The podcast for lawyers and business professionals working in, with, and around Big Law
Hear from lawyers and other professionals who have experience navigating work and life in the challenging world of large law firms.
The Podcast
Expert insights and advice to help you achieve your goals in your legal career
Working in and with big law firms is full of challenges — everything from becoming a partner to succeeding as a partner or pivoting to another role, making your case for compensation and recognition as a professional at any level, managing and steering the business of the firm, and engaging these firms as outside counsel.
On this podcast, I share what I’ve learned in a long career as a Big Law partner, and also talk to others — lawyers, business developers, project managers, legal pricing experts, clients, and other professionals — about what they find exciting, engaging, frustrating, challenging and motivating in working with these firms.
You may be:
Already working in Big Law and are looking to advance your career or transition out;
Wondering what it takes to move into a Big Law from government or corporate legal departments;
Trying to improve your relationships with outside counsel at large law firms; or
Otherwise want to understand more about how to engage in the large, complex business environment of major global law firms
For all of these and many other situations, the podcast offers candid and honest advice that will help you take the next best step toward your professional goals in the world of Big Law.
#34: Individual Marketing Strategies for BigLaw Associates
Learn how to market yourself individually, rather than relying on your BigLaw firm to do so.
#33: From Associate to Practice Group Leader: Lessons from Cannabis Law Trailblazer Sarah Blitz
Sarah Blitz shares her journey from law school to becoming a widely-recognized leader in the cannabis industry space as a senior associate with Sheppard Mullen, and how she saw her work as a way to merge her personal interests and professional ambitions.
#32: Why You Need to Know Your Economic Value for Your Law Firm
Make sure you understand what your BigLaw firm is looking at when it looks at financial contributions so that you understand how your legal practice aligns with the firm’s broader strategic goals.
#31: Building Effective Practice Management in BigLaw with Tara Kim Eberhart
Tara Kim Eberhart shares the ways in practice management has evolved in BigLaw, and how she is bringing her experience as Head of Business Innovation for Dentons US to support the delivery of legal services.
#30: The Ultimate In-House Training Program: Insights from Husch Blackwell’s Joe Glynias
Joe Glynias of Husch Blackwell shares how the firm created its unique professional development program that centers on working with clients to provide training and mentoring for firm attorneys who may be interested in making a move in-house.
#29: More of What Associates Are Asking About Big Law
More questions that associates in BigLaw are asking - about leaving their jobs, concerns about billable hours, how PTO really works, and what happens if you don’t want your career to be about business development
#28: How to Move Forward After Being Let Go
Take actionable steps so that you are well equipped to move to your next job, despite parting ways with your current firm.
#27: Don’t Ignore the Importance of Your Self-Evaluation in BigLaw
You may be putting off completing your self-assessment, but it can be a powerful tool to help you communicate a better narrative about why your work matters and is valuable to the firm.
#26: How Lawyers Can Stop Annoying Their Clients
There are a few mistakes to avoid if you don’t want to irritate your clients, and instead build better relationships with them.
#25: How Associates Can Improve Business Development Skills
Are you frustrated trying to figure out how to build client relationships and lay the groundwork to bring in business to your law firm? There are some key practical steps you can take, and some ways you can pivot your approach to position you for success.
#24: Moving Your Career to Another Country with Amanda Raad
Have you thought about moving your BigLaw practice to another country? Amanda Raad shares how she did that with her firm, and the ways she has leveraged that platform to build a successful global investigations practice in London.
#23: Personal Tax Planning for Equity Partners with Kelley Brubaker
Are you an equity partner in a law firm? If so, you need to be thinking about taxes, most importantly so you can understand what that means for your personal financial planning and budgeting. And you’re likely going to need the help of a CPA who really understands the law firm model.
#22: Why You Should Leave Your BigLaw Firm
Is it time to consider whether to leave your firm? It might be if you’re feeling the need to find a better fit for your practice, align with a place that better reflects your goals and priorities, or offers a better chance at advancing in your career.
#21: LinkedIn for Lawyers with Annette Choti
Don’t miss the chance as a BigLaw attorney to leverage LinkedIn to build your professional profile and grow your reputation. Whether you’re thinking about making a change in to a new firm or other opportunity, or just looking for ways to grow recognition of your work, it’s a critical tool for your practice.
#20: Managing Your Legal Career with a Business Mindset
Looking at your legal career with a business-focused orientation can help you both to seize opportunities and to avoid the pitfalls that can derail your progress.
#19: What Associates Are Asking About Big Law
Are you a BigLaw associate with questions? If so, this episode is for you as I dive into some of the common questions on the minds of associates looking for ways to progress their careers at or outside their law firms.
#18: Six Things That Improve Your Legal Resume
Is your resume ready if you’re starting to market yourself for your next legal job? Make sure you’re not leaving out critical information or making errors that don’t reflect well on your accomplishments and talents.
#17: Big Law Lateral Recruiting Strategies with Kristina Lambright
Learn how BigLaw firms think about strategic growth and acquisition of key talent when they are looking to hire lateral candidates - and what helps laterals integrate effectively and successfully once they’ve started at the new firm.
#16: Working Full Time Remote in BigLaw with Jessica Brown
Is working remote really a viable option in BigLaw? Jessica Brown shares how she leveraged her firm’s virtual office model to design and grow her own practice, and ensure it aligned with her priorities and values.
#15: How to Make a Successful Lateral Move to a New Law Firm
Making a lateral move to a new law firm is a big deal in your career - so you want to get it right. From conducting due diligence to making sure your practice fits with the new firm, and assuring yourself of a good cultural fit, you need to do your homework.
Guests on Big Law Life
Interested in being a guest on Big Law Life?
Contact Laura at laura@lauraterrell.com to share what you would like to add to the conversation about life in big law firms.