Episode 118-Paths to Partnership in 2023 and Beyond-With Laura Terrell

Counsel to Counsel - Career Advice for Lawyers

Achieving partnership was once the goal of most law firm associates. The rules were relatively simple. Work hard, do a good job, and after several years, get rewarded by being elevated.

Today the law firms are more complex. Many associates entering the practice of law do not aspire to become partners, at least not at the first firm they join.

And at many firms, there are different paths to success which don’t include equity partnership.

So, how should a young associate navigate these new realities?

What is the path to partnership in the 2020s and what are other ways to define success in private practice. How do you get there? What is the impact of hybrid work arrangements on career advancement and professional development?

My guest Laura Terrell has some answers.

Laura Terrell is an executive coach with over 25 years of professional experience as a legal and business leader. Prior to launching her coaching practice, Laura was a Special Assistant to the President at the White House, a senior level appointee at the US Department of Justice, an equity partner in two large global law firms, and in-house counsel at a major global consulting and business advisory firm.

Laura has led and managed teams of hundreds of people across multiple countries and has been a top advisor for many Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 companies. Her clients come from a wide variety of industries, including law, education, financial services, pharmaceutical, oil & gas, non-profit, health care, and technology.

Some of them are senior corporate executives like CEOs and general counsels; others are lawyers and consultants, entrepreneurs, and small business owners, as well as professionals who may be returning to the workforce, making a pivot to a new career, or switching roles mid-career.

Laura is my favorite kind of guest because she has such a broad perspective on the legal industry and has experienced legal careers from all sides.

Additional Resources

• Episode 80-Leadership for Lawyers-Moving Up in Your Law Firm or Corporate Law Department
• Episode 73-Managing and Advancing Your Law Firm Career