Big Law Life

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

New Big Law partners delve into essential strategies for client development. They emphasize creating a strong personal brand to stand out and building visibility within the firm. The discussion highlights the importance of authentic relationships over mere transactions. Listeners learn about cross-marketing tactics and the value of long-term engagement with clients. The insights provided aim to foster a fulfilling career while successfully navigating the competitive legal landscape.

In today's episode, I delve into essential strategies for lawyers stepping into a partnership role in large law firms. From building a book of business and managing the financial responsibilities of partnership to fostering internal and external relationships, I provide actionable advice to help you thrive in your new role. Whether you're navigating client origination, financial metrics, or internal dynamics, this episode is packed with practical steps and insights to set you up for long-term success. At a Glance: 00:00 - Introduction to Big Law Life and navigating the challenges of becoming a new partner in Big Law 01:20 - Congratulations on becoming a partner; now what? 01:38 - The importance of building your own client base early in your partnership 03:39 - Gaining control of your work early on in your partnership 04:30 - Learning the financial metrics that firms evaluate for partner success 05:54 - Tips for understanding and improving realization rates and billing processes 07:10 - Navigating varying expectations for junior versus senior partners 08:36 - Personal financial planning as a new partner, including tax considerations 09:44 - Preparing for irregular income and potential capital contributions 10:30 - The importance of internal relationship-building within the partnership 11:28 - How to craft a personal brand and elevator pitch as a new partner 12:21 - Asking and seeking to understand the value your fellow partners bring to the firm 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 the critical steps associates in large law firms should take to close out the year effectively. From navigating mandatory trainings and pro bono commitments to planning for professional growth in the upcoming year, I provide specific, actionable advice to ensure you finish the year strong and position yourself for success in the months ahead. I also discuss the nuances of firm culture, from handling leave requests during the holiday season to expressing gratitude to colleagues and supervisors in ways that strengthen relationships. At a Glance: 00:00 - Introduction to Big Law Life and why year-end is a pivotal time for associates in Big Law 00:20 - The importance of meeting billable hour goals and mandatory requirements 01:45 - Strategies to complete overlooked tasks like trainings and pro bono work 02:40 - How to approach holiday leave requests and ensure smooth coordination 04:23 - Staying accessible during holidays and managing team expectations 05:17 - Recognizing and appreciating colleagues and supervisors at year-end 07:10 - Personalized client outreach: Going beyond standard holiday cards 07:30 - Planning for conferences, training, and firm-approved growth opportunities 08:12 - Turning feedback into actionable career development plans 10:12 - Advocating for opportunities: Avoiding the common pitfall of waiting 11:39 - Setting goals and creating a tracker for accountability in the new year 13:18 - Closing the year with momentum and preparing for a fresh start 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