Up for partner and I need to fake interest/ability to do business development Forum

[Anonymous User]

I get lots of shit because I don't give enough specifics about my BD pursuits and interests. Mostly because I'm busy with work and just want to go home once I'm done with it. Some people say my partnership odds are good. Others say I need to show I'm more than just a person that a few (other peoples') clients like. Any advice for how to handle this? Any lower effort things I can do to show the initiative they're looking for?

[Moneytrees]

I get lots of shit because I don't give enough specifics about my BD pursuits and interests. Mostly because I'm busy with work and just want to go home once I'm done with it. Some people say my partnership odds are good. Others say I need to show I'm more than just a person that a few (other peoples') clients like. Any advice for how to handle this? Any lower effort things I can do to show the initiative they're looking for?

I mean, we all want to go home after a long day at work. People who make partner are the people who are willing to sacrifice their free time after billing all day to network and hustle for business. Unless you are so crucial in servicing important clients that BD isn't immediately expected (which doesn't seem to be the case), it's going to be hard to become a partner merely by feigning interest in it.

[Anonymous User]

I get lots of shit because I don't give enough specifics about my BD pursuits and interests. Mostly because I'm busy with work and just want to go home once I'm done with it. Some people say my partnership odds are good. Others say I need to show I'm more than just a person that a few (other peoples') clients like. Any advice for how to handle this? Any lower effort things I can do to show the initiative they're looking for?

Why don't you just be transparent about not caring about business development and just forego the pursuit of equity partnership? It doesn't sound like the job is a good fit for you anyway.

[Anonymous User]

***

[Anonymous User]

I get lots of shit because I don't give enough specifics about my BD pursuits and interests. Mostly because I'm busy with work and just want to go home once I'm done with it. Some people say my partnership odds are good. Others say I need to show I'm more than just a person that a few (other peoples') clients like. Any advice for how to handle this? Any lower effort things I can do to show the initiative they're looking for?

I mean, we all want to go home after a long day at work. People who make partner are the people who are willing to sacrifice their free time after billing all day to network and hustle for business. Unless you are so crucial in servicing important clients that BD isn't immediately expected (which doesn't seem to be the case), it's going to be hard to become a partner merely by feigning interest in it.

Look, gotta give you some tough Kardashian love here.

You come across like Kim, Kourt, and Khloe in Seasons 1-3 of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Entertaining with signs of greatness, but not fully committed to their careers. Always remember, it was only in Season 4 that they got their wings and started to fly. They chose to grind. The rest is history.

You have to make the decision…. Are you willing to do the extra work (Kourt and Khloe Take Miami, Kim and Kourt Take New York, Karl’s Jr. ads, Chris Humphries, dating basketball, nfl players, etc.). Only YOU know whether it’s worth it.

You seem like you’re in Calabasas and aren’t sure whether to take the leap.

Good luck.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. My main client sends us quite frankly too much work. I could be here 24/7 just working on that client's work. I sunk 200 hours on business development bullshit this year and it all led to nowhere. I just found out we just got a matter suing the executive I've spent tons of time with trying to get work from. Seems like everyone would be better off if I had just spent that 200 hours billing the client that will send us more work every time we pick up the phone and ask.

[Anonymous User]

I get lots of shit because I don't give enough specifics about my BD pursuits and interests. Mostly because I'm busy with work and just want to go home once I'm done with it. Some people say my partnership odds are good. Others say I need to show I'm more than just a person that a few (other peoples') clients like. Any advice for how to handle this? Any lower effort things I can do to show the initiative they're looking for?

I mean, we all want to go home after a long day at work. People who make partner are the people who are willing to sacrifice their free time after billing all day to network and hustle for business. Unless you are so crucial in servicing important clients that BD isn't immediately expected (which doesn't seem to be the case), it's going to be hard to become a partner merely by feigning interest in it.

Look, gotta give you some tough Kardashian love here.

You come across like Kim, Kourt, and Khloe in Seasons 1-3 of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Entertaining with signs of greatness, but not fully committed to their careers. Always remember, it was only in Season 4 that they got their wings and started to fly. They chose to grind. The rest is history.

