how to use smaller, safer forums to build visibility before taking bigger swings.
At a Glance: 00:00 Introduction and the real challenge of self-advocacy inside Big Law 01:20 Why internal negotiation feels riskier than client advocacy 02:12 The hidden rules of the sandbox—and how fear shapes behavior 03:12 How law firm culture discourages asking for more 04:00 Imposter syndrome and unclear rules for advancement 05:10 Why some partners turn cold—and how that shift derails careers 06:01 A mindset reframe to engage power players strategically 07:06 A junior partner’s story: pushing through abuse to win a major pitch 09:07 How to build influence through low-risk contributions 10:14 Why tone and timing matter more than content in firm-wide conversations 10:35 How to read your firm’s sandbox like a strategist 11:30 What to do when you’ve been cut out or undermined 12:43 Gut-checking your fears vs. firm realities 13:45 Advocacy isn’t selfish—it’s part of owning your career 14:26 How to show up consistently and shape your firm’s future
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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:
laura@lauraterrell.com
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Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast