Struggling? You're Not Alone. The networks every lawyer needs.
When I speak to women lawyers on the pathway to partnership, I see a recurring pattern that quietly undermines their progress. It’s not a lack of technical skill. It’s not a lack of ambition. It’s this: trying to do it all alone.
This is the third in my series on the biggest mistakes I see women lawyers make on the journey to partnership. We’ve already covered:
Thinking that partnership is just “more of the same” as being a lawyer.
Not getting clear enough on what you want from a law firm.
And today, I want to talk about the third: not building the right support network—both emotionally and strategically.
Why Going It Alone Doesn’t Work
Law can be a deeply lonely profession. I’ve spoken to women who used to cry on their commute, then walk into the office smiling like everything was fine. I’ve felt that pressure myself—the pressure to be high-functioning, perfect, always on.
But here’s the truth: you can’t thrive in isolation. You can’t be your best, most impactful self if you feel disconnected, unsupported, and overwhelmed.
And yet, so many women lawyers wait too long to build the network that would sustain them—both as people and as professionals.
Let’s break this down.
1. You Need Emotional Support (Yes, You Really Do)
No matter how brilliant, driven, or capable you are, you are also human. You face stress, uncertainty, conflict, and moments of doubt—often daily.
The first layer of your network should be a safe space where you can say:
“This is hard.”
“I don’t know how to deal with this situation.”
“I feel alone.”
That’s exactly why I created Firm Women Breakfasts in Paris, and it’s a core reason behind my Pathway to Partnership programme. Women come to these spaces and breathe a sigh of relief: “I’m not the only one.”
Because here’s the thing—you can’t build a strong career on a shaky foundation. If you’re feeling anxious, stressed, or burnt out, that is your number one priority. You don’t need to “push through.” You need support.
2. You Need the Right Strategic Relationships
Let’s talk about career support now—because success in law isn’t just about doing great legal work. It’s about who you know, and who knows you.
Think about three key categories of relationships:
A. Technical Support
Who do you turn to when you don’t know the answer?
Hopefully, your partner or colleagues. But if not, consider:
Working groups and legal associations
Academics
In-house counsel (they love being asked for their opinion)
Trusted contacts in other firms (bearing in mind confidentiality, of course)
You should never feel like asking a question is a weakness. It's a strength.
B. Career Advancement Support
These are your mentors, sponsors, and champions.
The best sponsors I’ve heard about—time and again—are often male partners who see your potential and open doors. Don’t overlook them.
One great mentorship structure I’ve come across includes:
A peer (mid-career lawyer) who understands your day-to-day
A senior sponsor who brings connections and high-level perspective
C. Work Origination Relationships
Most work doesn’t come directly from clients—it comes from other lawyers. So ask yourself:
Where did your work come from in the past 12 months?
Was it another office? Another department?
Who referred that work? And how can you continue nurturing those relationships?
Give back. Be visible. Create value. That’s how you stay top of mind.
3. You Need Someone to Talk Through the Daily (but Crucial) Stuff
This is the role I play for many of my clients. Because sometimes you need a space to say:
“I have a tough meeting this afternoon—how do I show up with confidence?”
“My partner and I aren’t aligned—how do I address it?”
“How do I speak up in a meeting when I feel like I’m not ready?”
“What should my business plan look like?”
These are not trivial questions. They’re the real questions. And when you have someone to talk them through with, you gain clarity, energy, and a massive amount of time.
You move forward with purpose.
Ready to Reflect on Your Next Step?
If you’re curious about where you stand on your pathway to partnership, I’ve recently launched a new initiative: Partnership Evaluation Hour. We spend 60 to 90 minutes together looking at the core skills needed for partnership, where you are now, and where to focus next.
If you're even thinking about partnership, this is a powerful way to get clear.
And finally…
You do not have to do this alone. In fact, you shouldn’t.
Your network—emotional, strategic, practical—is not a luxury. It’s your lifeline. Build it. Invest in it. Let it support you as you rise.
With warmth and solidarity,
Cecilia Poullain
P.S. If you’re feeling the pressure and don’t know who to talk to, reach out. Whether it’s with me or someone else, don’t wait to build the support you deserve.