21. Path to Partnership: Things That Could Doom Your Candidacy This is the last episode of our series on the Path to Partnership. In this episode, we’ll talk about a few things that you may want to avoid, because they could create problems with your candidacy. “The earlier you start making a plan for your promotion, the earlier you can start working on and correcting any issues you may have identified.” Know the things that could become roadblocks to your candidacy and how you can avoid...

20. Path to Partnership: Things That Give You an Edge This is the sixth episode of our series on the Path to Partnership. In this episode, we’ll discuss certain traits that usually give a candidate an edge over other candidates for partnership. “It is highly likely that there will be multiple attorneys being considered for partnership at your firm the same year that you are being considered for a promotion… So what can you do to distinguish yourself? How can you set yourself apart from the...

19. Path to Partnership: What They Don't Tell You This is the fifth episode of our series on the Path to Partnership. In this episode, we’ll talk about things that are not written down in any partnership memo, and that are usually not formally discussed, but that affect a candidate's prospects for a promotion. “Partnership decisions can sometimes be the result of considerations that may not be apparent at first glance.” Know the unspoken factors that firms consider when making promotions...

18. Path to Partnership: Subjective Factors Considered By Firms This is the fourth episode of our series on the Path to Partnership. And in today’s episode, we’ll touch on the qualitative criteria that firms take into account when evaluating a candidate for partnership. “These are things that usually cannot be measured, but that are important traits in a partner.” Be familiar with the common subjective factors that many firms consider when evaluating candidates for partnership. Download...

17. Path to Partnership: It's All About the Numbers This is the third episode of our series on the Path to Partnership. And in this episode, we will talk about the quantitative factors that firms often consider when they are evaluating a candidate for a promotion. “You should become familiar with the metrics that are considered at your firm.  And you should see how you stack against them.” Know what are the objective factors that most firms look at and their impact on the evaluation of a...

16. Path To Partnership: Start By Knowing Your Firm This is the second episode of our series on Path to Partnership. Today, we will talk about the starting point when developing any partnership plan, and that is to know your firm. “[…] Part of the doubts that lawyers face, arise from the fact that law firms have traditionally been a bit private about the processes that they follow when elevating attorneys.” The starting point in your promotion journey is to make sure you understand your...

15. How Early Should You Start Preparing for Partnership This is the first episode of our series on the Path to Partnership. We will kick things off by talking about how soon you should start to prepare for partnership and the things you should consider in anticipation of your promotion process. “The earlier you start to intentionally plan for your promotion, the better your chances.” Find out my recommended preparation steps for your partnership career. Download the Episode Worksheet...

Episode 14. I  Hate Business Development! What do I do?   This is the seventh and last episode of our series on business development. We will close this series by addressing the elephant in the room, which is that many lawyers despise engaging in business development activities. So in this episode we will talk about how to work with your mind set in order to improve your business development skills.   “The most effective way to overcome business development aversion is to change how...

13. When Developing Business, Do NOT Do This! his is the sixth episode of our series on business development. We will talk about some of the common blunders that lawyers make when they are trying to develop their book of business, and how to avoid those mistakes.“ [L]awyers are struggling when it comes to building a book of business. And that can be in part because they are making certain common mistakes.”The most important of these common blunders is not having a business development...

12. Women and Diverse Lawyers Must Self-Promote   This is the fifth episode of our series on business development. In this episode, we discuss why it is important for women lawyers and diverse attorneys to self-promote.   “If you want to make sure that clients, potential clients, potential referral sources, and others within your firm know about your accomplishments, wins, expertise, etc., you’ve got to tell them.”   Women and diverse lawyers are usually on the shy side when it comes to...

11. Let's Get Social... How Lawyers Can Leverage Social Media   This is the fourth episode of our series on business development. In this episode, we talk about the benefits of leveraging social media as part of your business development strategy.“   Your social media presence has a major impact in building your reputation and in turning potential clients into clients.”   Social media has become more than just medium to stay in touch with friends and family, as it allows you to expand...

