Big Law Life

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 years, Kristina has overseen lateral partner hiring and integration.

At a glance:

• 01:20 - Kristina's transition from practicing litigator to taking on business roles within law firms

• 02:44 - Kristina's career journey, highlighting the shift from practicing law to focusing on pricing and LPM to enhance law firm profitability and client engagement

• 05:42 - The importance of integrating pricing strategies with lateral partner hiring to ensure law firm growth and operational support

• 07:28 - Exploring the strategic roles of lateral recruiting and practice management in law firms, emphasizing profitability and client service alignment

• 10:23 - Challenges and strategies in aligning firm-wide priorities, particularly in managing and integrating lateral hires and practice growth

• 12:07 - Nuances of internal versus external recruiting processes and their impact on law firm dynamics and strategic hiring - what to expect when working with an internal v. external recruiter

• 14:41 - How law firms approach lateral hiring, including looking at office needs as well as practice needs

• 17:03 - The importance of a firm's strategic plan for lateral moves and setting clear priorities within the firm to enhance targeted growth

• 19:41 - How clarifying a firm's strategic priorities can impact successful lateral integration and practice development

How to reach Kristina Lambright:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristina-lambright-02a85718

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, 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.C. to Arizona. She has since returned to full-time legal practice, has sought to intentionally develop a career that is aligned with her strengths and values, and now works full-time remote through the Link.

Jessica shares her career journey, the flexibility of her current firm in accommodating life changes, the rarity of fully remote work in BigLaw and her firm's approach, and her efforts toward obtaining a coaching certification to work with female attorneys seeking more work-life balance.

At a glance:

• 01:40 – Jessica discusses the rarity of fully remote roles in BigLaw and introduces her firm's unique approach

• 03:00 – Jessica shares her career journey, including taking a break for family and relocating, highlighting the flexibility of her firm in accommodating life changes

• 06:37 – Exploration of firm culture at Husch Blackwell, emphasizing the supportive environment for attorneys managing work-life balance

• 12:16 – Details of "The Link", Husch Blackwell's innovative virtual office model, its growth, and the technological and community support provided

• 18:33 – Misconceptions about productivity in remote work setups and the firm's approach to tracking and supporting productivity

• 26:31 – Jessica talks about her transition to lower billable hours to start a coaching practice for women lawyers, supported by her firm.

Ways to reach Jessica Brown

https://www.huschblackwell.com/professionals/jessica-brown

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

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, 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 critical importance of assessing not just the financial benefits but the strategic fit of a move.

Whether you're a seasoned partner considering your next move or an associate aiming to climb the ranks within another firm, this discussion sheds light on the nuanced considerations that can make or break your transition in BigLaw.

At a glance:

• 02:12 – Importance of research and understanding firm dynamics based on Laura's experiences making lateral moves

• 03:27 – Importance of a firm's practice alignment with one's expertise and client base, including the potential for immediate work involvement and the long-term support for one's practice

• 04:14 - Challenges of integrating into a new firm, including potential misalignments in expectations regarding work involvement and credit for work

• 05:25 - Conduct thorough research and due diligence before making a move, including talking to current and former firm members about their experiences and the firm's culture

• 07:31 - Understand potential legal and business conflicts with a new firm's client base

• 08:25 – Considerations for attorneys looking to build a new practice in a firm, including the potential challenges and the firm's commitment to investing in the practice

• 10:25 – Differences between lateral moves for partners and associates, including understanding the firm's expectations and the potential impact on one's career

• 13:36 - Strategies for leveraging the lateral hiring process and interview interactions to ensure a successful move are shared

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, 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 moves.

At a glance:

• 03:49 - Jeffrey discusses his career transition from practicing law to becoming a recruiter

• 06:16 - Insights into founding Jeffrey Lowe Partners and the impact of COVID-19 on the decision

• 07:16 - The significance of passion in one's career and Jeffrey's advice for finding one's path

• 09:06 - Discussion on associate life in big law firms and the trade-offs for high compensation

• 11:17 - Post-COVID changes in big law firms, focusing on remote work and the challenges for associates and partners

• 18:24 - The dynamics of partner moves in 2024, and the importance of platform and culture over compensation

• 25:04 - Ethical considerations and the intricacies of lateral moves for partners

