Big Law Life

Sarah Blitz, a senior associate and co-founder of the Cannabis Industry Team at Sheppard Mullin, shares her fascinating journey from law school to becoming a cannabis law leader. She discusses the challenges of building a nontraditional practice and emphasizes the importance of aligning personal passions with professional goals. Sarah offers insights into navigating market trends, client needs, and the ethical considerations of cannabis law. Her story showcases how entrepreneurial thinking can redefine a career in Big Law, providing guidance for associates eager to carve out their own path.

Discover the crucial role of understanding your economic value in a law firm. The discussion delves into financial metrics that assess your performance and how aligning contributions with firm goals can accelerate career growth. Learn how junior lawyers can navigate complex economics and face common challenges. Explore strategies for client retention and profitability, while recognizing the importance of leveraging internal resources for success. Gain insights into the unique financial responsibilities of senior associates and partners alike.

Tara Kim Eberhart, Head of Business Innovation at Dentons US, shares her impressive journey from biochemical patent litigation paralegal to leading strategic practice integrations. She discusses the challenges of practice management in big law, emphasizing the crucial role of technology in enhancing efficiency and client collaboration. Tara highlights innovative strategies for streamlining operations and the evolving roles of paraprofessionals, showcasing how legal professionals can adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing industry.

In today’s episode, I am joined by Joe Glynias, chair of Husch Blackwell. He is based in St. Louis and focuses his practice on employment law. As a former Executive Board member, Joe helped modernize the firm’s evaluation metrics and became Husch Blackwell's chair on April 1, 2024. He co-led the launch of HB In-House, a unique career development program designed to help lawyers transition to in-house roles and enhance client service. We discuss how law firm lawyers can better understand in-house roles to enhance client service and prepare for potential transitions to in-house positions. Joe shares insights into HB In-House and how this program not only provides educational modules but also opportunities for secondments and job matching, offering a comprehensive approach to professional development.  Our conversation illustrates innovative ways law firms can better serve their clients and their lawyers with structured professional development programs and fostering open career path discussions.   At a glance: 00:00 – Introduction by Laura Terrell 00:20 – Understanding in-house roles 03:18 – Joe Glynias’s professional background and journey 05:08 – Overview of the HB In-House program 07:00 – Detailed breakdown of the program's curriculum 08:44 – Eligibility and application process for the program 10:24 – Client involvement and feedback on the program 12:32 – Importance of understanding client businesses 15:09 – Building better client relationships 17:06 – Historical approach vs. current structured program 18:33 – Handling job placement and matching 20:30 – Enhancing internal conversations about in-house transitions 22:06 – Feedback from alumni and in-house mentors 23:24 – Importance of maintaining strong alumni relationships 24:36 – Philosophical approach to client relationships 25:49 – Industry response and future growth of the program 28:05 – Delivery methods and cohort relationships 29:11 – Future plans and potential curriculum pivots 32:15 – Husch Blackwell’s business approach and leadership 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 Joe Glynias: joe.glynias@huschblackwell.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-glynias http://www.huschblackwell.com      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 large law firms frequently face, including how to handle situations such as contemplating a job change without a new position lined up, understanding the critical importance of billable hours, navigating the realities of unlimited PTO, and finding a fulfilling role in big law without becoming a rainmaker. At a glance: 02:25 - Temporary vs. permanent need for a break 03:09 - Exploring family medical leave and sabbaticals 04:24 - Considering a permanent break and understanding its implications 05:09 - Financial preparedness and exploring options before making a decision 06:40 - The reality and expectations of billable hours in large law firms 07:54 - Consequences of not meeting billable hours and proactive measures 08:55 - Addressing non-billable work and taking steps to increase billable hours 10:30 - Understanding the professional expectations behind unlimited PTO 11:51 - Balancing time off with client obligations 12:34 - Preparing in advance for taking PTO and setting boundaries 12:59 - Realities of unlimited PTO in big law and planning for feasible time off 16:03 - Roles and opportunities for attorneys not interested in business development 16:57 - Exploring non-equity partner positions and other firm roles 17:25 - Evaluating firms based on their expectations and your career aspirations 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

Tips on handling being laid off in big law firms, including reviewing severance agreements, securing references, and updating professional profiles. Importance of not taking it personally, negotiating terms, and preparing clear explanations for future employers. Emphasizes maintaining professional relationships and being in a strong position for securing the next role.

Explore the challenges and importance of self-evaluations in the Big Law industry. Learn how to leverage self-evaluations, keep a detailed tracker, seek feedback, and prepare for in-person evaluation meetings. Discover practical strategies for crafting a compelling narrative showcasing your accomplishments and strengths.

Discover common mistakes lawyers make when dealing with clients, like talking down to them and poor billing practices. Learn the importance of understanding client preferences and seeking feedback to improve relationships. Explore ways to avoid miscommunication and make every client feel valued.

Learn how junior and senior attorneys in big law firms can improve business development skills by sharing unique insights, personalizing client outreach, finding cost-effective connection opportunities, tailoring approaches to client needs, discarding ineffective strategies, and using time intentionally. Emphasizes the importance of networking, providing support, and knowing when to pivot or stop pursuing prospects.

In today’s episode, I am joined by Amanda Raad, co-leader of Ropes & Gray’s Global Anti–Corruption and International Risk Practice and co-founder of R&G Insights Lab. Amanda shares her experiences of moving her practice from the US to London, the challenges and opportunities that came with that pivot, and how she successfully navigated the path to partnership along the way. She also discusses the importance of understanding firm culture, the strategic benefits of qualifying in a new jurisdiction, and the development of Ropes & Gray's Insights Lab.  Learn the importance of embracing new opportunities and fully committing to them as a unique way to bolster your professional integration and growth in a new market.   At a glance: 02:02 - Amanda’s role and expertise at Ropes & Gray 03:02 - Amanda’s journey from Indiana to London 05:08 - Motivation and support for moving to London 07:15 - Commitment and integration into the UK legal system 09:20 - Importance of qualifying as a solicitor in England and Wales 11:49 - Building relationships and understanding the UK legal market 13:39 - Balancing US and UK legal practices 16:15 - Amanda’s promotion to partner and its impact 18:08 - Developing client relationships and growing a practice 20:23 - Building a US and UK qualified team at Ropes & Gray 22:23 - Challenges and benefits of cross-border work 24:42 - Personal reflections on ten years in London 27:02 - Overcoming setbacks and staying committed 30:19 - Advice for attorneys considering international moves 33:13 - Balancing personal life and professional commitments 34:07 - Overview of Ropes & Gray’s Insights Lab Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts 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. 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! A new episode releases every week! Follow now! How to reach Amanda Raad: Amanda.Raad@ropesgray.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-raad-947a194   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