Tag Archives: legal industry

Business Development for Women Lawyers: Strategies for Success

The current legal landscape—like the economy as a whole—is uncertain. 2022 was a moderately down year for major law firms, as compared to the industry’s remarkable 2021 boom. With firms bracing for what could be a challenging period, adopting effective approaches to business development will be more critical than ever.

This is especially true for women lawyers. Even in smoother economic climates, women confront particular challenges in business development and career advancement in the legal industry. In many practice groups, there remains a lack of female role models for successful business development. Strategies that have traditionally worked well for many male partners don’t always feel authentic and comfortable for women attorneys. More broadly, women often find that they must advocate more actively to receive origination credit and to receive fair consideration for equity partnership and for practice and office leadership positions.

For women associates and counsels, learning how successful women partners approach business development can be eye-opening. The transition to being responsible for developing business is a hard one to navigate for any lawyer. After years of focusing on the practice of law and becoming a highly competent attorney, it can be jarring to confront the reality that legal skills are no longer enough. The discomfort can be compounded for associates and counsels whose practice group leadership is heavily male. Mentorship from female leaders in the profession—including those outside your firm—is often invaluable. When it comes to developing business, there is no one-size-fits-all method for success. Exposing yourself to a diversity of styles and strategies can help you identify and pursue an approach that resonates with your personality, practice, and goals.

For women partners, the business development learning curve doesn’t stop. You have already received a vote of confidence in your ability to bring in clients, but delivering on that potential by growing a solid book of business requires targeted strategies. Business development success is key to increasing compensation, making the jump from non-equity to equity partner, or executing a successful lateral move to a more desirable firm.

On May 24, a virtual event organized by the Women Lawyers Association of Los Angeles (WLALA) Business Law Section will offer actionable advice for women lawyers interested in successful business development strategies. The program will address strategies for success for every woman lawyer: associate, counsel, junior partner, and senior partners leading groups. The moderated discussion will feature three senior legal recruiters, including Susan Agopian and Gloria Sandrino of Lateral Link.

Themes that Susan and Gloria will emphasize include the need for women lawyers to be intentional about business development and the fact that “business development” is “client development”—one client at a time. Focusing on individual clients is a must in today’s legal industry.

After decades of working closely with partners and associates at the highest levels of the profession, Susan and Gloria are well-attuned to what it takes to develop business as a lawyer. Business development planning is central to the partner lateral recruiting process, with candidates expected to present a compelling case for how they will bring clients to their new firm. So Susan and Gloria regularly discuss business development strategy in detail with successful partners—including many women—at a wide spectrum of top law firms. In addition, Gloria brings her perspective of a decade spent practicing M&A in NYC and Miami.

If you are interested in joining the conversation on May 24, please get your tickets here. Note that the session is free for WLALA members!

Navigating Compensation Trends in 2023: Ensuring Fair Pay in the Legal Sector

Over the past decade, the legal industry has undergone substantial transformations, prompting law firms and in-house legal departments to continually adjust their compensation strategies to attract and retain top talent. In 2023, evaluating whether you are underpaid is more crucial than ever, given the salary increments, shifts in bonus structures, and the emergence of new compensation models. This article delves into the prevailing compensation trends in the legal sector and offers insights on how to ascertain if your remuneration aligns with current market standards.

Grasp the Compensation Landscape

To accurately assess whether you are underpaid, it is imperative to comprehend the existing compensation landscape for legal professionals. In 2023, Biglaw firms have persistently elevated associate salaries, with first-year associates now receiving a market standard of $215,000. This rising trend encompasses all seniority levels, with eighth-year associates earning up to $375,000.

Partner compensation has also witnessed a surge, with average profits per partner surpassing $2 million at several distinguished law firms. In-house general counsel roles have experienced considerable salary growth, with chief legal officers at Fortune 500 companies earning between $700,000 and $3 million, contingent on the company’s size and complexity.

Benchmark Your Compensation Against Industry Averages

A practical approach to determining whether you are underpaid is to juxtapose your current compensation with industry averages. Resources such as the National Association for Law Placement (NALP) and legal industry publications furnish extensive salary data for diverse legal roles and practice areas. Bear in mind that compensation can vary considerably based on factors like firm size, location, and practice area specialization.

Evaluate the Significance of Bonuses and Benefits

Beyond base salaries, bonuses and benefits are instrumental in ascertaining total compensation. In 2023, Biglaw firms have consistently offered substantial bonuses, with year-end and special bonuses frequently reaching six figures for high-performing senior associates. Moreover, law firms and in-house legal departments have broadened their benefits packages, encompassing health insurance, retirement plans, and flexible work arrangements. To precisely assess your compensation, take into account the worth of these supplementary factors.

While examining your compensation, it is vital to recognize that base salary constitutes just one aspect of a comprehensive compensation package. Bonuses and benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and vacation time, can substantially influence your overall earnings. Ensure that you incorporate these components when comparing your compensation to market standards, as they can significantly impact your total income.

It is important to note that not all Am Law firms adhere to the market standard for compensation, with some underpaying their associates. For instance, Gibson Dunn has faced scrutiny in recent years for not aligning with the industry’s compensation trends. Despite the firm’s renown for its high-profile cases and robust practice groups, reports indicate that its associate compensation packages have not paralleled the rapid salary growth observed at other Am Law firms. This disparity underscores the necessity of researching and contrasting compensation packages across firms, even those with esteemed reputations, to guarantee that you are justly compensated for your skills and expertise.

To accurately determine if you are underpaid, gather information on comparable positions within your specific practice area, location, and experience level. This data can often be sourced from salary surveys, legal industry publications, or through conversations with colleagues and recruiters.

Examine Your Compensation in Relation to Your Peers

Another valuable tactic is to compare your compensation with that of your peers. Networking and candid discussions with colleagues or alumni can yield invaluable insights into the compensation landscape within your practice area or region. Approach these conversations with tact and professionalism.

Consult an Expert for Guidance

If you are uncertain about whether your compensation aligns with the market, consider seeking advice from a legal recruiter. Knowledgeable legal recruiters, like those at Lateral Link, possess an in-depth understanding of the legal market and can offer tailored guidance based on your distinct background and career aspirations.

Discerning if you are underpaid in 2023 entails comprehending the current compensation landscape, contrasting your salary with industry averages, taking into account bonuses and benefits, appraising your pay in relation to your peers, and seeking expert guidance when necessary. As the legal industry continues to evolve, staying informed about compensation trends and engaging in open dialogues can help ensure your pay corresponds with your skills and experience.

If you suspect that your compensation is not commensurate with the market, or if you are exploring new opportunities with competitive compensation packages, contact Lateral Link today. Our adept legal recruiters can assist you in navigating the intricate legal market and discovering the right position that aligns with your professional objectives and financial expectations. Don’t leave your career and financial success to chance – let Lateral Link help you seize the opportunities you deserve.