You Are Not Special

 "I am almost 11 years out and still never feel secure. I'm not a rainmaker or anything, so I'm constantly worried about getting shitcanned. My perception, right or wrong, is that everyone will tell you everything is fine, until one day it suddenly isn't." Fishbowl Big Law, August 2023

But even rainmakers and high billers aren't sitting pretty. If that track record gets halted or there is a power shift in the firm they too could be forced out. That's the dynamic of Big Law. Actually it's become typical of most businesses currently. More of my coaching clients are focused on job loss rather than chasing a promotion. 

For exactly that reality wise lawyers in large law firms grow their networks in other facets of the legal profession. Sooner than later they could be getting the signal they are no longer assessed as creating enough value in the firm. Good thing they have made contacts in government, clients' businesses, politics and academia. That is the time to schedule coffee chats.

Even at the very top, lawyers spread their professional risk through multiple branding. Stephen Brogan at Jones Day, Joe Andrew at Dentons and Brad Karp at Paul Weiss developed deep roots in politics. As the old saying goes, the perception of power increases power. That particular protective strategy can have reach beyond what players do in such a sandbox.

Takeaway: You are not special. 

Data or the gut for your careers and communications? Both of course. Complimentary consultation with intuitive coach, content-creator, and Tarot reader Jane Genova (text 202-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com).


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