Achieving partnership is a significant career milestone for many Australian lawyers. The journey can be demanding, but by following key strategies, aspiring partners can enhance their chances of success.
Understand Your Firm's Partnership Structure
A crucial first step is to thoroughly understand your firm's specific partnership criteria and structure. Since partnership models can vary greatly between firms, it's essential to grasp what your particular firm values most. Once you reach a certain level of seniority, indicate to the firm that you’re interested in their partnership program, which can be a structured program for Senior Associates and Special Counsels to receive guidance on the development of your business and client skills, and to ready you to meet the demands of partnership.
If a formal partnership program doesn’t exist in your firm (normally found in a mid-tier and above) then perhaps engage in conversations with the current partners and review any internal documents that may outline the partnership track. Some firms do offer a level of openness and transparency.
Excel in Your Legal Work
Delivering consistently high-quality legal work is foundational for partnership consideration. As you progress from junior to senior associate, increase your responsibility, deepen client interactions, and actively participate in business development.
Develop Business Acumen
Future partners are expected to contribute significantly to the firm's growth and profitability. For this reason, focus on:
Building and maintaining strong client relationships
Bringing in new clients and matters
Identifying new revenue streams
Developing industry expertise in a lucrative niche or specialty area
Creating a new vertical market for the firm by way of a service the firm currently doesn’t have but would be interested in offering clients.
Cultivate Leadership Skills
Demonstrate leadership within the firm by:
Leading internal committees or projects
Mentoring junior associates
Organising firm events or initiatives
Assuming management responsibilities within your practice group
Leadership should always be exercised with integrity and a commitment to ethical principles.
Network Strategically
Building a robust professional network is critical for partnership prospects. Focus on:
Developing relationships with influential industry professionals
Attending and speaking at relevant conferences and events
Actively participating in professional associations
Cultivating referral sources
Maintain professionalism in all networking activities, this includes drinking responsibly.
Provide Exceptional Client Service
In today’s competitive legal market, delivering outstanding client service is vital. Strive to:
Adopt a client-centered approach in all your work
Communicate proactively and effectively with clients
Consistently exceed client expectations
Build lasting relationships that generate repeat business
Every client interaction will be approached with a focus on building and maintaining strong rapport, reflecting the firm's commitment to excellence.
Find a Mentor
Seek a mentor, preferably a partner at your current firm, who can guide you on your career path. A mentor can offer valuable insights into the partnership process and help you set appropriate professional goals. Your supervising partner could be the perfect mentor and could also be the person to include you in their succession plans. It may work in your favour to respectfully probe in this regard to gain an understanding of any forward thinking they may have.
Be Patient and Persistent
The path to partnership often spans many years. Stay focused on your long-term goals and be prepared to invest the necessary time and effort. If partnership opportunities appear limited at your current firm, consider whether a lateral move to another firm could accelerate your path. Select a reputable specialist recruitment agency to perform this task for you, which will ensure complete assurance of confidentiality.
Conclusion
There is no guaranteed formula for making partner as well as no promise that will be your inevitable choice. There are other options including setting up a practice on your own account (or with a trusted colleague) and building your own clientele, as well as moving in-house and fulfilling your leadership skills in more of a commercial environment. Regardless, the lawyers who consistently deliver excellent work, contribute to the firm's revenue growth, demonstrate leadership, and provide exceptional client service are certainly well-positioned for partnership consideration. By focusing on these key areas and aligning your efforts with your firm's specific criteria, you can significantly enhance your chances of achieving partnership in your goal firm.
Authors - Kirra Gaskell and Craig Ashton-Sward