How I Made Partner: ‚It’s Okay if the Path You Take Is Not the Traditional One,‘ Says Jennifer Keighley of Orrick
Introduction
Many aspiring lawyers dream of becoming a partner at a prestigious law firm. For Jennifer Keighley, a partner at Orrick, her journey to partnership was not the traditional one. In this article, we will explore Jennifer’s unique path to making partner and the lessons she learned along the way.
Breaking the Mold
After graduating from law school, Jennifer Keighley started her career at Orrick as an associate. While many of her colleagues followed the typical track to partnership, Jennifer took a different approach. She focused on building strong relationships with clients, developing her expertise in a niche practice area, and taking on leadership roles within the firm.
Building Relationships
One of the key factors that helped Jennifer on her path to partnership was her ability to build strong relationships with clients. By providing exceptional service and going above and beyond for her clients, Jennifer was able to earn their trust and loyalty. This not only helped her build a successful practice but also set her apart from her peers.
Developing Expertise
In addition to building relationships with clients, Jennifer focused on developing her expertise in a niche practice area. By becoming a subject matter expert in a specialized area of the law, Jennifer was able to attract clients who needed her specific skills and knowledge. This allowed her to stand out in a crowded field and demonstrate her value to the firm.
Taking on Leadership Roles
Another important aspect of Jennifer’s journey to partnership was her willingness to take on leadership roles within the firm. By volunteering for committees, organizing events, and mentoring junior associates, Jennifer demonstrated her commitment to the firm and her ability to lead others. This not only helped her build a strong network within the firm but also showed her dedication to its success.
Lessons Learned
Throughout her career, Jennifer Keighley learned several important lessons that helped her achieve her goal of becoming a partner. One of the most important lessons was the importance of authenticity. Jennifer realized that being true to herself and her values was crucial to her success. By staying true to who she was and what she believed in, Jennifer was able to build genuine relationships with clients and colleagues that ultimately led to her partnership.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jennifer Keighley’s journey to partnership at Orrick serves as a reminder that the path to success is not always a straight line. By focusing on building relationships, developing expertise, and taking on leadership roles, Jennifer was able to achieve her goal of becoming a partner in a non-traditional way. Her story is a testament to the fact that it’s okay to forge your own path and follow your own unique journey to success.
FAQs
1. What advice do you have for aspiring lawyers who want to make partner?
My advice for aspiring lawyers is to focus on building strong relationships with clients, developing expertise in a niche practice area, and taking on leadership roles within the firm. By demonstrating your value to the firm and showing your commitment to its success, you can increase your chances of making partner.
2. How important is authenticity in achieving success?
Authenticity is crucial to achieving success. By staying true to yourself and your values, you can build genuine relationships with clients and colleagues that will ultimately benefit your career. Being authentic allows you to showcase your unique strengths and talents, which can set you apart from your peers.
3. What role did mentorship play in your journey to partnership?
Mentorship played a significant role in my journey to partnership. Having mentors who believed in me, supported me, and guided me along the way was invaluable. They provided me with valuable advice, challenged me to push myself, and helped me navigate the challenges of advancing in my career.
