You are the one everyone can count on.

You pick up extra work. You respond to emails late at night. You make sure deadlines are met, cases move forward, and senior partners look good. You are the reliable one.

And yet, when it comes to your own career?

You’re waiting.

Waiting for the promotion.
Waiting for the salary increase.
Waiting for someone to tell you what’s next.

The truth is, you have done everything right. But here’s what no one tells you: law firms don’t reward hard work alone. They reward those who make their value known.

Why the “Keep Your Head Down” Strategy is Holding You Back

Many women attorneys believe that if they work hard, stay available, and prove their dedication, their firm will reward them.

But law firms don’t operate on fairness. They operate on visibility and leverage.

• Promotions don’t always go to the most capable attorneys. They go to the ones who position themselves strategically.
• Raises and leadership roles are not handed out. They are negotiated.
• Your firm’s leadership is not tracking your contributions the way you are. They won’t offer what they don’t know you want.

This means that if you’re not actively advocating for your career, you are unintentionally holding yourself back.

How to Step Into the Career You Deserve

If you are feeling stuck, the problem is not your talent or work ethic. It is that no one has ever shown you how to position yourself for success.

Here’s where we start:

• Define What Success Looks Like for You

• Do you want to make partner, lead a practice group, or shift into a new role?
• What skills, relationships, and contributions will get you there?
• You don’t have to wait for someone else to map out your future. You get to decide.
• Learn How Decisions Get Made

• Who is really making the calls on promotions and pay increases?
• What do they look for in leadership?
• Once you understand how the system works, you can start using it to your advantage.
• Build Influence, Not Just a Reputation for Hard Work

• It’s not enough to be reliable. You need to be seen as a leader.
• Strengthen your voice in meetings, negotiations, and firm-wide discussions.
• Make it clear that you are ready for the next step.
• Position Yourself for Growth

• Look for high-visibility assignments that put you in front of key decision-makers.
• Build strong relationships within your firm, not just with mentors but with sponsors who will advocate for you.
• Learn to navigate office politics in a way that aligns with your values.
• Master the Art of Self-Advocacy

• Be confident in conversations about salary, promotions, and leadership roles.
• Learn how to frame your value in a way that firms respect.
• Make self-advocacy a habit, not a one-time event.
• Create a Career That Supports Your Life

• Set boundaries that allow for long-term success without burnout.
• Negotiate flexibility and opportunities that align with your goals.
• Build a professional reputation that gives you control over your own path.

The Career You Want Will Not Build Itself

You do not have to leave your firm to build the career you want. But you do have to step up and claim it.

You don’t have to do it alone.

I work with women attorneys who are ready to move beyond just “doing great work” and start owning their career trajectory. Together, we’ll develop a strategy that puts you in control—so you stop waiting and start advancing.

Schedule a consultation today, and let’s map out your next move.