You have to make the decision…. Are you willing to do the extra work (Kourt and Khloe Take Miami, Kim and Kourt Take New York, Karl’s Jr. ads, Chris Humphries, dating basketball, nfl players, etc.). Only YOU know whether it’s worth it.

You seem like you’re in Calabasas and aren’t sure whether to take the leap.

Good luck.

Lol wtf?!?!

“I have the best advice for women in business [or 8th years who are up for partnership but hate business development]. Get your ******* ass up and work [network professionally]. It seems like no one wants to work these days.” “That’s so true!”

[Anonymous User]

I get lots of shit because I don't give enough specifics about my BD pursuits and interests. Mostly because I'm busy with work and just want to go home once I'm done with it. Some people say my partnership odds are good. Others say I need to show I'm more than just a person that a few (other peoples') clients like. Any advice for how to handle this? Any lower effort things I can do to show the initiative they're looking for?

I mean, we all want to go home after a long day at work. People who make partner are the people who are willing to sacrifice their free time after billing all day to network and hustle for business. Unless you are so crucial in servicing important clients that BD isn't immediately expected (which doesn't seem to be the case), it's going to be hard to become a partner merely by feigning interest in it.

Look, gotta give you some tough Kardashian love here.

You come across like Kim, Kourt, and Khloe in Seasons 1-3 of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Entertaining with signs of greatness, but not fully committed to their careers. Always remember, it was only in Season 4 that they got their wings and started to fly. They chose to grind. The rest is history.

You have to make the decision…. Are you willing to do the extra work (Kourt and Khloe Take Miami, Kim and Kourt Take New York, Karl’s Jr. ads, Chris Humphries, dating basketball, nfl players, etc.). Only YOU know whether it’s worth it.

You seem like you’re in Calabasas and aren’t sure whether to take the leap.

Good luck.

Lol wtf?!?!

“I have the best advice for women in business [or 8th years who are up for partnership but hate business development]. Get your ******* ass up and work [network professionally]. It seems like no one wants to work these days.” “That’s so true!”

OP here. Joke or not, this Kardashians comment was the best one.

[Anonymous User]

Zoom catch-ups where you courier paired wine and cheeses to the participants are a good option.

[axiomaticapiary]

I get lots of shit because I don't give enough specifics about my BD pursuits and interests. Mostly because I'm busy with work and just want to go home once I'm done with it. Some people say my partnership odds are good. Others say I need to show I'm more than just a person that a few (other peoples') clients like. Any advice for how to handle this? Any lower effort things I can do to show the initiative they're looking for?

I mean, we all want to go home after a long day at work. People who make partner are the people who are willing to sacrifice their free time after billing all day to network and hustle for business. Unless you are so crucial in servicing important clients that BD isn't immediately expected (which doesn't seem to be the case), it's going to be hard to become a partner merely by feigning interest in it.

Look, gotta give you some tough Kardashian love here.

You come across like Kim, Kourt, and Khloe in Seasons 1-3 of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Entertaining with signs of greatness, but not fully committed to their careers. Always remember, it was only in Season 4 that they got their wings and started to fly. They chose to grind. The rest is history.

You have to make the decision…. Are you willing to do the extra work (Kourt and Khloe Take Miami, Kim and Kourt Take New York, Karl’s Jr. ads, Chris Humphries, dating basketball, nfl players, etc.). Only YOU know whether it’s worth it.

You seem like you’re in Calabasas and aren’t sure whether to take the leap.

Good luck.

This is too funny

[Definitely Not North]

I get lots of shit because I don't give enough specifics about my BD pursuits and interests. Mostly because I'm busy with work and just want to go home once I'm done with it. Some people say my partnership odds are good. Others say I need to show I'm more than just a person that a few (other peoples') clients like. Any advice for how to handle this? Any lower effort things I can do to show the initiative they're looking for?

I mean, we all want to go home after a long day at work. People who make partner are the people who are willing to sacrifice their free time after billing all day to network and hustle for business. Unless you are so crucial in servicing important clients that BD isn't immediately expected (which doesn't seem to be the case), it's going to be hard to become a partner merely by feigning interest in it.

Look, gotta give you some tough Kardashian love here.

You come across like Kim, Kourt, and Khloe in Seasons 1-3 of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Entertaining with signs of greatness, but not fully committed to their careers. Always remember, it was only in Season 4 that they got their wings and started to fly. They chose to grind. The rest is history.

