Why Adaptability Matters Most to Succeed in Law Firms
- Ad Min
- Nov 18, 2025
- 7 min read
Law firms today look very different from how they did a decade ago. Technology, global clients, and new working methods have changed what success means.
Long hours and technical skill still matter, but they're no longer enough. Adaptability, collaboration, and emotional intelligence really shape a lawyer's career.
The best lawyers don't just give advice; they understand people, build trust, and keep learning. That's what helps them stay relevant and grow in an industry that never stands still.
One person who understands this journey deeply is John Balsdon. He spent over 30 years in international law, leading major energy and infrastructure projects across more than 50 countries.
Until 2024, he was a senior partner at Latham & Watkins, heading the Energy and Infrastructure Project Finance Group in London.
Before that, he led the global energy practice at Herbert Smith Freehills and built his early career at Clifford Chance in Moscow.
Known for his commercial insight and mentoring style, John guided teams, built long-term client relationships, and created real impact.
After retiring, he turned to photography through AlwaysLookTwice.com, showing that growth doesn't stop when a career ends, it just changes shape.
This article will explore what John learned about succeeding in law firms, from adapting to new challenges and managing change to leading with empathy, balance, and purpose.
How a Chance Move Helped John Balsdon Succeed in Law Firms
Some careers follow plans. John Balsdon didn't. He never aimed to be a lawyer. After studying at Warwick University, he simply looked for the best-paying traineeship.
That's how he joined Brookshire and Company in London. There was no family background in law, just curiosity and practicality.
Later, he moved to Addleshaw in Manchester for personal reasons. Those early years were uncertain and tough. Still, each step taught him something and built the confidence he didn't know he needed.
The Turning Point
Real estate law wasn't a match. The work felt dull and repetitive. Then came a twist. Clifford Chance offered John a short three-week posting in Moscow. He accepted, hoping for a break from real estate.
That trip turned into ten and a half years. Working under Tony Williams, one of Clifford Chance's sharpest leaders, changed him. Tony demanded clarity and confidence. John learned to think fast, act decisively, and explain complex deals clearly.
In Moscow, he found his space in energy and project finance. The work clicked. It felt real and exciting. Within five years, he became a partner. What started as an escape became a defining career move.
What Partners Do to Succeed in Law Firms
John believes real success goes beyond hours billed. It's about teamwork, trust, and smart choices.
Firm-wide Thinking: Good partners connect the dots. They bring finance, corporate, and disputes teams together to support clients.
Inspiring Others: Leadership isn't about control. John says people work hard for those who respect and value them. Small encouragements build loyalty faster than pressure.
Choosing the Right Clients: Not every client deserves equal focus. He learned to invest time where appreciation and growth meet.
The Lessons Behind It All
Moscow taught John that success means taking responsibility, building teams, and leading purposefully. It's not about ego but understanding people and making the right choices.
How Lawyers Can Succeed in Law Firms After Moving Offices
Success in law isn't only about talent. It's also about knowing how to adjust when things change. Every lawyer grows at a different pace.
Some thrive in structured teams. Others perform better when given freedom and trust. The quicker you figure out where you fit, the faster you move forward.
Adjusting to a New Firm or Market
When you join a new firm or return from an overseas office, treat it like a clean slate. Learn how the firm runs, who its main clients are, and what problems they need solved.
Don't copy what worked before. The clients, markets, and pricing will differ, and what made sense elsewhere might not work now.
To build momentum again:
Understand the client base. Find out which industries the firm serves and how your experience can help.
Refocus your approach. If you worked with lenders before, look at opportunities with borrowers or sponsors.
Collaborate across teams. Offer to work with other departments so your work adds wider value.
Stay visible. Share your knowledge through talks or client meetings to show what you bring.
Why Some Lawyers Struggle to Reintegrate
Many lawyers stumble because they don't adapt quickly enough. They keep using old habits and expect the same results.
Markets shift. Clients expect different things. Success comes from humility, willingness to learn, asking for help, and adjusting your strategy fast.
Isolation is another trap. Relationships matter. Build trust with colleagues early, because teamwork often brings more opportunities than working alone.
Balancing Drive and Support to Succeed in Law Firms
Adjustment is a shared effort. The lawyer must take ownership, but the firm should also help by making introductions and supporting collaboration.
When both sides commit, progress becomes faster and smoother. Adaptability, curiosity, and openness to change turn new starts into lasting success.
How to Succeed in Law Firms as a Lateral Partner
Moving to a new law firm isn't just changing offices. It's a complete reset. What made you successful before won't always work now.