• 30:17 - Strategies for law firms looking to grow and the importance of due diligence

• 35:06 - Profitability and business generation as key factors for partners considering lateral moves

• 45:05 - Final advice for partners looking to move: focus on platform and culture

Ways to reach Jeffrey Lowe

https://www.jlowepartners.com/about

[email protected]

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/jeffreylowejlp

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, 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 recruiter

• 01:40 - Expectations from a partner candidate

• 02:02 - The importance of a portable book of business

• 03:04 - strategic hires and the role of experience

• 03:32 - Differences in partner roles and expectations

• 04:13 - Identifying potential for growth at another firm

• 05:57 - The value of a network in recruiting

• 11:15 - Challenges for government attorneys moving to private practice

• 30:32 - Market trends and demand in Washington, D.C. in 2024

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!

Ways to reach Erin Sears

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

[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 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 exclusive insights from Erin Sears, Vice President with Garrison, a top legal recruiter. Whether you're actively contemplating a move or just curious about the market, this episode is your roadmap to understanding the nuanced dynamics of legal recruitment and how to leverage them for your career advancement.

At a glance…

[00:01:42] Laura discusses frequent questions about working with recruiters for lawyers considering moving to a private law firm.

[00:02:08] Erin Sears, Vice President at Garrison, shares her extensive background in law and transition to legal recruiting.

[00:05:11] Ideal timing for lawyers to engage with recruiters, highlighting the importance of starting early in one's career.

[00:08:20] Advice on choosing the right recruiter, emphasizing recommendations from professional networks and doing due diligence on the recruiter's professionalism and track record.

[00:10:46] Red flags to watch for when dealing with recruiters, such as incorrect practice area identification and overly aggressive behavior.

[00:14:03] Benefits of working with a recruiter versus making independent lateral moves, including managing the application process, timing, and negotiations.

[00:19:18] How recruiters assist in the negotiation process, and the value of having a recruiter advocate for the candidate.

[00:22:08] Honesty in recruiter-candidate relationships about the feasibility of certain law firm moves based on the market and the candidate's qualifications.

[00:28:24] Ensuring confidentiality during the job search process and the steps recruiters take to protect their candidates' privacy.

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!

Ways to reach Erin Sears

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

[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

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 managing and responding to feedback.

00:06:09 - Importance of reflection and asking for specific feedback to improve performance.

00:07:20 - Navigating vague feedback and seeking clarity for professional development.

00:09:21 - Discussing career aspirations and obtaining actionable steps for advancement.

00:14:12 - Significance of acting on feedback and the continuous pursuit of improvement.

00:17:04 - Summary of key strategies for managing evaluation feedback in law firms.

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!

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

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 …

1. Understanding Leverage: Leverage is important in your firm, but it has to be efficient in practice. The key is getting that pyramid to work so that lawyers at each level are able to maximize their billing and efficiency.
2. The Dynamics of Growing Equity Partner v. Income Partner Ranks: How your firm approaches equity vs. income partner growth matters a lot for how your firm manages profitability, the ability to advance to partnership earlier in your career, and expectations for originating business.
3. What Utilization Rates Mean for You: Monitoring your utilization rate can help firms see how well they are maximizing attorneys' time, but they can also help individual attorneys see more clearly just how many billable and non-billable hours are needed from you in a day. Utilization rates are also a great tool for self-assessment in aligning with firm expectations and managing personal workload/work-life balance.

At a glance…

- 00:00:32 - 00:00:50: The importance of understanding law firm culture and the business side of legal practice.0

- 00:01:46 - 00:05:18: Introduction of leverage and effective leverage in law firms, highlighting their impact on firm profitability and individual lawyers.

- 00:05:18 - 00:07:26: Trends in the partnership model, including the rise of income partners alongside equity partners.

- 00:07:26 - 00:09:17: The implications of firm profitability and leverage for non-partner lawyers.

- 00:09:17 - 00:11:31: Exploration of the utilization metric, its calculation, and its importance for individual lawyers.

- 00:11:32 - 00:13:49: Detailed analysis of billable vs. non-billable hours and their impact on lawyers' work-life balance.

- 00:13:49 - 00:19:43: Strategies for managing non-billable hours and improving work efficiency.

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!