10. How Lawyers Get Business in the 21st Century This is the third episode of our series on business development. In this episode, we’ll talk about modern strategies that lawyers use to get clients in the 21st century.   "There are many strategies that lawyers currently use to develop business, that may be more appealing than the traditional playbook.”   Traditional business development techniques may not be the preference of all legal professionals nowadays, especially for most of the...

9. Branding... Yes, It's for Lawyers Too   This is the second episode of our series on business development. In this episode, you’ll get to know the importance of branding and how to create your personal brand.“   A strong, well-crafted brand could make you more attractive to potential clients or to others who are in a position to send work your way.”   Your brand is in essence how you are perceived by your clients and potential clients, by your colleagues and competitors, by judges,...

8. It’s Never Too Early to Start Making It Rain.   This is the first episode of our series on business development. In this episode, you’ll get to know the importance of getting clients and bringing in work to your firm.   “Some of you may be starting your career, or may still be several years away from being considered for a promotion, but the truth is that no matter the stage of your career, business development should be top of mind.”   Rainmakers are the ones with a big book of...

7. You Need Mentors, Sponsors, and a Personal Board of Directors This is the seventh and last episode of our series on creating a career plan for diverse lawyers. In this episode, we’ll discuss the importance of having mentors, sponsors and a Personal Board of Directors. “Research conducted by the Center for Talent Innovation revealed that approximately 81% of diverse professionals needed help navigating their organizations. So having a mentor to help navigate the complex waters of a law...

6. Tackling Obstacles Common to Asian-American Lawyers This is the sixth episode of our series on creating a career plan for diverse lawyers. In this episode, we’ll touch upon some of the common roadblocks that Asian-American lawyers face in their path to professional development and we will also talk about how to address these obstacles. This episode was developed with invaluable input from Geneve Dubois, an Asian-American partner at DLA Piper. You can access her biography here:...

5. Tackling Obstacles Common to Women Lawyers This is the fifth episode of our series on the foundations of career development for diverse lawyers. In this episode, we’ll touch upon some of the common roadblocks that women lawyers face in their path to professional development and we will also talk about how to address these obstacles. Remember that by anticipating challenges and being prepared, you will be able to take more control over your career path. “Make sure you let the decision...

4. Tackling Obstacles Specific to Diverse Lawyers This is the fourth episode of our series on the foundations of career development for diverse lawyers. In this episode, we’ll touch upon some of the common roadblocks that diverse lawyers face in their path to professional development and we will also talk about how to address these obstacles. Remember that by anticipating challenges and being prepared, you will be able to take more control over your career path. “A diverse lawyer should...

3. Being Nimble: Updating Your Plan and Dealing With Obstacles This is the third episode of our series on the foundations of career development for diverse lawyers. In this episode, we will strengthen the career plan that we have made by identifying allies that can help you execute your plan, anticipating obstacles, and being flexible and adaptable to address any barriers in your path. Along with these, is the importance of regularly revisiting your plan and updating it. “The important...

Episode 1. Being Intentional About Your Career Development This is the first episode in our series that focuses on the foundations of career development for women lawyers and diverse attorneys. We share tips on how to create a career development plan that helps you navigate your career. “Don’t let your career move forward on auto-pilot. Think about what you want to accomplish professionally, anticipate any challenges or roadblocks, and make a plan that tackles the obstacles you may face,...

2. What’s your endgame… and how do you get there? This is the second episode in our series focusing on Career Development for female diverse attorneys.  In this episode, we will continue to work on creating your career development plan, from getting clear on what your big goals are, to assessing where you currently stand in your career, and creating a plan that bridges the gap. You will determine what is your endgame and how you can get there. “The truth is that this is an individual,...

Ari is a diverse partner at an AMLAW 100 firm and a certified career coach. She is passionate about helping diverse attorneys reach the next level in their careers. In the Legally Balanced Podcast, Ari will provide practical, bite-sized nuggets of career development, business development and related advice, in order to give diverse lawyers an edge in this very competitive field. Launch March 9th!