Claire Rason

Becoming a partner in a law firm is a significant milestone in a lawyer's career, and requires a combination of strong legal skills, business acumen, leadership abilities and a commitment to the firm's success. Preparing for Partnership reviews the essential steps that lawyers need to take to make partnership a reality. This book outlines the critical factors for success, from building a strong track record to developing a loyal client base, demonstrating leadership skills and meeting the firm's criteria. Contributors to the book discuss how to network and build relationships within the firm, review the financial aspects of partnership, and how to seek feedback and mentorship from other partners. Preparing for Partnership is an invaluable resource for lawyers seeking to achieve the ultimate career milestone of partnership, and for team leaders and management as they help aspiring partners to prepare. This book will help lawyers navigate the complex path to partnership and realize their full potential in the legal profession.

We like to think that we make decisions rationally. We know what we want, and we make choices about how to achieve our goals. That’s the whole basis of traditional coaching. But the truth is more complicated: our decisions that shape our future selves and are guided by hidden narratives, unconscious influences, gender dynamics and unchallenged assumptions. It’s no wonder we so often feel stuck. STOP is an inner-first coaching model for people who want to make choices aligned with who they are and who they want to be. It’s a correction to the common assumption that we start with a goal and then explore the path to achieve it. If we’re to escape stuckness or repeating patterns without understanding why, we first need to STOP: to surface what’s invisible, reclaim our agency, and make decisions that align with our identity.

We like to think that we make decisions rationally. We know what we want, and we make choices about how to achieve our goals. That’s the whole basis of traditional coaching. But the truth is more complicated: our decisions that shape our future selves and are guided by hidden narratives, unconscious influences, gender dynamics and unchallenged assumptions. It’s no wonder we so often feel stuck. STOP is an inner-first coaching model for people who want to make choices aligned with who they are and who they want to be. It’s a correction to the common assumption that we start with a goal and then explore the path to achieve it. If we’re to escape stuckness or repeating patterns without understanding why, we first need to STOP: to surface what’s invisible, reclaim our agency, and make decisions that align with our identity.

Despite decades of effort, the legal profession remains one of the least diverse industries, with systemic barriers affecting who enters, advances, and succeeds. Bias – whether conscious or unconscious – perpetuates inequality, impacting hiring, promotions, pay, and leadership opportunities. The traditional pipeline to legal success favors those with economic privilege, established networks, and cultural capital, leaving others at a disadvantage. There are more women than ever before in the legal profession, but the seniority gap remains and barriers to success persist. Written by women lawyers who have achieved success, despite the odds, and leading experts who have helped law firms and corporations implement meaningful change, Beyond Bias is more than just an exploration of the problem – it is a roadmap for transforming the legal profession into one that truly reflects the diversity of the world it serves. At a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives are under fire, this book makes the business case for gender equity, showing how inclusive teams drive better decision-making, innovation, and profitability.

Research shows that most lawyers think they know what their clients want – but their clients don’t always agree. How can lawyers and their firms truly understand the client perspective? How can they know what their clients are really asking for? What do lawyers need to know in order to get – and stay – hired? What Clients Want from Law Firms combines the collective perspectives of clients in order to focus the lawyer’s mind on their end goal – providing a service that people want and will pay for. Exploring dynamic new approaches to the client–lawyer relationship, the contributors take on topics as broad as ESG, diversity, ethics, and AI, revealing what clients really want from law firms. Written from the perspective of those who engage law firms in their business – and from sectors as diverse as banking, sport, and entertainment – this book explores the importance of client relationships, listening and understanding problems, and what clients really want from their trusted advisors.

As of 2023, women still only make up 32% of full equity partners in private practice law firms. Business development – the people you know, your order book, and your ranking within an organization – is key to closing this gap. It might be a generalisation to say that women do business development differently to men, but it tends to hold true. Crafting successful, authentic, out-of-the-box business development strategies in a largely male-dominated profession is a challenge for many women lawyers, who find that the status quo doesn’t work for them. Business Development for Women Lawyers features multiple contributions from women across the globe, looking at the skills and techniques, experiences, and talents that female lawyers use to develop their practices and grow their order books, acting as both inspiration and motivation to its readers. Chapters on marketing and social media, networking at events, building reputation, and becoming a successful rainmaker make this is an essential read for women looking to develop business based upon their own personal interests and strengths. With new chapters on mentoring and coaching, in-house practice, and utilising AI, this new edition will equip readers with actionable strategies to grow and develop their business.