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/

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 working in-house, and what she found to be key to making that move successfully. Savaria also shares how her business-focused interests have impacted her legal career, and why giving back and making a difference is important to her. She also talks about her experience as a co-founder of the Unlocked Foundation, a 501(c)(3) focused on empowering women to close the wealth gap in their own lives.

Savaria offers valuable advice for lawyers considering a similar path to make a pivot from private practice to in-house, and her experience provides a unique perspective on staying business-focused as a way to increase your influence.

A Few Takeaways…

1. Openness to New Roles: Savaria advises lawyers to remain open to new opportunities, highlighting the importance of keeping an active profile on platforms like LinkedIn.

2. Proximity to Business Operations: For those transitioning in-house, choosing roles that are close to core business operations can be essential for career growth.

3. Adaptability and Interpersonal Skills: Success in in-house roles often hinges on the ability to adapt and effectively collaborate with diverse teams.

4. Viewing Career Changes Positively: Savaria suggests seeing career moves as a part of personal and professional development, rather than as a reaction to negative circumstances.

At a glance…

- 00:02:48: Insights into the transition from law firm to in-house roles.

- 00:04:51: Savaria's experiences at Kirkland & Ellis, DLA Piper, and Johnson & Johnson.

- 00:10:21: Choosing between litigation and regulatory roles.

- 00:14:03: Adapting to new roles and skill sets.

- 00:16:07: Transition to Amazon; networking and career development tips.

- 00:20:29: Importance of a comprehensive professional profile.

- 00:22:31: Qualities needed for transitioning from Biglaw to in-house.

- 00:32:03: Savaria's involvement with Unlocked, focusing on the women's wealth gap.

- 00:37:31: Alignment of personal values with professional roles.

- 00:41:28: Strategies for job interviews in legal roles.

- 00:44:28: Maintaining and enhancing a professional brand.

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!

Ways to reach Savaria Harris and Laura Terrell

Savaria Harris

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/savaria-harris-3030822a

The Unlocked Foundation: https://www.experienceunlocked.com/

Laura Terrell

www.lauraterrell.com

[email protected]

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

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

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 financial industry in a different way and is now an Accredited Financial Counselor who teaches other lawyers how to use their money to finance their dream lives.

In today's conversation, Jessica shares her personal journey and professional insights, offering invaluable guidance for lawyers who have the pressures of BigLaw life, are paying student loans, and generating a high income, but want to achieve financial stability and freedom.

A Few Takeaways…

1. Be Intentional with Career and Financial Choices: Understand why you are in your current position and align your actions with your long-term goals. This means making strategic decisions about lifestyle and finances to avoid getting trapped in a situation that doesn't align with your future aspirations.

2. Understand the Impact of Lifestyle on Finances: Many lawyers spend on convenience due to time constraints, which can lead to unintentional financial strain. Being mindful about where your money goes, especially as your salary increases, so that you can prevent unnecessary financial stress.

3. Prepare for Career Transitions with Financial Planning: If you're considering a shift in your career, especially one that might result in lower income, it's crucial to prepare financially. This might involve downsizing or re-evaluating your spending to make the transition smoother.

4. Seek Professional Guidance for Financial Management: Many lawyers lack formal education in personal finance management. Seeking advice from financial professionals can provide clarity, help in developing a comprehensive plan for managing debt (like student loans), and aid in aligning your spending with your life priorities.

At a glance…

- [00:04:21 - 00:05:40]: Jessica's journey from law to financial counseling and the challenges faced.

- [00:06:02 - 00:06:44]: Financial mismanagement among lawyers.

- [00:14:39 - 00:15:19]: Emotional and financial challenges of leaving the legal profession.

- [00:16:57 - 00:17:41]: How lifestyle choices impact financial freedom for attorneys.

- [00:22:44 - 00:23:37]: Common financial mistakes by lawyers.

- [00:31:37 - 00:32:31]: Exploring the benefits available to attorneys and their impact on personal finance.

- [00:39:24 - 00:40:28]: Final advice for lawyers considering career transitions and the importance of intentional financial planning.

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!

Ways to reach Jessica Medina and Laura Terrell

Jessica Medina

https://www.jessicamedinallc.com/

https://linkedin.com/in/jessicamedinallc

[email protected]

Laura Terrell

www.lauraterrell.com

[email protected]

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

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