Remember the trio: Finder/Minder/Grinder. To become a Partner, you need to be demonstrably and consistently good at two of these. Everyone wants Finders – if you regularly bring in good clients, you are already well on your way to Partner.
Obviously, you need to prepare your business case, and having a mentor who will act as your advocate and sell you to the other Partners is HUGELY important. But there are other things you can do.
You might be looking to “make Partner” at a firm where you are already an Associate or Senior Associate, but you may also be looking to move firms.
If you have been turned down for Partner twice already, then moving to another firm might be your only possible route to Partner. This means that you must credibly explain why you are moving firms and the inevitable question about why you didn’t make Partner where you are.
Making Partner – A Checklist
Whichever route you are taking, the following list will help you focus your anxiety and ambition into productive actions.
Research the Law Firm
Investigate any recent cases, notable clients, and high-profile transactions in which the law firm has been involved. Use this as a means to align yourself with the firm’s core values to further your chance of being considered for a partner.
Understand the Partnership Track
Before the interview, speak with any of the current partners to gain a firm grasp on the process; every firm will differ in some way when considering a candidate for a partnership
Leverage in-house expertise
Create a narrative that connects your in-house experience to what the partners are explicitly looking for. Emphasise how you can connect and best serve the firm’s clientele.
Emphasise client relationship skills
provide examples of successful client interactions. This emphasises your ability to meet the client’s needs in your firm. Discuss any instances where you go above and beyond to meet a client’s needs.
Showcase your business development experience
by developing a compelling business plan that outlines client acquisition and revenue gain. Discuss past success in business development to highlight your skillset.
Illustrate leadership and teamwork
Share anecdotes that showcase your leadership style and ability to collaborate with diverse teams. Highlight specific instances where your leadership positively impacted team dynamics and outcomes.
Quantify achievements
use metrics and data as evidence of your specific achievements. Focus on cost savings, efficiency improvements or cases you have won. Providing numerical evidence strengthens your case for partnership consideration.
Demonstrate legal expertise
Discuss any complex legal matters you tackled in your in-house role. Emphasize your expertise in any relevant legal areas. Use case studies to showcase your legal acumen and problem-solving skills.
Address transition challenges
Proactively address any challenges you could face in the transitionary role. Discuss how your in-house role positions you uniquely positively when facing the transition.
Research Interviews
Investigate the interviewers’ backgrounds and roles. Tailor your responses to resonate with their specific areas of expertise or interests, showing that you’ve done your homework and can add value to their teams.
Ask strategic questions
Craft questions that clearly demonstrate your interest in the well-being of the firm and its overall success. Inquire about the firm’s growth strategies and vision.
Prepare for hypothetical scenarios
Practice responding to scenarios related to partnership responsibilities. Showcase your skill at thinking strategically whilst contributing to the firm’s success.
Showcase long-term commitment
Always be sure you showcase your long-term commitment to the partner position. Almost all firms will be unwilling to hire a new partner with the knowledge that it will be only a temporary position for the new hire; they will have a long-term investment from the partner.
Express gratitude
Always send some form of gratitude to the interviewer, like a follow-up email or letter that lets them know that you are fully invested in the well-being of the firm and that your unique skills present you as the best choice as a candidate for a partner.
I have worked with ambitious lawyers like you before. Have a look at my Interview Coaching for Lawyers page.