Playing Politics

Unless you work for yourself, you will always be surrounded by people you like and people you would rather not spend time with. This is particularly true in a law firm environment where there are a large percentage of very smart and analytical people who are not equipped with the best social skills. But if you want to get ahead, you need to understand who holds the power in your firm and you need to nurture positive relationships with those individuals.

If you need inspiration to do this, just watch Barack embrace Hillary after a long and vicious primary campaign. Barack needs Hillary, even though he probably doesn't like her very much. Hillary also needs to show her loyalty to the Democratic party if she ever wants to make another run for the White House (even though she probably believes she was cheated out of her rightful nomination by a relative unknown.)

Getting ahead in an organization requires political skills. So start cultivating your own if you want to succeed.

How You Play the Game

My colleague Lisa Pavia has a nice post on BCG's new blog, The Lateral Attorney Report. She holds up Tim Russert as an example of someone who achieved success while playing nicely in the sandbox.

Reading Mixed Messages

Large law firms are very good at delivering mixed messages to associates. "Make sure to participate in firm functions, outings, sporting events, etc." But understand that work always takes precedence. This and other advice to summer associates courtesy of the "Snark" in Atlanta.

IQ vs. EQ

IQ (or intelligence) will help you land your first job out of law school. But as you become more senior, EQ (emotional intelligence) becomes increasingly important to your success. That is why feedback from partners is so important. Without feedback, it is much harder to develop your emotional intelligence/interpersonal skills.

As I wrote here, do not interpret no news as good news (i.e. don't wait for feedback, ask for it.)

Law firms do not always understand the importance of taking the time to give constructive criticism. When feedback is given, it often focuses on the negative. This plays a big role in law firm turnover. This and more on Law Crossing.

How Do Law Firms Succeed?

A consultant offers the Ten Habits of Highly Successful Law Firms. My favorite is #5 (Emphasizing that Clients Belong to the Firm and NOT the Lawyers.) But given the power that large rainmakers yield at large firms, I think many firms are unfortunately headed in the opposite direction.

New Blog on the Block

My colleagues at BCG Attorney Search have banded together to launch a new blog entitled the Lateral Attorney Report. While the content will overlap with what I have been posting on Counsel to Counsel, I am excited to welcome another blog aimed at helping associates and partners sort through difficult career issues. The Lateral Attorney Report has already added many new voices to the discourse on the legal profession. I will be participating as a guest blogger from time to time. I hope you will take a look.