I feel like no one will actually tell you what it really takes to get promoted. I hit my billables, stay out of trouble, and even take on extra work, but there's clearly some unspoken checklist I haven’t cracked. I've watched people with less experience get bumped up while I'm still waiting for a roadmap. Would you ask point-blank what the promotion criteria are, or just keep grinding and hope someone taps you on the shoulder?. I’ve watched three different colleagues get promoted while I stay stuck at the same title, even though I’m leading deals, mentoring juniors, and hitting every target they give me. I’m starting to think promotions are more about politics than performance.

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Posting as :
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It’s smart to ask, but frame it as wanting to grow, not just wanting a promotion. That opens the door for useful feedback and puts you on their radar. Waiting rarely pays off in law.

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This has happened to me, too, except that I’ve been told it’s in large part due to politics. The other issue I have faced, despite asking what more I need to do to grow, is that the goal post is constantly getting moved on me. I’ve taken it as a sign to start looking at my options elsewhere. If hard work, goodwill and investment in the firm and its clients, isn’t enough, I’m not sure where I’m at is where I want to be long term.

Not sure if that’s helpful, but my similar experience has made me have to rethink my plans and stare some possible cold, hard truths in the face.

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This - at this point I’ve given up. Job hopping is the most realistic way.

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The unspoken checklist = social skills and business development. What you’re doing right now is the bare minimum for an associate.

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That’s absolutely accurate. And that is (by far) the fastest way to get promoted n

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This is not complicated. It’s obvious what it takes— “be a good firm citizen.” Now, if you can decode that, you deserve every bit of that comp and then some.

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1) Generate business or 2) be a favorite of the equity partners (socialize, do great work, and solid client management that keeps heat off partners)

Or go in house

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Like many professions, it really has nothing to do with who's the best at the black and white job duties. This isn't just law. You can always find people to simply complete duties. And just because you do so doesn't mean there are de facto promotions like some machine where yp6u input an associate, add time, experience, and completion of duties and out spits a promoted individual. Higher ups have to like you, they have to be able to benefit directly from your advancement. Sometimes that means people get promoted who arent even that hood at their jobs because they bring some other benefit to the firm. Again, this is MANY professions.

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It’s a popularity contest. Are you popular?

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It’s always about politics

You need someone in the firm who is a "sponsor" for you. Your sponsor will help you get promoted, advocate for you to other partners in terms of assignments, bonuses, etc. The person will help you develop professionally and help you become successful within the firm.

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