Making partner in BigLaw is rarely a straightforward path and the feedback you get from your firm can be really cryptic. In this episode, I break down common things firms say to explain why they're holding off on your promotion and what they really mean. We go deeper into three of the most frequent partnership "holding patterns": the need for more visibility, more business development, and more leadership. 

I share exactly how each one shows up in day-to-day practice, the actions that actually move the needle, and the questions you should be asking to turn vague guidance into a clear plan. If you're on the partner track—or wondering why you're stalled—this conversation will help you decode the signals and take targeted action that matters in your firm's decision-making process.

At a Glance:

00:00 Why partnership feedback is often vague and how to read between the lines
02:28 The need to be "more visible" and why this may mean leaders don't know your value
04:06 Specific ways to build visibility in the right rooms
05:14 Three questions to assess whether you have a visibility problem
06:02 "We'd like to see more business development" and the different forms it takes
07:20 Value-driven business development that goes beyond landing big new clients
08:32 How to maintain relationship velocity with existing and potential clients
09:15 The five stages of business development progression for lawyers
10:29 Questions to ask when feedback on business development is unclear
10:50 "We'd like to see more leadership" and what that really looks like in BigLaw
11:30 Behaviors that show you're shaping strategy, not just completing tasks
12:16 How cultural fit and internal leadership roles influence partnership decisions
12:57 Asking for specific examples to strengthen your leadership profile
13:17 Final advice for clarifying vague feedback before your next partnership conversation

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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