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

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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! 

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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 

[email protected]  

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 

[email protected]  

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

In today’s episode, I discuss the practical steps and strategies for new Big Law partners to successfully develop their own clients. From creating a concise and compelling personal brand to cultivating meaningful professional relationships, I share actionable advice for building visibility both inside and outside the firm. 

Additionally, I address how to approach cross-marketing opportunities, foster client trust through long-term engagement, and manage outreach efforts strategically. These insights will help you not only grow your practice but also shape a fulfilling and sustainable career in Big Law.

At a Glance:

• 0:00 Introduction to today’s topic: Developing your own clients as a new partner

• 1:20 Why client origination matters for control and career satisfaction

• 3:00 Creating a defined personal brand in 2-3 sentences

• 6:52 How to expand your brand and convey unique strengths

• 7:12 Building visibility inside your firm: Tactics for reintroducing yourself

• 9:10 Success through cross-marketing and collaboration with other practice groups

• 10:40 The importance of relationships over transactions in client development

• 13:28 How authentic connections and shared interests strengthen networks

• 14:13 Finding opportunities outside traditional legal circles

• 16:16 Managing follow-ups: Frequency, tiers of outreach, and knowing when to scale back

• 18:15 Why long-term flexibility in relationships matters

• 19:08 Preview of next episode: Tracking client development progress

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 

[email protected]  

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 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 

[email protected]  

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 

[email protected]  

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 critical mindset shifts necessary for transitioning into a partnership role at a large law firm. I cover everything from securing and justifying business development budgets, to managing challenging relationships with fellow partners, and re-evaluating your career trajectory as you establish yourself in this demanding role. Drawing from personal insights and coaching experiences, I provide actionable strategies for navigating these challenges and achieving long-term success as a partner.

At a Glance:

• 00:00 Introduction to Big Law Life and today’s episode

• 00:20 Celebrating the milestone of making partner

• 01:10 The crucial mindset shift from associate to partner

• 02:30 How to approach business development funding as a new partner

• 05:00 Maximizing ROI on firm-sponsored travel and conferences

• 07:15 Understanding firm protocols for budget allocations

• 08:40 Balancing conflicts with fellow partners

• 11:30 Managing your practice and pivoting when necessary

• 15:00 The ongoing pressures of business development as a partner

• 16:30 Final advice on maintaining adaptability as a partner

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 

[email protected]  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/ 

Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast

In this episode, I delve into the challenges lawyers encounter when their firms go through mergers. Drawing from my experience as an equity partner in global firms, I discuss the often-overlooked aspects of these transitions, such as managing new technology systems, navigating office relocations, embracing new branding, and adapting to shifts in leadership. 

I also touch on the practical steps lawyers can take to protect client relationships, manage origination credits, and align with the evolving firm culture. My goal in this episode is to give you actionable strategies for staying ahead and safeguarding your career when major changes come your way. 

At a Glance:

• 00:00 - Introduction to today’s episode

• 01:20 - Overview of recent law firm mergers and their impact on market power

• 02:14 - Initial changes post-merger: technology, office location, branding, and leadership shifts

• 04:16 - Navigating new office space dynamics and hot desking

• 05:03 - Challenges with firm rebranding and identity alignment

• 05:30 - Leadership restructuring and its implications for legal teams

• 06:12 - The importance of assessing fit within the newly merged culture

• 07:24 - Evaluating potential downsizing in business and legal operations roles

• 09:02 - Staying informed through firm meetings and assessing post-merger shifts

• 09:55 - Managing client conflicts and ethical considerations during mergers

• 11:01 - Risks and considerations for equity partners under new firm structures

• 12:43 - Complexities of multinational firm mergers and compensation variances

• 14:29 - Opportunities for career growth and new business in merged firms

• 15:04 - Building connections with new colleagues and collaborating effectively

• 16:17 - Retaining origination credit and client relationship management

• 18:12 - Client insights into new colleagues: building trusted alliances

• 19:02 - Proactive strategies for adapting to the evolving firm landscape

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 

[email protected]  

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’m diving into the essential questions lawyers in large law firms should be asking their clients to strengthen relationships, retain business, and gain a deeper understanding of client expectations. I’ll share how law firms often miss out on valuable client feedback and provide a practical roadmap to get candid insights on everything from hiring processes to building meaningful connections and staying competitive in the legal landscape. Through specific examples, I’ll guide you on how to position yourself as a trusted advisor and invaluable partner to your clients.