You have to make the decision…. Are you willing to do the extra work (Kourt and Khloe Take Miami, Kim and Kourt Take New York, Karl’s Jr. ads, Chris Humphries, dating basketball, nfl players, etc.). Only YOU know whether it’s worth it.

You seem like you’re in Calabasas and aren’t sure whether to take the leap.

Good luck.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. I remembered this post and wanted to come back and let everyone know I made partner. It was the Kardashian analogy that gave me the inspiration I needed to get across the finish line.

[theneuro]

OP here. I remembered this post and wanted to come back and let everyone know I made partner. It was the Kardashian analogy that gave me the inspiration I needed to get across the finish line.

What'd you do to get across the finish line?

[Anonymous User]

OP here. I remembered this post and wanted to come back and let everyone know I made partner. It was the Kardashian analogy that gave me the inspiration I needed to get across the finish line.

What'd you do to get across the finish line?

I did some extra pitches, spoke on some panels, got lucky and landed a new client for a tiny (like $40k) matter, but I told people I thought that could lead to a lot more work from the client. In full candor, I'm not sure whether I want the partner life - I'm pretty worn out. But I figure it's better to leave biglaw as a worn out partner than as a worn out super senior associate.

[VentureMBA]

OP here. I remembered this post and wanted to come back and let everyone know I made partner. It was the Kardashian analogy that gave me the inspiration I needed to get across the finish line.

What'd you do to get across the finish line?

I did some extra pitches, spoke on some panels, got lucky and landed a new client for a tiny (like $40k) matter, but I told people I thought that could lead to a lot more work from the client. In full candor, I'm not sure whether I want the partner life - I'm pretty worn out. But I figure it's better to leave biglaw as a worn out partner than as a worn out super senior associate.

How frequently do equity partners decide to leave law firm life? How many years would you expect an equity partner to put in before doing so?

[Anonymous User]

OP here. I remembered this post and wanted to come back and let everyone know I made partner. It was the Kardashian analogy that gave me the inspiration I needed to get across the finish line.

What'd you do to get across the finish line?

I did some extra pitches, spoke on some panels, got lucky and landed a new client for a tiny (like $40k) matter, but I told people I thought that could lead to a lot more work from the client. In full candor, I'm not sure whether I want the partner life - I'm pretty worn out. But I figure it's better to leave biglaw as a worn out partner than as a worn out super senior associate.

How frequently do equity partners decide to leave law firm life? How many years would you expect an equity partner to put in before doing so?

I don't know and I don't know. I'll leave when I feel like it's time to leave. The biggest thing for me is having enough money to put my kids through school and get them a good start in life, and having enough time to enjoy my life. I'd probably have to leave my current city if I quit any time soon.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. I remembered this post and wanted to come back and let everyone know I made partner. It was the Kardashian analogy that gave me the inspiration I needed to get across the finish line.

What'd you do to get across the finish line?

I did some extra pitches, spoke on some panels, got lucky and landed a new client for a tiny (like $40k) matter, but I told people I thought that could lead to a lot more work from the client. In full candor, I'm not sure whether I want the partner life - I'm pretty worn out. But I figure it's better to leave biglaw as a worn out partner than as a worn out super senior associate.

How important is business development for partnerships prospects? Also, what if an associate can legitimately bring in a massive client? Do firms deviate significantly from lockstep comp in these situations ?

[Anonymous User]

OP here. I remembered this post and wanted to come back and let everyone know I made partner. It was the Kardashian analogy that gave me the inspiration I needed to get across the finish line.

What'd you do to get across the finish line?

I did some extra pitches, spoke on some panels, got lucky and landed a new client for a tiny (like $40k) matter, but I told people I thought that could lead to a lot more work from the client. In full candor, I'm not sure whether I want the partner life - I'm pretty worn out. But I figure it's better to leave biglaw as a worn out partner than as a worn out super senior associate.

How frequently do equity partners decide to leave law firm life? How many years would you expect an equity partner to put in before doing so?

One of my mentors went in house three months after making partner; he told me he loves his new job and is very happy he made the switch.

