In today’s episode, I break down why even highly skilled, well-regarded lawyers can still fail to make partner—and what you can do to avoid that fate. If you’ve been getting great reviews, meeting your billable targets, and even bringing in business but still aren’t seeing a clear path to partnership, you’re not alone. I’ve served on partnership committees and evaluated countless candidates, and I’ve seen three common reasons why some lawyers don’t make the cut. From understanding the financial and structural realities of your firm, to identifying the right advocates, to assessing whether your firm is truly the right fit, this episode covers what you need to be thinking about now if you want to successfully navigate the partnership process. At a Glance: 00:00 Introduction – Why Big Law Life exists and what law school doesn’t teach you 01:20 The frustrating reality: Why talented, high-performing associates can still fail to make partner 03:03 The first critical factor: Understanding your firm’s financials, structure, and business needs 06:00 Why great lawyering isn’t enough—you need to offer something the firm needs right now 06:43 The second critical factor: You need internal advocates, and one key partner to guide you through the process 09:09 How to find the right person to help you—and why the partner you work with most closely might not be the one 11:11 The third critical factor: When failing to make partner has nothing to do with you and everything to do with your firm 12:37 Why some firms have an unspoken “type” that makes partnership harder for certain lawyers 14:29 Key questions to ask yourself before committing to partnership at your firm 15:15 Final thoughts on strategically crafting your path to partnership 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  

In today’s episode, I discuss how junior partners in large law firms can differentiate themselves within their firms and the broader market. Many newly minted partners find themselves competing against more experienced colleagues for work and visibility. I explore strategies for carving out a niche, leveraging unique skills beyond legal expertise, and actively marketing yourself both internally and externally. From highlighting non-traditional strengths like financial management and team leadership to optimizing your law firm bio and LinkedIn presence, I provide actionable insights to help lawyers build their brand and position themselves for long-term success. At a Glance: 0:00 Introduction – Challenges junior partners face in standing out internally and externally 1:20 Why senior attorneys often get priority for work 2:57 Identifying what made you a partner and leveraging it 5:06 Using AI, cannabis law, and other niches to stand out 7:15 Management and budgeting can set you apart 9:02 Positioning yourself as indispensable within the firm 10:45 Using LinkedIn and branding to gain visibility 12:30 How most lawyers miss opportunities to highlight strengths 14:15 Getting credit for your contributions when the firm doesn’t 16:40 Using LinkedIn and Substack to showcase expertise 18:55 Posting insights to build credibility 21:30 The value of self-promotion and differentiation 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  

In today’s episode, I sit down with Kate Cappaert, a partner in the Intellectual Property group at Steptoe. We discuss a major shift in Steptoe’s associate compensation—one that gives lawyers more control over their careers and work-life balance.  Steptoe’s new model allows associates to choose from three different billable hour targets, with corresponding salary levels, providing a level of flexibility rarely seen in Big Law. We explore how this model was developed, the firm’s commitment to maintaining an open dialogue with associates, and what it means for career progression, partnership considerations, and recruiting.  Kate, who serves as chair of Steptoe’s Professional Development Committee, shares insights into how the firm designed this initiative to address long-standing concerns from associates while ensuring that firm goals and client service standards remain intact. At a Glance: 0:00 Introduction: The shift in associate compensation that led Steptoe to rethink the billable hour model 1:20 A unique approach: Why Steptoe introduced three billable hour targets and how they work 2:57 The firm’s motivation: What associates wanted and how this model addresses their concerns 5:06 Flexibility with structure: How the tiered approach allows associates to adjust their hours annually 7:15 First-year associates: Why they start with a standard target before choosing a path 9:02 Moving across tiers: How associates can adjust their billable targets over time 10:45 Impact on partnership: Whether choosing a lower tier affects promotion prospects 12:30 Compensation considerations: How salary and bonuses are structured within this model 14:15 Partner perspectives: How firm leadership responded to this shift in associate compensation 16:40 Recruiting implications: How this new model is shaping lateral hiring and on-campus recruiting 18:55 Training integration: How non-billable training hours are factored into the new compensation model 21:30 Looking ahead: How Steptoe will evaluate the success of this approach in 2025 Article describing Steptoe’s associate compensation program: https://www.law.com/americanlawyer/2024/12/09/steptoe-offers-associates-new-flexible-billable-hour-tracks-in-revamped-comp-system/ 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. How to reach Kate Cappaert: https://www.steptoe.com/en/lawyers/katherine-cappaert.html 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  

Discover the complexities of the counsel role in major law firms, including its varying definitions and implications for career advancement. Uncover the challenges attorneys face, such as unclear compensation and business development expectations. Learn how some firms leverage counsel positions to retain talent with minimal commitment. Explore strategic considerations for choosing counsel over partner roles, and find out the crucial questions to ask during the hiring process to ensure alignment with your career goals.