At a Glance:

• 00:00 - Introduction to today’s episode 

• 01:20 - Insights from a recent conference on client-centric practices  

• 02:08 - Understanding a client’s process for selecting outside counsel  

• 03:11 - How assumptions about client selection can harm relationships  

• 04:12 - Exploring various bidding processes in client hiring  

• 05:17 - Importance of postmortem discussions, whether hired or not  

• 06:28 - Address the fear of client feedback as a growth tool  

• 07:13 - Bring in business professionals to gather client feedback  

• 08:18 - Frame questions to learn about competitors constructively  

• 09:17 - Essential factors beyond legal skills clients look for  

• 10:21 - Be prepared for potential negative client feedback  

• 11:07 - Recognize specific client needs that may exclude certain firms  

• 11:30 - Final thoughts on feedback as a tool for improving client relationships

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 

[email protected]  

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 the significant trends and challenges shaping big law as we approach the end of 2024. Joining me is Andrew Maloney, a journalist at The American Lawyer who covers the economics and industry shifts impacting our profession. 

We discuss the rise of business-minded strategies within law firms, focusing on key topics like partner compensation trends, mergers, and the evolution of firm culture. Andrew shares his insights on how these developments are changing the landscape and what we might expect as we move into 2025. From the dynamics of cross-border mergers to the impact of non-equity tiers on firm profitability, this episode is full of valuable perspectives on what’s next in big law.

At a Glance:

• 0:00 - Introduction to today’s guest, Andrew Maloney

• 1:20 - Reflecting on the rapid changes in the legal industry in 2024

• 2:19 - Andrew’s path to legal journalism and focus on the business of law

• 8:09 - Emergence of the “business of law” and its impact on firm dynamics

• 12:05 - Major legal industry stories of 2024: top compensation trends and lateral moves

• 14:51 - Increased competition among top law firms and strategic expansions

• 15:52 - 2024 trends in law firm mergers and how they’re reshaping firms

• 19:05 - Laura’s reflections on post-merger outcomes and growth sustainability

• 22:44 - Case study: Chicago as an evolving legal market

• 26:04 - Predicting significant trends in 2025

• 28:09 - How upcoming elections may affect law firm talent acquisition and attrition

• 31:05 - New emphasis on the non-equity partner model as a profitability strategy

• 32:54 - Closing thoughts and a look ahead into 2025’s legal landscape

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 Andrew Maloney:

[email protected] 

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 

[email protected]  

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 some essential steps and common challenges that arise when attorneys in large law firms get frustrated in dealing with the business and financial side of their practices, and what their firms expect from them in that regard.

We’ll explore why some lawyers resist engaging with financial aspects of the practice, how business professionals can better support lawyers, and discuss actionable ways to foster more cohesive teamwork within the law firm.

At a Glance:

• 00:00 – Introduction to the episode

• 01:20 – Importance of collaboration between attorneys and business professionals

• 02:10 – How financial considerations have become critical for law firms’ success

• 04:04 – Why attorneys can resist engaging on business and financial considerations

• 07:07 – Potential impediments to business collaboration

• 11:15 – How assumptions around client expectations can misalign firm and client interests

• 13:10 – Breaking down financial and client billing requirements in a mutually beneficial way for clients and law firms

• 15:26 – Enhancing the collaboration of business professionals and legal professionals to assist in law firm profitability and 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 

[email protected]  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/ 

Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast