The journey to making partner at a law firm is often brimming with countless hours of hard work, perseverance and demonstrating a unique value proposition. Achieving partnership is not only about leading in billable hours or showcasing impeccable legal acumen, often times, lawyers who are earmarked for partnership are recognized as ‘good firm citizens’.
Jennifer Mikels, a partner at the reputed law firm Goulston & Storrs, recently shed some light on the subtle yet significant characteristics that helped her attain partnership. Impressively, her belief in being a ‘good firm citizen’ in addition to a commendable lawyer was a philosophy she adhered to throughout her journey.
In a recent interview, Mikels highlighted the importance of qualities like reliability, accessibility and consideration for fellow colleagues. She spoke of ensuring that she was someone her colleagues could count on, responding promptly to calls and emails, and willingly spent her time on non-billable tasks such as serving as a sounding board for others. This is indeed a testament to the reality that, while legal knowledge is necessary, softer aspects like interpersonal skills and collegiality often hold substantial value in a professional setting.
In summary, Mikels emphasized the significance of being a professional that contributes to a positive and collaborative work environment. The takeaway here for aspiring partners: engaging with colleagues, exhibiting a commitment to the firm’s betterment and mentoring others are vestiges of a ‘good firm citizen’, a promising sign of potential partner material.