Big Law Life

In today's episode, I talk about why you need to know your economic value for your firm and how you measure it. In the modern law firm environment, especially within large law firms, understanding the business of law is as crucial as mastering your legal practice. We'll explore how to identify the financial metrics that firms use to evaluate your performance, the importance of aligning your contri...

In today's episode, I am joined by Tara Kim Eberhart, Head of Business Innovation at Dentons US. Tara coordinates the day-to-day business operations of the national Intellectual Property & Technology, Energy, Federal Regulatory and Capital Markets Practice Groups. Working closely with the Firm Chief Executive Officer, Managing Partner, Chief Practice Officer and Practice Group Leaders, she also pl...

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-ho...

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...

In today's episode, I share actionable advice on how to handle being laid off, from the importance of understanding any severance agreement to securing references, and updating professional profiles. I discuss the importance also of maintaining professional relationships, and preparing a clear explanation for future employers about why you left your prior firm. My goal is to prepare you to be in a...

In today's episode, I share personal experiences and practical strategies to help lawyers prepare for the often-dreaded self-evaluation process. I discuss the importance of using self-evaluations as an opportunity to highlight your accomplishments and craft a compelling narrative that showcases your strengths. I also discuss the value of keeping a detailed tracker throughout the year, seeking feed...

In today's episode, I share some of the common mistakes lawyers make that can irritate clients and damage their chances for continuing to obtain work from those clients. These mistakes include how lawyers speak to and treat their clients, billing errors or unauthorized charges, a lack of attention to client preferences, and making assumptions rather than soliciting feedback.    At a glance: 01:20...

In today's episode, I share insights into business development strategies that are crucial for junior and senior attorneys in big law firms, including the importance of distinguishing oneself through unique insights, personalized approaches, and intentional networking.    At a glance: 01:11 -  Overview of the episode's focus on business development 01:43 - Common but insufficient business developm...

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...

In today's episode, I am joined by Kelley Brubaker, a CPA advising attorneys and their firms, and the host of the "Your Profitable Law Firm" podcast.  Kelly shares how law firm shareholders and owners can better approach tax planning, budgeting, and the transition from W-2 employees to equity partners.  Learn how to manage unpredictable income, set up multiple bank accounts for better financial ma...

In today's episode, I share critical factors lawyers should consider when thinking about whether to leave their current law firm. These include the various challenges and frustrations lawyers face, such as promotion paths, practice area prioritization, support within the firm, financial metrics, client contact, and alignment with personal values.  I provide actionable insights for lawyers at a cro...

In today's episode, we discuss the strategic use of LinkedIn for lawyers with Annette Choti, an attorney and the Founder of  Law Quill , a full-service legal marketing agency, and Click Magnet Academy, where she teaches professionals how to leverage LinkedIn.  Annette shares insights into creating a compelling LinkedIn profile, the importance of content, and how to utilize LinkedIn as a powerful n...

In today's episode, I share important aspects of approaching your legal career through the lens of a business mindset.  This is an area where BigLaw can fail to help attorneys who need to know that the practical realities of practicing law require more than what you learned in law school.   Problems arise when lawyers aren't educated about how they fit into the firm's overall profile and when indi...

In today's episode, I share my insights on difficult questions BigLaw associates frequently ask.  While your law firm readily provides guidance regarding edits to memos, formal evaluations, and instructions about how to enter and close time, there is a lot more to life in a big law firm, and many of those questions are difficult to raise.  In this episode I discuss how to know whether or not it's...

In today's episode, I share another critical piece involved in the recruiting process — optimizing your resume.  Updating your resume isn't easy and I've found there are some key areas to focus on that can make a big difference. I break down each of the components of a strong legal resume, from the strategic placement of key achievements to the nuances of listing your legal experiences. I also pro...

In today's episode, I discuss lateral growth, integration, and profitability strategies with Kristina Lambright, Associate Director of Lateral Recruiting at Jones Day.  Kristina spent a decade as a litigator before moving into a role developing and leading the pricing and legal project management (LPM) efforts at three AmLaw 50 firms, focusing on revenue growth and profitability. For the past five...

In today's episode, we discuss remote work, career transitions, and strategic moves with Jessica Brown, a labor and employment lawyer with Husch Blackwell who is part of The Link, Husch's virtual office. Part of her journey in the law has included taking time away from practice to be a stay-at-home mom when her children were younger, along with a relocation that took her family from Washington, D....

In today's episode, we continue in our recruiting series and I share my own experiences in making a variety of lateral moves throughout my legal career, including the often overlooked aspects of aligning one's practice and client base with a prospective firm's existing operations. I share my insights on conducting thorough due diligence, understanding the real dynamics of firm integration, and the...

In today's episode, we continue in our recruiting series and discuss partner recruiting and compensation with Jeffrey Lowe, founder of Jeffrey Lowe Partners, one of the top partner recruiters and advisors in the United States. Jeffrey shares his journey from practicing law to recruiting, the importance of partner compensation knowledge, and provides insider advice for lawyers considering lateral m...

In today's episode, we bring back Erin Sears, Vice President at Garrison, a top legal recruiting firm, in Part 2 of our conversation to unpack some of the things many lawyers would like to understand about the recruiting process. Today we are focusing specifically on the transitions of partner candidates and government attorneys into new roles.  At a glance: 01:20 - Working with an outside recruit...

In this episode, we tackle the critical yet often misunderstood role of legal recruiters in shaping your career trajectory. From finding the right recruiter to negotiating the leap to a new firm, we unveil insider strategies for lawyers aiming to navigate the competitive landscape of big law firms. Join us as we explore how engaging with recruiters can be a game-changer in your legal career, with...

Receiving a not-so-great evaluation can be a shock to the system. In today's episode, I share practical strategies to help manage and leverage difficult feedback to effectively receive, interpret, and act on this information in a way that propels your career forward.  At a glance… 00:01:20 - Challenges of receiving evaluations in diverse law firm cultures. 00:03:01 - Strategies for effectively man...

Understanding the business of law in BigLaw firms is critical, as I initially shared with you in Episode #3 – and in this episode I'm talking about some additional metrics - leverage and utilization rates - that need to be part of your practice management toolkit. And follow along as I discuss " The Truth About the Billable Hour " A few takeaways …  Understanding Leverage: Leverage is important in...

In today's episode, I'm joined by Savaria Harris, formerly a partner with Kirkland & Ellis and DLA Piper, who subsequently made a move to become an in-house legal advisor, first as Vice President in the legal department at Johnson & Johnson, and now as Associate General Counsel and Director for Health Care Compliance at Amazon. We discuss why she decided to move from a partner role in BigLaw to wo...

In today's episode, I'm joined by Jessica Medina, who graduated from Columbia Law School in 2004 as a single mom of twins with over $200,000 in student loans, and went straight to work at a BigLaw firm. After eight years in private practice, she switched roles and became Senior Counsel at the Division of Enforcement with the US Securities and Exchange Commission. She left that role to work in the...