How To Become a Partner In a Law Firm

Your Roadmap on how to go from Associate to Partner

"Call it extreme if you like, but I propose we hit it hard and hit it fast with a major, and I mean major, leaflet campaign." – Rimmer, Red Dwarf

Unfortunately, there’s plenty of bad advice out there. The truth? Becoming a law firm partner is not about telling your bosses you’re ambitious in lots of different ways – it’s about being strategic. The road to partnership isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey, but it does have common threads. Some associates will make partner in five years. Others may take longer. What matters is how you position yourself and the strategic moves you make.

A partner is essentially running their own business. So, you need to start taking some initiative – show leadership early on, build relationships, and understand the business side of law. So, if you’re wondering how to make partner at a law firm, this guide will help you avoid the common pitfalls and take on the strategies that will accelerate your law firm career progression. Ready to take the first step? Let’s skip the leaflet campaign and get to work.

Start Strong: How to Make Partner at a Law Firm Fast

Are you at the start of your career and planning your route to partnership? The quickest way to get there is to build a solid foundation from the start. Focus on mastering your technical skills, as they’re essential to your credibility. You also need to throw yourself into hard work, learn your limitations, and break through them. But don’t stop there. Throw yourself into client work early on, because those who rise to partner the fastest are the ones who bring in business.

"The fastest route to partnership is building client relationships early on. All lawyers are smart, but those who get stuck in, network, and develop their brand stand out." — Jules Grieve, Head of Scotland, JMC Legal

Building a Support Network – Mentorship and Advocacy

Mentorship plays a key role in accelerating your journey to partnership. A 2020 survey found that mentored individuals are 5x more likely to be promoted than their non-mentored counterparts, and 91% of mentored employees feel more confident and prepared for leadership roles.

Find a Mentor Who’s Made Partner

A senior lawyer who’s successfully navigated the partnership journey can offer guidance and insider knowledge to help you avoid pitfalls. Build a relationship with a mentor who aligns with your career goals and check in regularly for feedback.

Leverage Partner Advocacy

Having a partner who advocates for you can make a huge impact on your career trajectory. Cultivate relationships with partners who can champion your work and give you visibility with leadership. Don’t hesitate to ask for their support.

Seek Firms with Mentorship Programmes

Look for firms that prioritise mentorship – whether through formal programmes or regular feedback from senior partners. A supportive, mentorship-driven environment can accelerate your progress to partnership.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Partner?

The timeline to partnership varies. Some associates may make partner in 5 years, while others might take 10 or more. Factors that influence this include:

• Firm type: Larger firms may have a more structured, competitive partnership track, while smaller firms may offer more flexibility.
   
• Your performance: The more quickly you demonstrate leadership, contribute to business development, and build strong client relationships, the faster you’ll advance.
   
• Firm needs: Timing is crucial. If your firm is expanding into new practice areas, or there’s a sudden need for leadership, you might find opportunities open up faster.
   

Generally, the process can take anywhere from 6 to 10 years, but high-performing associates who show consistent leadership and bring in new business may be on the fast track to becoming a law firm partner.

Common Pitfalls on the Path to Partnership

Here are 5 common traps to avoid if you want to go from associate to partner.

1. Focusing Too Much on Billable Hours: Yes, billable hours are important, but becoming a partner requires a broader skill set. You need to demonstrate leadership, generate business, and contribute to firm-wide growth.
2. Neglecting Internal Relationships: Don't forget that partnership is about visibility within the firm as much as it is with clients. Focus on internal networking – attend firm events and build relationships with senior leaders.
3. Waiting for Opportunities: Don’t wait for someone to notice your potential. Take the initiative and make yourself visible. Step up to lead projects and seek high-visibility opportunities. Take ownership of tasks that align with firm goals.
4. Not Embracing Risk: Staying in your comfort zone limits your growth. Step up to take on challenging projects and lead in high-pressure situations. Take on high-profile cases and challenging projects to show you can manage pressure and drive results.
5. Relying Too Heavily on Technical Skills: Being a technically excellent lawyer is vital. But don’t overlook leadership skills. Learn to delegate effectively, manage teams, and communicate well. These leadership skills are essential for managing projects, leading clients, and eventually running a team or department.

"You need to be a people person. You need to delegate downward. If you can’t, you won’t be able to run anything effectively." — Jules Grieve, Head of Scotland, JMC Legal

Navigating Office Politics

Office politics can trip you up if you're not careful. But navigating firm dynamics doesn’t mean being manipulative, it means being aware of relationships and aligning yourself with the firm’s culture. Pay attention to how decisions are made, avoid getting caught in office drama, and instead focus on collaboration. Be the person who builds bridges, not walls.

