A young lawyer's success begins with developing a reputation for producing an excellent work product, for being prepared and for being a team player. This is achieved only through hard work and sometimes long nights and weekends. That is why success requires discipline and a capacity to tolerate isolation. Sometimes your friends are stepping out but you have to stay in. Consistent, superior performance is the best way to stay on track.
Law firms are businesses.
If you are a top producer, there is a much better chance that you and the firm can develop a mutually beneficial relationship. What sets any lawyer apart from the pack is the ability to add value to the firm and to cultivate professional and business relationships. A strong sense of self and a little luck, too, can make all the difference in the world. To me, achieving partnership by itself is somewhat hollow if young lawyers do not have the will and capacity to build a highway for others. I didn't get to the firm by myself.