In this discussion, Andrew Clark, a partner at Latham & Watkins and global chair of their Training and Career Enhancement Committee, reveals the firm's innovative approach to lawyer training. He shares insights on nurturing new partners for leadership roles and the importance of continuous development. Andrew highlights the essential role of business professionals in training and introduces the exciting launch of an AI Academy aimed at integrating generative AI into legal practice, showcasing Latham’s commitment to adapting in a rapidly changing legal landscape.

One of the most challenging aspects of legal practice is managing difficult client relationships in a high-stakes environment. In today's episode I'll share how to navigate the tough moments when you may be struggling to work with clients that can frustrate your attempts to engage and deliver your best work. At a Glance: 0:00 Introduction: Managing client expectations and setting boundaries 1:20 Common frustrations in client relationships: The stress of meeting high demands and client conflicts 2:43 The importance of engagement letters and billing guidelines in setting client expectations 5:22 Addressing surprise costs: Transparent communication about fee changes 6:21 Staying professional under client criticism: Shifting focus to facts over emotions 8:21 Case study: Escalating client issues when partners are unresponsive 10:12 Listening to difficult clients: Understanding their frustrations beyond the surface 13:17 Knowing when to withdraw from challenging client relationships 14:29 Helping clients navigate their own internal organizational challenges 16:11 Building trust by aligning legal strategies with business concerns 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  

In today’s episode, I share practical strategies for staying current in the ever-changing legal landscape, even when billable hours and client demands dominate your schedule.  I discuss how to create a system for digesting critical legal updates, leveraging firm and external resources for professional development, and connecting with colleagues to maximize learning opportunities.  Whether it’s identifying efficient ways to track industry news or tapping into events and partnerships to expand expertise, this episode offers actionable advice for lawyers aiming to maintain their edge in large law firms.  At a Glance: 0:00 Introduction: Why professional development is critical for lawyers at every stage 0:23 The challenge of balancing professional growth with the demands of big law 2:03 Efficient ways to audit and organize legal updates in your practice area 3:23 Using competitor resources and external publications for legal insights 4:26 Broadening your knowledge through business and industry news 5:35 Leveraging webinars and hybrid conferences to keep learning accessible 7:00 Maximizing value from bar associations and local events 7:45 Opportunities in internal firm-sponsored events and panels 8:47 Collaborating with colleagues to streamline learning and share expertise 10:19 Building relationships with senior colleagues for mentorship and mutual growth 12:12 Final thoughts on balancing professional development with client demands 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  

In today’s episode, I dive into one of the most important decisions lawyers in large law firms face: whether to specialize in a specific practice area or maintain a broader portfolio of work. Drawing from my own experiences and years of coaching attorneys, I discuss how to assess the benefits and risks of specialization, navigate the expectations of your firm, and balance developing expertise with building a resilient and adaptable skill set.  I share real-world examples of lawyers who have successfully crafted their careers by understanding when to focus and when to broaden their practice, offering actionable advice for associates and partners alike. Whether you’re starting your career, planning a lateral move, or considering a pivot, this episode provides practical strategies for standing out in Big Law. At a Glance: 0:00 Introduction to today’s focus on specialization and flexibility 1:20 The question of broad versus specialized practice areas 2:05 Identifying your short- and long-term career goals 2:48 Early trial experience: balancing courtroom skills with specialization 3:32 Choosing the right firm and practice area to advance your expertise 5:12 How to differentiate yourself within competitive practice groups 6:49 The importance of maintaining a broader skill set for market resilience 7:57 Why firms value adaptability in associates and partners 9:09 Pivoting into high-demand areas like healthcare law 9:30 Understanding the concept of "legal athletes" in in-house roles 11:27 Broader skills essential to success: management and budgeting 12:18 Final thoughts on balancing specialization and flexibility 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  

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  

In today’s episode, I explore the practical side of building and maintaining client relationships as a partner in Big Law. I discuss why a structured approach to business development is crucial and how a simple tracker can help you stay on top of key contacts, follow-ups, and next steps. I share actionable advice on how to confidently ask clients for work and how to keep relationships vibrant and productive, even with long-standing contacts or those you haven’t reached out to in a while. At a Glance: 0:00 Introduction: Recap of last episode and today’s focus on tracking client outreach and asking for work 2:14 The importance of regular follow-ups and tailoring outreach frequency 3:26 Why business development often fails: The need for a structured tracker 6:01 Personalizing follow-ups: Adding shared interests to strengthen connections 8:15 Reconnecting with dormant contacts: Tips for restarting relationships effectively 9:16 Following up on RFPs: How to stay proactive without seeming desperate 11:14 Scheduling regular tracker reviews to refine your outreach strategy 14:15 Asking clients directly for work: Building confidence and structuring the conversation 17:20 Aligning with client needs: Honest discussions about opportunities and adjustments 18:23 Closing thoughts: Sustaining relationships and preview of next steps in client development 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   Download tracker here: Sample Business Development Tracker.pdf LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/  Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast