Big Law Life

In this episode, I share the top five misconceptions I see lawyers make—even the most brilliant ones—about working in Big law firms. These aren't just abstract ideas. They're real misunderstandings that I've seen derail careers, slow down progress, and create unnecessary frustration for talented attorneys. Whether you're aiming for equity partnership or trying to better understand the business side of firm life, this episode will help you avoid common pitfalls and make smarter decisions. I unpack why revenue doesn't automatically equal profit, why strong legal skills alone won't win you clients, and why firm culture matters more than many attorneys realize. I also challenge the assumption that every client is worth keeping and share the overlooked business and interpersonal skills that set successful lawyers apart. At a Glance: 00:00 Introduction to Big Law Life 01:20 The five biggest misconceptions lawyers make about firm life 02:41 Why revenue does not equal profit—and how high billables can still hurt the bottom line 04:31 Real-world examples of high-revenue, low-profit partners losing firm support 04:57 Why legal talent alone won't win clients—and what actually builds lasting relationships 06:21 Personal branding: Why your firm's bio isn't enough 07:44 If you avoid business development, firm life may not be for you 08:28 Firm culture isn't the same everywhere—key differences that impact your daily work 09:50 What leadership structures say about your firm's values 11:03 Not every client is a good client—and how to assess whether to let them go 12:02 What non-paying and discount-demanding clients cost you 13:01 When long-term loyalty no longer makes financial sense 14:09 If your client puts your ethics at risk, they're not worth keeping 14:29 Great legal and business skills aren't enough—you also need leadership and relationship management 15:38 Why strategic planning, delegation, and feedback matter just as much 16:26 Law firms now train lawyers on client business issues—because clients expect it 16:54 Your internal reputation isn't just about legal wins—it's about how people feel working with you 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 more of the pressing questions and challenges that associates in BigLaw frequently face, including how much you should be checking in when you're out on vacation; how much face time is enough; what to consider before requesting a transfer to another office; and whether you should stay in your law firm if you're less than thrilled with life in BigLaw after less than a year. At a Glance: 00:00 Introduction: Big Law Associate Advice 01:19 Should you check emails while on vacation? 03:25 Why even a 5-minute daily check-in matters 03:52 How often should you be in the office? 05:18 Matching your office presence to your career goals 06:29 What to consider before requesting an office transfer 07:20 Personal vs. professional reasons for switching offices 08:17 Managing office transfer logistics and stakeholder buy-in 09:55 Who pays for relocation—and what bar requirements matter 11:21 Should you stay in Big Law if you're unhappy a few months in? 12:19 Distinguishing tough adjustments from toxic environments 13:14 Why staying a year or more improves future options 14:06 What you're learning—even when it doesn't feel like it 15:17 Big Law as training ground: why it's still worth it 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

Dive into the 2025 legal landscape with insights from a leading expert. Discover how law firms are grappling with generative AI adoption and its potential to reshape billing structures. Learn about the rise of non-equity partner tiers and their impact on firm economics. The discussion also highlights the challenges of lateral hiring in a competitive market. Tune in to explore key trends that will define the future for law firm leaders and aspiring partners alike!

In this episode, I break down the key issues surrounding origination credit, how firms allocate it, and the strategies you need to advocate for your fair share. Whether you're an equity partner, a non-equity partner, or a rising attorney thinking about your future, this discussion provides essential insights to help you navigate the often opaque world of credit allocation. Origination credit is one of the most critical factors determining compensation, recognition, and career advancement in Big Law—but many lawyers don't fully understand how it works until they hit roadblocks. I explore the different models firms use, the impact of origination credit on client relationships, and how to handle situations where credit is unfairly withheld. You'll also hear about practical approaches for protecting your interests and ensuring that your contributions are recognized. At a Glance: 00:00 Introduction: Why origination credit matters 01:20 The key role of origination credit in compensation and promotion 02:30 How firms allocate credit and why policies are often vague 05:15 Strategies for partners to claim and negotiate origination credit 07:30 How firms use multiple client numbers to distribute credit 09:10 When to escalate disputes over credit allocation 12:00 Should you ask clients to intervene on your behalf? 14:05 The risks of firms failing to update credit allocation policies 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 one of the most critical yet overlooked aspects of making a lateral move as a partner in Big Law: evaluating your future practice group before making the jump. A firm's overall reputation and financials matter, but your day-to-day success and satisfaction will depend significantly upon how your specific group operates. I break down six essential questions every lateral partner should ask before accepting an offer -- from understanding how the group influences origination credit, to internal competition and management of clients, to evaluating whether the firm's business development support for the group is effective and well-thought out. Whether you're considering a move or advising colleagues who are, this episode provides the practical insights you need to make an informed decision and avoid costly surprises. At a Glance: 00:00 Introduction to Big Law Life and why evaluating your practice group is critical before making a lateral move 01:20 The difference between assessing a firm's overall reputation vs. understanding your day-to-day practice group experience 02:48 Why lateral partner candidates often overlook key questions about their future practice group 04:07 Question 1: Does the practice group complement your skills, or will you be competing for the same work? 06:13 How to assess internal competition and potential conflicts over key clients 07:12 Question 2: Are you joining an established team or expected to build a practice from scratch? 08:37 How firms vary in their willingness to support lateral partners in hiring associates and expanding their teams 10:06 Question 3: How does the practice group pitch and win new clients? 11:37 The warning signs of a dysfunctional business development strategy 13:09 Question 4: How much influence does the practice group leader have over compensation and evaluations? 14:29 Why some groups have more control over partner resources and career progression than others 15:30 Question 5: Does the practice group quietly enforce unwritten rules that contradict firm policies? 16:51 Real world examples of practice groups ignoring firm policies on leave, origination credit, and compensation 17:48 Question 6: How does this firm's approach compare to competitors and industry best practices? 19:14 Why understanding your practice group's internal operations is so critical 20:05 Closing thoughts: Doing your due diligence before making a lateral move to ensure long-term success 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 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