If you’ve ever found yourself rewriting an email ten times, hedging every sentence in a memo, or avoiding a hard conversation with a colleague or client—you’re not alone. In this episode, I dive into why communication is one of the most underestimated challenges in Big Law, and how it can make or break your success.

Lawyers are trained for precision and risk mitigation—not for clarity or connection. And firm culture only reinforces that. But when your writing is dense, your feedback is vague, or your tone is overly formal, it’s not just style—it’s a barrier to effective leadership, client trust, and team performance. In this episode, I break down the most common communication traps in Big Law, why even the top attorneys fall into them, and how to shift toward language that is actually helpful, direct, and practical. From speaking up without a fully formed answer to giving (and receiving) better feedback, this episode is packed with specific strategies you can apply right away.

At a Glance:
00:00 Why communication challenges are so common in Big Law
01:20 How legal training encourages hedged, dense, and formal language
02:09 The difference between being technically correct and being useful
03:00 Real examples of communication breakdowns with clients and teams
04:13 The cultural factors that cause lawyers to avoid directness
05:03 Why fear of being wrong leads to silence or delay
05:33 How conflict avoidance undermines feedback and clarity
06:32 Expertise isn’t communication—why tone, context, and structure matter
07:27 What better communication actually looks like
07:51 How to write clearly: start with what the reader needs to know
08:18 The role of senior lawyers in modeling direct, contextual feedback
08:41 What to say (and ask) when vague comments like “fix this” come up
09:06 Why it’s okay not to have all the answers—and what to say instead
09:29 Spotting and replacing gobbledygook language in firm conversations
09:53 How firm hierarchy silences real dialogue
10:15 The importance of regular, real-time, two-way feedback
10:55 How to ask clarifying questions without apologizing
11:44 Why lawyers sound overly formal—and how to sound human again
12:10 Read the room: adjust your tone and delivery to your audience
12:33 Final thoughts: break bad habits, aim for clarity over complexity

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Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting?

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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

If you’ve ever left a conference wondering whether it was worth the time, money, and disruption to your client work, this episode is for you. I break down how Big Law attorneys can approach conferences more strategically—before, during, and after—so they actually generate business, deepen client relationships, and build visibility with the right people.

Too often, conferences are treated as obligatory or status-based, without a clear plan for return on investment. But with tight schedules and high expectations, you can’t afford to attend just to check a box. I share the steps I walk through my coaching clients to evaluate which events are worth attending, prepare for targeted interactions, and follow through to maximize long-term value. This isn’t about collecting badges or LinkedIn selfies—it’s about making sure the time you spend translates into opportunities that move your practice forward.

At a Glance:
00:00 Why many Big Law attorneys struggle to get ROI from conferences
01:44 How to choose events that align with your business development goals
03:04 The problem with conferences filled only with other law firm lawyers
04:04 How to assess whether attendees include real decision-makers
05:10 Why smaller, niche conferences can offer greater access
06:08 Hidden pitfalls of vendor-heavy conferences and VIP sponsor tiers
06:55 Mapping a before-during-after strategy for each event
07:44 Defining specific goals for client relationship-building
08:43 Using LinkedIn and firm connections to prep in advance
09:25 What to say when meeting new people—and how to reconnect
10:25 Why personal touches help build rapport faster than a hard pitch
11:04 How to use dedicated time (like meals and coffees) to go deeper
11:43 Smart ways to continue the conversation without being transactional
12:20 Why taking real-time notes is non-negotiable
13:05 Capturing your own visibility as a speaker or attendee
14:00 How to spotlight clients and earn goodwill through social content
14:22 The most common reason great conference connections fizzle out
14:41 The 72-hour rule: blocking time for personalized follow-up
15:05 Follow-up ideas that feel helpful, not salesy
15:24 Coordinating with your firm’s client team on next steps
15:47 Turning one insight into scalable content or broader BD initiatives
16:08 Measuring conference ROI over 6, 12, and 24 months
16:28 Final thoughts on being intentional with your time and brand

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Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life? Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.

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

Most BigLaw firms offer a broad array of benefits, including to meet important needs for caregiving for children. But there is still a large gap in many firms for lawyers and other professionals when it comes to benefits that assist in meeting broader family needs, including when it comes to caring for parents, adult dependents, spoues and other family members. In this episode, I speak with Thomas Adrian, who leads HR and wellness at Sheppard Mullin, a firm which has adopted one of the most comprehensive programs in BigLaw to address overall family caregiver needs. We talking about how Sheppard Mullin's partnership with HomeThrive helps lawyers and other professional staff to handle real-life carer responsibilities without having to sacrifice their careers.

