Mistake #1: Thinking Partnership Is More Of The Same

I’ve just returned from a restful holiday, and something surprising struck me while I was away: I missed being here with you. These weekly conversations — exploring what it means to be a woman on the pathway to partnership — light me up in a way few things do.

So, I’m thrilled to be back with a brand-new series: The Six Most Common Mistakes Women Lawyers Make on the Road to Partnership. Over the next six weeks, I’ll be diving into each one — starting today with a big one:

Mistake #1: Thinking That Partnership Is Just the Next Logical Step

It’s one of the most common assumptions I see. You’ve been working hard, progressing steadily — associate, senior associate, counsel — and so naturally, partnership is the next rung on the ladder, right?

But here’s the truth I want you to hear clearly: partnership isn’t just another promotion. It’s a completely different job.

When you become a partner, you don’t just become a more senior lawyer. You become a business owner.

That shift — from technician to leader, from employee to owner — is profound. And many women only realise this after they’ve stepped into the role. They look around and think, “This isn’t what I signed up for.”

They feel exposed. Overwhelmed. Underprepared. Alone.

The End of the Safety Net

As a partner, there’s no one “above” you to rescue you when things go wrong. You’re no longer protected from client disputes, team conflict, or internal politics. It’s your responsibility to navigate it all — from leading client relationships to negotiating with your fellow partners for resources.

And for many women, especially those who’ve excelled by being diligent and reliable, that can be terrifying.

So Why Do Women Want to Become Partners?

In my Pathway to Partnership program, I’ve heard two dominant reasons from women:

1. They want a seat at the table.
   They’re tired of simply executing other people’s decisions. They want to make the decisions — about strategy, about clients, about direction.

2. They’re seeking recognition.
   They’ve watched peers rise while they stay stuck. They feel invisible — as if their contributions aren’t being seen or valued.

Both are completely legitimate.

But if these are your reasons, I urge you to go deeper. Because unless you understand what you’re stepping into as a partner, those motivations may not be enough to sustain you through the challenges ahead.

What Does Being a Partner Actually Require?

The list is long. And it’s not just about law.

Yes, you still need to:

• Stay on top of case law and legal developments

• Do client work

• Supervise younger lawyers

But you also need to:

• Manage people and teams (a skill few lawyers are trained in)

• Attract and retain clients (this means developing a clear market position and learning how to pitch)

• Lead sales conversations (yes, sales — and no, that doesn’t mean being pushy)

• Communicate with impact — whether with clients, partners, or junior team members

• Handle conflict constructively (no more avoiding tough conversations)

• Think on your feet — especially when a client throws you a curveball

• Understand the finances — billing, budgeting, taxes, profitability

• Contribute to business strategy — where is the firm going in 3, 5, 10 years?

• Create or improve operational processes — especially in smaller firms

And I’m sure I’ve missed things. But the point is clear: partnership is a multidimensional role. You’re no longer just practicing law — you’re shaping a business.

A Demanding but Fascinating Career

What’s exciting is that this makes partnership a rich, expansive, never-boring career. There’s always something new to learn. New skills to develop. New challenges to tackle.

But that’s also what makes it so demanding.

And unless you have a strategy for how to build those skills — deliberately and gradually — it can feel like you’re drowning in a sea of expectations.

So What’s the Solution?

You don’t need to master everything at once. In fact, trying to do that is a recipe for burnout.

Instead, I recommend creating a learning strategy:

1. Identify your quick wins — What are the easier skills you can tackle first?

2. Prioritise the long-game — What’s more complex and needs sustained development?

3. Seek support — Who can help you learn? Mentors? Coaches? Senior partners?

4. Create a timeline — Not everything needs to happen now. Pace yourself.

5. Stay curious — This is a journey of growth. Keep asking: “What’s the next thing I need to learn?”

Final Thoughts

If you're thinking about partnership, don’t just ask: “How do I become a partner?”

Ask:

“Am I ready to become a business owner?”
“Do I understand the scope of this role?”
“Am I excited to lead, to grow, to learn — not just to earn a title?”

Because partnership can be deeply rewarding. But only if you’re stepping into it with your eyes wide open.

Want to Know What the Other Mistakes Are?

I’ve put together a guide to the Six Mistakes Women Lawyers Make on the Pathway to Partnership. You’ll find it linked here. It’s a powerful tool to help you reflect, realign, and step into partnership from a place of intention.

I’ll be back next week with Mistake #2, and until then, keep asking bold questions.

With warmth and clarity,
Cecilia Poullain