Every firm has its own rhythm, culture, and unspoken rules. The faster you understand those, the faster you'll find your place and start performing again.
Fit In Before You Lead
When you join, don't rush to lead. Take time to learn how the firm really works. Watch how decisions happen, how people communicate, and what the clients value most.
Build trust first by doing good work and being consistent. Once people know you can deliver, your influence will grow naturally.
What Makes a Move Successful
A strong move is built on three habits: adaptability, curiosity, and connection.
Adaptability means adjusting to new systems instead of holding onto old ones.
Curiosity helps you understand how the firm prices, staffs, and serves its clients.
Connection builds trust, so others want to include you in key projects.
Law firms value collaboration more than competition. The best partners know success grows when everyone shares clients and credit.
Managing Politics and Culture to Succeed in Law Firms
Every workplace has politics. You don't avoid them, you handle them wisely. Stay professional, treat people fairly, and keep private issues private.
Support colleagues publicly. People notice those who stay calm and dependable under pressure. That's how you build long-term trust and credibility.
Why Some Partners Fail
Many lateral hires fail because they:
Assume their old success will follow them.
Resist learning new systems or approaches.
Ignore internal culture and relationships.
Avoid teamwork and try to work alone.
Move only for higher pay, not real growth.
The successful lawyers adapt fast, connect deeply, and focus on learning before leading. They fit in first, then stand out.
Future Skills You Need to Succeed in Law Firms
Law firms are changing fast; success now requires more than legal expertise. Partners need emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to work with technology.
Emotional Intelligence Is Key
Emotional intelligence, or EQ, is crucial for success. It helps partners lead effectively, manage pressure, and connect with clients.
A partner with high EQ can read a room, know when to speak, and handle stress calmly. This builds trust with clients and keeps teams motivated.
Mentorship Remains Vital
Law is still a hands-on profession. You can't just learn it online; you must observe and work alongside experienced lawyers. Firms must find ways to keep mentorship alive in a hybrid work world.
Firms should:
Encourage in-person collaboration at least a few days a week.
Make mentoring intentional, not just casual advice.
This way, younger lawyers can learn the skills best taught in person.
How AI Can Help You Succeed in Law Firms
AI is transforming the legal industry. It's already helping firms draft documents, review contracts, and analyze data faster than ever. Firms that manage their data and precedents effectively will move ahead.
Learning how to use AI tools is just as important for young lawyers as knowing the law. Those who master these tools early will adapt quickly to changes in the profession. To succeed in the future, law firm partners need to combine empathy, mentorship, and technology.
Law will always be about relationships and judgment, but the partners of tomorrow will let AI handle the routine tasks. This way, they can focus on what truly matters: leading, guiding, and making decisions.
Conclusion
Success in law firms isn't about luck or titles. It's about how you grow, adapt, and work with people. The lawyers who move forward are the ones who stay curious, keep learning, and build real relationships.
Skills matter, but how you handle people matters more. Clients trust those who listen and deliver. Teams respect those who share credit and help others do better.
Every stage of a legal career needs balance. When you join a new firm, listen before you lead. When you make a partner, focus on building others, not just yourself.
And when the industry shifts, like with AI, don't resist change; learn from it. Technology can make work faster, but judgment, empathy, and human connection still drive real success.
The lawyers who succeed think long-term. They stay calm under pressure, kind when it's hard, and open when things change. They mix confidence with humility and lead by example.
To succeed in law firms, keep your goals clear but your approach flexible. Keep learning, adapting, and keeping people at the center of everything you do.
Law will always be about relationships, trust, and doing your best work, day after day. That's what lasting success really looks like.
FAQs
How can young lawyers succeed in law firms without long experience?
Start by learning fast, asking smart questions, and building trust with senior lawyers. Focus on doing small tasks well and showing consistency. Over time, reliability builds your reputation faster than experience alone.
How do soft skills help you succeed in law firms?
Soft skills like listening, empathy, and communication turn good lawyers into great ones. They help you understand clients better, work well with teams, and avoid unnecessary conflict.
Can work-life balance exist if you want to succeed in law firms?
Yes, but it takes planning. Learn to set priorities, manage energy, and protect personal time. Balance keeps your focus sharp and your motivation alive.
Why do some talented lawyers struggle to succeed in law firms?
Because talent alone isn't enough, many fail to adapt, ignore relationships, or resist learning new working methods.
How can junior lawyers build visibility to succeed in law firms?
Speak up in meetings, volunteer for projects, and share useful insights. Visibility grows when others see you add value regularly.
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