Big Law Life

In today’s episode, I dive into one of the most common challenges for lawyers in large law firms—finding the right mentor. It's a common problem as formal mentoring programs may fall short of providing meaningful guidance, it can be hard to find mentors with the time to really connect with you, and figuring out who is best to help you navigate the particular hurdles you're facing in your work life isn't always clear. In this episode discuss how to identify the potential mentors both inside and outside your firm, how to approach them, and how to cultivate a valuable, long-term mentoring relationship. Whether you’re looking for guidance on firm politics, client relationships, or business development, identifying the right kind of mentor is truly important. I share practical strategies for seeking out mentors who can provide specific, actionable advice—no vague career tips or generic feedback. If you’ve ever struggled to find someone who truly supports your professional growth, this episode will give you a roadmap for making those crucial connections. At a Glance: 00:00 Introduction to Big Law Life and how to approach mentoring in Big Law 01:20 Why formal mentoring programs often fall short 02:08 How to identify lawyers who could be strong mentors 03:39 The importance of observing how senior lawyers communicate, give feedback, and handle client relationships 05:18 Learning from lawyers who explain complex concepts clearly and concisely 06:34 Don’t limit yourself. Mentors don’t have to look like you or share your background 07:25 Building an organic relationship instead of asking outright for mentorship 09:07 Making yourself available and showing initiative in seeking mentorship 10:40 Why a single mentor may not meet all your needs & the importance of building a network of mentors 12:15 The value of external mentors and non-lawyer advisors 14:10 How to approach busy lawyers and ask for guidance without overstepping 15:32 Maintaining and nurturing your mentor relationships over time 17:02 How to stay visible to your mentor without becoming a burden 18:24 A strategic approach to checking in with mentors and keeping them engaged 19:08 Acknowledging and appreciating your mentor’s time and contributions 19:39 Why recognizing your mentor’s help strengthens the relationship 20:05 Closing thoughts on the importance of mentorship in Big Law 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 tackle one of the biggest questions associates in large law firms often wrestle with -- when is it time to leave your firm? Some of the key signals that indicate it might be time to start looking elsewhere include when you're struggling to meet your billable hours with no sign of that changing, losing a key partner champion that could help make or break your future at the firm, struggling on the path to partnership or promotion, or seeing troubling shifts in firm culture or compensation.  I also discuss how to time a departure strategically, including how to navigate bonuses and negotiations when making a move. If you’re debating whether to stay or go, this episode offers a clear framework to help you make an informed decision. At a Glance: 00:00 Introduction to Big Law Life and today’s topic 01:20 The most common reasons associates consider leaving 02:00 Struggling to meet billable hours: when it’s a personal issue vs. a firm-wide problem 04:14 Why prolonged slow periods (9-12 months) can put your career at risk 04:37 Losing a key partner advocate and how it affects your career trajectory 06:04 When your path to partnership stalls and no one can give you a clear answer why 07:44 Undercompensation as a red flag for firm instability 09:05 Cultural shifts that signal it may be time to leave 11:15 How and when to time your exit strategically 12:17 Final thoughts on evaluating your options before making a move 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 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