[Anonymous User]

I love how the replies are all telling OP he's not cut out for partnership and this isn't something you can fake etc, and then OP just....makes partner anyway.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. I remembered this post and wanted to come back and let everyone know I made partner. It was the Kardashian analogy that gave me the inspiration I needed to get across the finish line.

An inspiration to all of us who are up for partner and don't want to do business development. Congrats!

[Anonymous User]

OP here. I remembered this post and wanted to come back and let everyone know I made partner. It was the Kardashian analogy that gave me the inspiration I needed to get across the finish line.

What'd you do to get across the finish line?

I did some extra pitches, spoke on some panels, got lucky and landed a new client for a tiny (like $40k) matter, but I told people I thought that could lead to a lot more work from the client. In full candor, I'm not sure whether I want the partner life - I'm pretty worn out. But I figure it's better to leave biglaw as a worn out partner than as a worn out super senior associate.

How important is business development for partnerships prospects? Also, what if an associate can legitimately bring in a massive client? Do firms deviate significantly from lockstep comp in these situations ?

OP here. It's funny because they seem to get that associate business development efforts are not going to be super effective, but they seemed to want a bunch of data points indicating that the associate will be good at business development once they make partner. So they wanted to hear that I was making serious efforts to bring in work.

[Anonymous User]

I love how the replies are all telling OP he's not cut out for partnership and this isn't something you can fake etc, and then OP just....makes partner anyway.

https://tenor.com/view/-gif-4519334 (edited because I pasted in the wrong one last time)

[johndhi]

from an outsider perspective (never made or tried to make partner), you should try to get into the head of the partners that think BD is important. why do they think that? how can you explain to them that you're actually good in that regard?

for example, what if your big client goes away tomorrow. what could you offer the firm. telling them you attended a hundred corporate dinners last year might not help immensely but I guess it would give them comfort that you're comfortable and capable of trying to win business for the firm.

is there part of BD that you could actually enjoy or excel at? maybe it isn't asking people to get coffee, but instead it's creating a blog about legal issues that clients actually read and care about. maybe it's analyzing case law and predicting litigation trends to warn your clients about lawsuits that might be coming.

[Anonymous User]

from an outsider perspective (never made or tried to make partner), you should try to get into the head of the partners that think BD is important. why do they think that? how can you explain to them that you're actually good in that regard?

for example, what if your big client goes away tomorrow. what could you offer the firm. telling them you attended a hundred corporate dinners last year might not help immensely but I guess it would give them comfort that you're comfortable and capable of trying to win business for the firm.

is there part of BD that you could actually enjoy or excel at? maybe it isn't asking people to get coffee, but instead it's creating a blog about legal issues that clients actually read and care about. maybe it's analyzing case law and predicting litigation trends to warn your clients about lawsuits that might be coming.

OP here. Fair point. I can't think of any part of BD that doesn't feel like more shitty busy work. In fact, my job (biglaw litigator) feels like tons of that in general. But my lottery tickets are never winners, so I'll keep plugging away.

[jamestaylorrecordsas]

I get lots of shit because I don't give enough specifics about my BD pursuits and interests. Mostly because I'm busy with work and just want to go home once I'm done with it. Some people say my partnership odds are good. Others say I need to show I'm more than just a person that a few (other peoples') clients like. Any advice for how to handle this? Any lower effort things I can do to show the initiative they're looking for?

I mean, we all want to go home after a long day at work. People who make partner are the people who are willing to sacrifice their free time after billing all day to network and hustle for business. Unless you are so crucial in servicing important clients that BD isn't immediately expected (which doesn't seem to be the case), it's going to be hard to become a partner merely by feigning interest in it.

Look, gotta give you some tough Kardashian love here.

You come across like Kim, Kourt, and Khloe in Seasons 1-3 of Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Entertaining with signs of greatness, but not fully committed to their careers. Always remember, it was only in Season 4 that they got their wings and started to fly. They chose to grind. The rest is history.

You have to make the decision…. Are you willing to do the extra work (Kourt and Khloe Take Miami, Kim and Kourt Take New York, Karl’s Jr. ads, Chris Humphries, dating basketball, nfl players, etc.). Only YOU know whether it’s worth it.

You seem like you’re in Calabasas and aren’t sure whether to take the leap.

Good luck.

Kardashians?