Thomas walks through how the program works, including how it is structured to avoid red tape, and how it delivers tangible ROI through increased retention, better productivity, and stronger firm culture. For firms that want to lead in talent strategy, and attorneys looking for better ways to share with their firms how to meet this challenge in the marketplace, this episode is worth a close listen.

At a Glance:
00:00 Why adult caregiving needs more attention in law firm benefits
01:46 Key statistics on working caregivers and the impact on careers
03:07 Sheppard Mullin’s motivation to address caregiving needs
04:20 How the firm began identifying caregiving as a wellness priority
07:13 Why Sheppard Mullin chose Homethrive and how the program works
09:46 Real-life examples of remote caregiving support across the U.S.
11:09 The range of support Homethrive offers beyond elder care
12:25 How Sheppard Mullin defines “family” inclusively
14:15 How the program has been leveraged by those who benefit from it
15:16 Impact stories from attorneys and staff who avoided burnout or resignation
16:40 Extending the benefit to all employees—not just lawyers
17:59 Gaining leadership buy-in for progressive benefits
19:23 ROI vs. Return on Value: how the firm measures program success
20:50 Billing more hours thanks to offloaded caregiving logistics
22:07 Vendor collaboration: why integration across wellness programs matters
24:16 How word-of-mouth drives adoption across practice groups
25:11 Why Sheppard Mullin is committed to leading in this area
26:21 Thomas’s personal passion and family experience that inspires his work

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life? Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.

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.

To reach out to Thomas Adrian for more information about Sheppard Mullin's approach:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomadrian/
www.sheppardmullin.com

To reach out to HomeThrive about the benefits and parternships they offer to law firms and companies:
https://homethrive.com/

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

When you’ve been assured you’re “on track” for partnership, but still don’t have a clear timeline, it’s time to push for specifics. In this episode, I walk through how to navigate one of the most sensitive—but critical—conversations in Big Law: asking WHEN you’ll actually be put up for partner. I lay out the right questions to ask, the right people to approach, and how to handle vague responses or firm-wide delays that stall your trajectory. If you’ve been hearing encouragement without clarity, this episode gives you the tools to stop guessing and start getting real answers. Because timing is everything.

At a Glance:

00:00 The disconnect between “you’re on track” and having real, concrete timelines
02:30 How to initiate a formal conversation and what to say
04:35 Questions to ask when timing remains unclear
06:06 What to do when you’re told “it’s not my decision”
08:22 How to bring mentors and sponsors into the loop strategically
09:29 Using metrics to frame your case with practice group leaders
11:26 When to escalate beyond your group for real answers
12:54 Why in-person meetings matter and how to push through excuses
14:00 What to make of vague delays—and what they reveal about firm culture
16:22 Final thoughts on asking the harder, more important question: when

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life? Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.

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

In Big Law, doing what is asked of you is expected—what sets you apart is how you show up beyond that. In this episode, I talk about the silent missteps that hold many associates back, from treating assignments as isolated tasks to assuming visibility and feedback will come without asking. I walk through real examples of how missed context, lack of sufficient follow-through, and playing it safe can quietly stall your career, even if you’re billing plenty of hours and meeting expectations on paper.

For lawyers early in their Big Law career, who want to move from competent to highly valued, this episode breaks down what it really takes to build momentum, reputation, and trust with senior lawyers. I share exactly what I looked for when I managed associates, and the small signals that showed me who is thinking like a future partner. If you’ve ever wondered whether doing the work and getting good evaluations is enough, this conversation will give you a more indepth view of how top associates stand out—and how to make sure you’re one of them.

At a Glance:
00:00 Why lawyering well isn’t enough in Big Law
01:20 The mistake of keeping your head down and assuming no feedback is good feedback
02:10 Assignments are not tasks, they’re tests of judgment and strategic thinking
03:02 Why doing only what is asked can fail to advance your career
04:04 When failing to raise key issues can suggest you lack judgment
05:09 Why thoughtful questions show strength, not weakness
06:02 The danger of treating assignments like schoolwork with a finish line
06:48 How silence makes you forgettable and how to avoid it
07:09 What asking for feedback really signals to partners
07:51 The growth that only happens when you reach beyond your comfort zone
08:49 Specific examples: secondments, cross-border teams, and fast-moving deals
09:37 The importance of internal visibility beyond billables
10:16 Why Big Law isn’t built for associates who operate in isolation
10:44 How disengagement quietly damages your reputation over time
11:13 Why initiative matters more than raw competence
11:40 Final thoughts: what Big Law actually rewards

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life? Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.

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

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 resources to ask about and people to meet with before your first day, and how to set yourself up for success in your first year, particularly if business development support is limited. If you’re an experienced practitioner considering a move to Big Law, this episode will help you think through what you need to know before you sign.

