In a sincere and candid reflection on her career journey, Pooneh Aminian, a partner at the law firm Cowan, DeBaets, Abrahams & Sheppard, offers a perspective rarely exposed in the competitive world of law. Her advice, succinct and to the point, potentially flips the tables on conventional wisdom about landing a partner role in a renowned firm.
Aminian posits that constructing a professional persona to fit preconceived notions of what makes a successful partner can prove detrimental. Instead, she maintains that authenticity is the hidden ingredient in the recipe of success. In her own words, “The partnership will be more successful and enjoyable if you are working along people that you trust and get along with, rather than changing yourself to fit what you think they are looking for in a partner.”
This insight illuminates the lesser-discussed side of law- the human element. Aminian underscores the importance of building trust and fostering positive relationships with colleagues and superiors alike and implies that this might be the tipping point in a decision-making process about who makes partner.
Aminian’s perspective, however hard it may be to quantify, adds a new layer to the discussion around how to climb the corporate legal ladder. In a field known for its competitiveness, Aminian’s emphasis on authenticity and rapport-building is a breath of fresh air. The complete details of Aminian’s advice and philosophy can be found in her article on law.com.