She is accomplished. She is smart. She works hard. She doesn’t say no. But lawyers not much more senior seem to get the “choice” opportunities she has not yet had—like being in charge of key aspects of cases, having speaking roles in hearings, taking and defending important depositions, and going to trial. She wants the opportunities that they have. The good news is the steps to getting there are all within her control. The bad news is the first-chair role is likely not going to be handed to her unless she best positions herself to reach out and grab it.
This article provides tips for younger lawyers seeking to climb the steps toward that first-chair opportunity.