#140: Practical Business Development for BigLaw Mid-Level Associates

Practical business development in BigLaw begins much earlier than most associates think. Mid-level associates are often told to focus on doing excellent work, meeting deadlines, and learning how to become strong lawyers, while client relationships and business development seem like responsibilities reserved for partners and senior associates. But even before BigLaw attorneys are expected to bring in revenue, they need to learn how to build professional relationships so that they even know how to have foundations for business. The partners with significant practices today did not suddenly develop networks when they became senior. Many of their most important relationships accumulated over years or decades and began when everyone involved was still relatively junior. I explain how mid-levelassociates can start building stronger relationship skills without trying to act like rainmakers too early. BigLaw gives lawyers access to many settings where meaningful connections can begin. The goal is not to collect contacts or turn every conversation into business, but to listen, follow up thoughtfully, and stay in touch. I also cover when to connect on LinkedIn, when to send a brief email, when to keep a partner informed, and why a relationship can be valuable on many levels. At a Glance 01:20 Why expectations change when you become a mid-level BigLaw associate 02:04 Why building a practice starts before you are expected to originate business 02:56 Why mid-level associates need to understand the business behind the legal work 05:25 The difference between building relationships and owning client relationships 06:41 Where future BigLaw opportunities often come from 07:50 How mid-level associates can create opportunities through existing relationships 09:15 Why having a client request you by name matters 10:12 How to spot potential client needs without independently pitching services 11:26 Why your professional reputation matters more at the mid-level 15:17 Why preparing for partnership starts years before you are considered For Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review." Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast here!  For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars. 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: www.lauraterrell.com  laura@lauraterrell.com   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/  Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast