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

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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/

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Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast