June 2025: Jim Robinson is a partner in our Miami Office. He also Chairs our Americas Operations Council and serves as the Regional Section Head for our Litigation Section. Before you dive into our Battle of the Practices series, read what Jim has to say about getting started in BigLaw and how to position yourself for success in this exciting career.
What do you find most impactful about being a lawyer?
I believe that our advocacy as lawyers sets us apart from other careers. Every day, we're trying to get things done in order to achieve our clients' goals. We're fighters and defenders too. What we do has real-world impact; from the deals that make the headlines to the new buildings changing our horizons or companies shaping our world.
What does a Big Law firm do?
Essentially, we provide multiple legal services across regions and across practice groups to business clients, rather than individuals. Of course, we're still working with our colleagues and our client contacts every day on a personal level. This is definitely a people business.
How can I decide what firm is a good fit for me?
Every BigLaw firm has a website, social media presence and an established 'brand' that sets it apart from others. Do your research—does the firm's values align with yours? There are many resources to help you learn about the work, people and culture at individual firms. Attend their events at your campus to meet their people and learn more about their work.
There are also virtual learning programs; workshops, campus events; and, of course, the Summer Program. Typically, that's a ten-week experience across multiple teams, with many chances to also get to know lawyers in informal settings.
Once you decide which firms you're interested in, you'll definitely get a sense of a firm's personality during the interview process. Take the time to speak to the people that you'll encounter and ask them about the workplace culture. What do they enjoy about coming to work every day?
Do I need to know what kind of lawyer I want to be straight away?
Very few people come to this Firm as a summer associate with their mind already made up about what they're going to do. It's only really when you start getting exposure to different areas that you'll discover the right path for you.
Our Battle of the Practices series explains the varied work that our lawyers do and help you understand the traits that lead to success in their teams.
What are the main pathways for junior lawyers?
Essentially, lawyers generally perform either litigation or transactional work. I'm a litigation lawyer, so on my team, summer or junior associates begin with research and writing tasks or discovery work.
As a mid-level associate, you begin to participate in depositions and hearings, and also take on supervisory roles. Senior associates run multiple cases and supervise others. Transactional lawyers likewise take on similar levels of responsibility as they progress.
Is making partner the only career track?
There are many pathways within the law. Some people will stay at their firm and become a partner. Others decide that they are more fitted to an in-house role, working in a U.S.'s Attorney's Office or ultimately move to another firm better aligned with their interests and skills.
What's the best way for junior lawyers to develop and grow?
Be proactive. Don't wait for the game to come to you! Be available and responsive and open to taking on work in new areas. Start building your network early, beginning with your own cohort in law school and external organizations, like the local bar association in your city. These connections will remain valuable throughout your career – they'll be your peers, your friends and maybe even your future clients.
Ready to dive deeper? See how different practice areas stack up in our Battle of the Practices series, where you'll get a firsthand look at the kind of work our lawyers do—and which path might be the right fit for you.