At a Glance:
00:00 Why this episode matters for returning or first-time Big Law partners
01:20 Common motivations for moving to Big Law from solo or small-firm practice
02:07 Equity vs. non-equity partner status—what to clarify and why it varies
03:07 Key comp variables: point charts, bonus eligibility, and guaranteed years
04:16 What solo and small-firm lawyers may overlook about health and retirement costs
05:08 Capital contributions, K-1s vs. W-2s, and hidden costs you should ask about
06:22 What firms are really hiring you to do—it may not be to help with someone else’s book
07:17 Why low-rate clients may become an issue, even if you bring a full pipeline
07:39 Metrics that matter in Big Law—what you’ll be evaluated on annually
08:03 The illusion of collaboration—why many firms still operate in silos
08:45 What to do if you’re expected to originate work immediately
09:05 Why you need to meet practice management, pricing, and BD leaders before signing
09:49 Understanding what the platform really offers—and where it may fall short
10:39 You will be held accountable for profitability—ask who’s helping you deliver
11:05 Don’t assume resources will be available when you arrive—get clarity in advance
11:26 Why you need a marketing and BD plan in place before day one
12:14 Smart strategies for integrating internally and externally
12:35 What your BD budget should include—and how to advocate for it
12:59 Why assuming flexibility or financial support will be there without a solid plan
13:27 The value of engaging internal BDs to champion your strategy
13:51 Final reminders: the questions to ask, the pitfalls to avoid, and how to make the right move

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life? Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.

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

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.

Keith and I dive into what this means for lawyers and business professionals alike, and why this is likely to mean that law firms will need fewer—but more specialized—junior lawyers, how non-legal professionals like data scientists will be essential to client service, and the ways in which the future of legal work will demand both new skillsets and new incentives. If you’re a senior lawyer navigating firm leadership, or thinking about how to future-proof your career, this episode is essential listening.

At a Glance:
00:00 Introduction and why Big Law isn’t ready for what’s coming
01:20 Keith Maziarek returns to share insights on generative AI’s disruption of legal work
03:01 How automation changes the leverage model and firm economics
05:13 Why the traditional associate-heavy pyramid is changing
06:21 The shift toward a rectangular org chart and what that means for firm structure
07:26 Shocking stat: 80% of associates leave by year five—and why that’s unsustainable
08:50 Future associates will need a new skillset law schools still aren’t teaching
10:07 Why firm recruiting, professional development, and retention must evolve now
11:20 Non-lawyer experts—data scientists and technologists—are becoming central
12:40 Firms rely on lawyer-only profit-sharing, but this may not be sustainable
14:03 Hiring fewer lawyers doesn’t cut costs but will shift them to expensive specialists
15:34 Investigations and data science: where collaboration is already essential
16:26 How embedded data teams are unlocking new revenue and client insights
17:32 Can firms fairly compensate non-lawyers generating economic value?
18:07 Rethinking pricing: how to quantify the value of data-driven insights
20:53 True value-based pricing is possible—when noise is removed by data teams
22:19 Why most firms still aren’t prepared to sell or price non-legal services
24:23 The market isn’t ready—and clients struggle to evaluate unfamiliar services
25:23 Why this creates opportunity for innovation in both delivery and monetization
26:04 Keith shares details on upcoming Legal Value Network events

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life? Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.

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.

Ways to reach Keith Maziarek
www.legalvaluenetwork.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legal-value-network/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithmaziarek/

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

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 vivid picture of your value, I cover ways to clarify your messaging, share your wins, and better connect with what your clients actually care about.

Whether you’re frustrated by a lack of inbound work, worried that your expertise is becoming commoditized, or simply trying to rise above the noise, this episode offers a practical approach to help you cut through.

At a Glance:
00:00 Competing in a saturated legal market and why general expertise falls flat
02:10 Reframing self-doubt into an opportunity to differentiate your legal practice
02:56 Carving out a niche with specificity—without becoming too narrow
04:09 Why factual, example-driven descriptions resonate more than generalities
05:06 Sharing proof of success: specific outcomes and stories that build trust
05:59 How to communicate your expertise effectively with media and audiences
07:15 A 3-question framework to define your unique value proposition
08:31 Going beyond labels: describing what you do in real terms
10:02 Understanding how you help clients—and what makes your approach unique
11:40 Tying it all together: using this framework to refine your personal brand
12:11 Listening to your clients to understand what success means to them
13:10 A client re-engagement story that shows the power of simply checking in
14:09 Why differentiation about personal resilience as well as strategy

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life? Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.

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