Should You Stay or Move Firms?

As you progress in your career, you might be wondering if switching firms could speed up your path to partnership. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, as both staying loyal and moving firms can work depending on your situation.

A Case Study of Staying Put:

Take the case of a young lawyer who made partner early by staying loyal to the same firm. His success came from nurturing long-term client relationships and establishing himself as an expert within his firm’s ecosystem. He didn’t hop between firms, instead, he built a solid network, took responsibility early, and attended networking events on his own initiative. By leaning into his firm’s culture, he gained the trust of senior partners and made partner in record time.

When to Move Firms:

On the other hand, for some associates, staying may not always be the best or fastest path. If your firm is not expanding or you’re not being provided with enough opportunities to showcase your leadership and business development skills, making a strategic move could open up quicker paths to partnership.

The path to partnership is about a law firm matching your ambition. Knowing when to stay and when to move is just as important as the work you do. 

What Law Firms Really Want – And How to Position Yourself for Partnership

Law firms aren’t just looking for great lawyers – they want future partners. But how do you show you’re ready to make partner at a law firm? Here’s a rundown of what law firms really value in their future partners, along with actionable steps.

Business Development: Building Your Client Base

Partners are expected to bring in business, not just handle cases. Law firms want associates who can grow the firm, contribute to new business, and nurture client relationships.

How to Position Yourself:

• Start networking with clients, even if it’s just attending industry events.
   
• Build relationships with clients beyond legal work and look for ways to become their go-to person for additional services the firm can offer.
   
• Nurture leads and be proactive in following up with clients.
  
   

Leadership: Taking Charge Beyond Legal Work

Leadership is about more than managing clients – it’s about leading people and projects. Partners need to manage teams, contribute to firm-wide strategies, and guide colleagues.

How to Position Yourself:

• Volunteer for leadership roles in firm-wide projects or mentor junior associates.
   
• If your team is facing a challenge, step up and show how you can lead and find solutions.
   
• Be proactive in contributing to firm strategy and leadership discussions, even if you’re not yet in a formal leadership role. Demonstrating leadership in this way will speed up your associate to partner journey.
  
   

Cultural Fit: Aligning with Firm Values

Your route to partnership is not just about how you perform your legal duties. Whether it’s promoting work-life balance, diversity, or collaboration, law firms value associates who embody the firm’s ethos.

How to Position Yourself:

• Actively participate in firm-wide initiatives like diversity programmes or mentorship.
   
• Demonstrate that you’re aligned with the firm’s values, whether it’s in how you manage your team or how you collaborate with colleagues.
   
• Become the person who actively contributes to building firm culture, not just focusing on your own success. Being culturally aligned helps solidify your path towards becoming a law firm partner.
  
   

Strategic Thinking: See the Big Picture and Find Your Niche

Law firms need partners who think strategically about the firm’s future. Beyond managing cases, partners should contribute to growth through niche development and innovation.

How to Position Yourself:

• Carve out a niche in an under-explored or emerging area that aligns with the firm’s goals. Specialising in something that’s in demand (e.g., cybersecurity law) makes you indispensable to the firm’s future.
   
• Think beyond your daily caseload and identify opportunities where your niche can expand the firm’s reach or bring in new clients. This kind of proactive, strategic thinking sets you apart and accelerates your legal career development.
  
   

Business Acumen: Understanding the Firm’s Finances

A good lawyer is essential, but a business-savvy lawyer is a future partner. Law firms expect partners to have a solid understanding of how the firm operates financially. So, get to know how clients are billed, how pricing works, and how to increase profitability.

How to Position Yourself:

• Learn the financials. Get involved in discussions about billing, pricing, and profitability.
   
• Volunteer to help manage budgets or contribute to pricing discussions.
   
• Be aware of how your caseload impacts the firm’s bottom line and find ways to add financial value to your law firm career progression.
  
  
  

Ready to Make Partner? Your Next Move

The path to partnership isn’t just about legal expertise – it’s about leadership, strategic thinking, and business development. Avoid the common pitfalls, build a strong support network, and make sure your actions reflect your ambition. Stay proactive, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a law firm partner.

Looking for a firm that aligns with your goals and offers mentorship opportunities? Let’s connect at JMC Legal Recruitment, where we help top associates find the right path to partnership.

Further Reading:
[What is a Partner in a Law Firm?]
[The Rise of the Tech Savvy Lawyer]
[The Real Reason Lateral Partner Moves Succeed or Fail]