The Red Velvet Lawyer

As part of my summer concentration on books written by Seth Godin, I recently read his 2010 Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?  It ties to many of the themes I summarized in my post, “Leaning In” as a Woman Lawyer , found here .   Godin argues that with so many means of direct communication with so many different “tribes” in a hyper-competitive world, each one of us can make an indispensable contribution, as a linchpin, to a business, art, project, or something we care deeply about.  You have the choice of being indispensable.  Just make it. He defines linchpins as the “people who own their own means of production, who can make a difference, lead us, and connect us.”  “The linchpin is an individual who can walk into chaos and create order, someone who can invent, connect, create, and make things happen.  Every worthwhile institution has indispensable people who make differences like these.”   They are artists and givers of gifts.  They bring humanity to work.  They have visio

The June 2013 issue of the ABA Magazine features women who have ascended to the heights of law firm management.  It profiles seven women who currently operate as the managing partner in medium to ubber-large law firms.  Most of the women are in their late 40’s or early 50s, and they talk about the choices they made to get these positions in their firms.  I want to share some of their comments: Most importantly: Ask to take on the management responsibilities as your skills and credibility expand.  Don’t wait to be asked!  “Lean in.”  Do it consistently over a long period of time.  Actively create the future you want for yourself. Avoid any distractions from your top priorities.  Develop laser focus on your goals. Establish your credibility by being a very good lawyer who works hard.  Have a “dogged” work ethic. Build a lucrative book of business that gives you economic power within the firm. Show you have a “business mind” as well as a “practical legal mind.” Advance t