#57: How Law Firms Can Build Stronger Partners Through Training - with Latham & Watkins’ Andrew Clark
Release Date: 01/29/2025
#76: Entering or Re-entering BigLaw as a Lateral Partner: What Experienced Lawyers Can Overlook
Big Law Life
Making the decision to pivot to or re-entering Big Law after time in a smaller practice—whether solo or at a boutique firm—is not a decision to make lightly. In this episode, I lay out what every experienced attorney should evaluate before making the leap to a large firm. From navigating equity status, benefits and health insurance costs, to understanding the real expectations around origination credit, profitability metrics, and collaboration—you’ll hear what questions to ask and areas to do your due diligence on now to avoid misalignment later. I also cover what internal...
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#75: How GenAI Could Totally Change BigLaw’s Talent and Comp Structure - With Keith Maziarek
Big Law Life
As the legal industry reckons with the growing influence of generative AI and automation, law firms are facing far more than just new tools—they’re confronting a fundamental shift in how talent is managed, work is structured, and value is delivered. In this episode, I’m joined by Keith Maziarek, a Big Law expert in strategic pricing and legal project management, to talk about how AI is reshaping the legal talent model and how firms will measure and track value—from flattening the traditional associate pyramid to forcing firms to rethink hiring, development, and retention strategies....
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#74: How to Differentiate Yourself in a Crowded Legal Market
Big Law Life
When it feels like you’re one of thousands of lawyers competing for the same clients, even within your own firm, differentiation becomes critical. In today’s episode, I talk about how to stand out when everyone around you seems to have the same credentials, practice area, and experience. I walk through tangible steps you can take—starting today—to position yourself as a go-to expert by identifying what makes your legal practice different and making that difference obvious to clients, partners, and prospective business. From narrowing your niche to using specific language that paints a...
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#73: What Lawyers Wish They Knew Before Picking a Practice Area
Big Law Life
In today’s episode, I walk through one of the most important—but often rushed—decisions in a legal career, choosing a practice area. Whether you're a junior associate deciding where to start or a mid-level lawyer rethinking your long-term fit, this episode lays out ten insights lawyers frequently wish they'd heard before committing to a specialty. I unpack what day-to-day work in different practice areas actually looks like (not just what it sounds like on paper or in theory), the types of clients and stressors you can expect, and how to think about exit options, marketability, and...
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#72: How to Assert Yourself in the BigLaw Sandbox
Big Law Life
In today’s episode, I dive into the complex dynamics of self-advocacy inside Big Law firms—especially when you know stepping up may trigger pushback or quietly harm your reputation. I talk about what it really feels like to raise your hand in an environment where power dynamics are murky, and how to do it strategically so you're not sidelined for asking for what you've earned. Whether you’ve been burned in the past or you’re simply unsure how to assert yourself without risk, I break down practical ways to navigate firm politics, advocate for your own advancement, and shift how...
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#71: Succeeding in BigLaw Without Origination Credit
Big Law Life
In today’s episode, I tackle one of the most frustrating challenges lawyers face as they move up the ranks in Big Law: how to demonstrate value when you don’t have origination credit. I’ve seen far too many talented attorneys get left out of compensation conversations, passed over for opportunities, or feel stuck because they seemingly rely on others to bring in work—even when they’re the ones clients actually trust. I break down real-world strategies to change how you’re perceived inside your firm and with recruiters, even if you’re not the billing or relationship partner...
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#70: Navigating a Down Market as a BigLaw Attorney
Big Law Life
In today’s episode, I’m diving into how to stay strategic when the legal market slows or your practice area begins to shrink. These shifts are inevitable in any long-term legal career but how you respond can define your next chapter. I walk through how to assess whether you’re facing a temporary dip or a deeper structural change, and how to use that insight to proactively adapt. Whether you’re exploring a pivot within your firm, aiming to future-proof your practice, or quietly preparing for a move, this episode gives you a clear roadmap to act with confidence rather than panic. I...
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#69: Stuck at Your Law Firm? How to Stay Strategic Until You Can Move
Big Law Life
In today’s episode, I talk about something many lawyers experience but rarely discuss: what to do when you’re ready to leave your law firm, but you haven’t yet found the right opportunity. Maybe the market’s slow. Maybe your book isn’t portable. Or maybe nothing else feels like the right fit yet. Regardless, being stuck in limbo is frustrating—and it can quickly tank your motivation, reputation, and future options if you’re not intentional. I share what to focus on now, even if you’re in survival mode, to preserve your professional standing and prepare for your next move. From...
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#68: Five Misunderstandings That Hold Back Lawyers in Big Law
Big Law Life
In this episode, I share the top five misconceptions I see lawyers make—even the most brilliant ones—about working in Big law firms. These aren’t just abstract ideas. They’re real misunderstandings that I’ve seen derail careers, slow down progress, and create unnecessary frustration for talented attorneys. Whether you're aiming for equity partnership or trying to better understand the business side of firm life, this episode will help you avoid common pitfalls and make smarter decisions. I unpack why revenue doesn’t automatically equal profit, why strong legal skills alone won’t...
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#67: Even More Questions Associates Are Asking About BigLaw
Big Law Life
In today’s episode, I discuss more of the pressing questions and challenges that associates in BigLaw frequently face, including how much you should be checking in when you're out on vacation; how much face time is enough; what to consider before requesting a transfer to another office; and whether you should stay in your law firm if you're less than thrilled with life in BigLaw after less than a year. At a Glance: 00:00 Introduction: Big Law Associate Advice 01:19 Should you check emails while on vacation? 03:25 Why even a 5-minute daily check-in matters 03:52 How often should you be in the...
info_outlineIn today’s episode, I talk with Andrew Clark, a partner with Latham & Watkins and the global chair of the firm's Training and Career Enhancement Committee. Andrew shares how Latham develops its partners and other lawyers through a structured and comprehensive training program that evolves at every stage of their career.
From preparing new partners for leadership roles to equipping junior partners to deepen their client relationships and build their practices, Andrew gives us an inside look at how Latham is setting up its attorneys for long-term success.
We also discuss the unique role of business professionals in shaping law firm training and the firm’s work in training its lawyers to leverage generative AI.
At a Glance:
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0:00 Introduction: Andrew discusses ongoing training for partners beyond when they are promoted into their partner roles
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1:20 Importance of partner development: Preparing for leadership and client management
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2:24 Andrew’s career journey: From Latham’s London office to leading global training initiatives
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4:02 Partner involvement in firm management and training programs
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6:01 Multi-stage partner training: New Partner Academy and Junior Partner Development Retreat
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9:17 Financial literacy and business development: Preparing partners for understand client needs and demands
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12:13 Integrating lateral partners: Communicating and strengthening understanding of firm culture through structured training
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14:28 Rainmaker panel: Insights into business development from partners who role-play a simulated client pitch
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18:27 Contributions of business professionals: Elevating law firm training programs to include education and support from business and training experts in the firm
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21:53 External experts in training: Lessons from outside speakers, including military leaders and others
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24:57 Generational shifts: Adapting training for Gen Z attorneys
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30:01 Latham’s AI Academy: Preparing lawyers for the future of legal practice
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How to reach Andrew Clark:
https://www.lw.com/en/people/andrew-clark
Link to more information Latham & Watkins’ lawyer development and training: https://www.lw.com/en/about-us/lawyer-development
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:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/
Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast