At last it feels like summer has started and with it a fresh round of promotion applications!
One of the conversations I find myself having repeatedly with lawyers in private practice is this:
“I’m working hard, hitting my targets and doing everything I’m supposed to be doing… so why does progression still feel unclear?”
This month: Promotion Ready: What law firms really look for
For many lawyers, particularly at Associate and Senior Associate level, there comes a point where technical ability alone no longer seems to be enough.
The challenge is that promotion criteria are often far broader – and far less explicitly discussed – than many people realise.
Law firms are not simply assessing legal ability. They are looking at visibility, commerciality, leadership potential, client relationships, confidence, internal profile, business development behaviours and how someone is perceived across the wider firm.
Yet most lawyers are never formally taught how to navigate that shift.
At the same time, many people understandably struggle with the idea of “putting themselves forward” or communicating their value without feeling uncomfortable, self-promotional or inauthentic.
On Thursday, I was joined by Hazel from Empowering Your Circle for a free lunchtime webinar focusing on what progression in private practice really looks like behind the scenes – and how lawyers can position themselves more strategically and confidently for the next stage of their career.
From the firm’s side:
• How expectations shift from Associate to Senior Associate and Partner level
• The often unspoken criteria firms assess beyond technical work
• Why strong performers can still be overlooked for progression
• What recruiters and decision-makers commonly discuss behind closed doors
From your side:
• Why “working hard” is not always enough on its own
• How imposter syndrome can show up, particularly at more senior levels
• Strategic visibility versus self-promotion
• How to communicate your value and contribution with greater confidence
The session was designed for lawyers in private practice who are thinking seriously about progression – whether that is Senior Associate, Counsel or Partnership – and who want a clearer understanding of how to move forward intentionally rather than simply hoping their hard work will eventually speak for itself.
You can view the session here on our YouTube Channel.
