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Empathy and responsiveness
Cannot agree more
"open door policy" is real.
understands that there is life outside of work.
knows how to push back to the client (this is an incredibly underrated skill in my view).
Advocated for me, suggested opportunities (writing, conferences, etc), advocated for others and never once asked for anything for themselves (my favorite person has championed a number of other people for mentor awards), responsive, honest, well rounded, and has a good sense of character.
Answering the questions I ask. Gold star if not a yes or no question.
Enthusiast
Approachable, empathic, appreciative
All these are such good characteristics and I have so say so rare to find in partners I’ve worked with.
Strong leadership skills. Approachable. Someone you can come to with issues who will help you navigate them.
Most of the partners I have worked with have been pretty great in most of the ways others here have mentioned.
I would add, though, that the best partners from whom I've learned the most and felt the most supported were the ones with whom I was never afraid to disagree. There are obviously right ways and wrong ways to do so, but it is so underrated, being able to approach a partner and say, "Hey, so I hear what you're saying but I think you're wrong. Here's why...." and have them respond in a thoughtful manner.
Obviously they still turn out to have been correct most of the time--they generally got to where they are by being, in part, good and thoughtful lawyers with a lot of experience--but being able to have that conversation without fearing the consequences has been so important for my career, and I like to think it has served our clients better as well.
I used to work for partners like this too. I moved to a lower level firm two years ago who offered an insane amount of money to come there and I regret every minute despite the money. Most of the partners are insecure and are far from competent enough to actually meaningfully answer questions. It is so depressing.
The best partner I have worked for saw signs of my burnout before I felt like I could raise concerns about my workload. (I was doing a lot, but so were others, and it didn’t feel fair to complain.) She basically forced me on a two week international vacation and yelled at anyone who tried to contact me during that time.
Just to echo another comment, it’s extremely important to me if a partner is willing to push back on clients. It communicates that they care about (to an extent) the well-being of their associates and view that as a strong consideration even in the face of lots of money.
Agree with everything in here, but also: giving positive feedback. Even a “hey you did a great job with this” or a “hey things are really hectic, thank you for handling it so well.” Feeling seen makes the hard work a little easier
There when you need them but otherwise let you do your thing. Don’t needlessly re write your drafting if it doesn’t need it. Are commercial and don’t get worked up about stuff that doesn’t matter
Human
Welcoming in earnest corrections of or flagging potential oversights in their own work product