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February 16, 2026
Foley’s Newest Partners Share Advice for the Next Generation of Lawyers
A new generation of legal talent stands at the threshold of their careers, facing a rapidly evolving profession that bears little resemblance to the law practice of previous decades. At this critical juncture, the newest partners at Foley & Lardner LLP are extending a guiding hand to those following in their footsteps.
In a recent initiative, Foley’s newly elevated partners offered their collective wisdom to law students and early-career attorneys navigating the complex legal landscape. Despite their diverse backgrounds and practice areas, their advice converged around several fundamental principles that transcend specializations.
“The path to partnership isn’t linear,” noted one newly minted partner who specializes in corporate law. “What served me well was remaining flexible while staying focused on developing core competencies that would serve me regardless of which direction my career ultimately took.”
This sentiment echoes throughout the legal industry, where adaptability has become increasingly valuable. According to recent American Bar Association data, today’s law graduates will likely change practice areas at least twice in their first decade of practice—a stark contrast to previous generations of attorneys who often remained in a single specialty throughout their careers.
Several partners emphasized the importance of relationship-building, both within and outside the firm. “The technical aspects of law can be learned, but the ability to forge meaningful professional connections is invaluable,” explained a partner from the firm’s litigation practice. “I wish I’d understood earlier that the relationships you build with colleagues and clients ultimately define your career trajectory more than your academic credentials.”
The legal recruitment market supports this perspective. According to industry analysts, lateral hiring decisions increasingly prioritize a candidate’s relationship management skills and business development potential over traditional metrics like law school ranking or class standing.
Work-life integration—rather than the elusive concept of “balance”—emerged as another consistent theme. “The notion that you can completely separate your professional and personal life is outdated,” observed a partner in the intellectual property group. “Instead, focus on creating a sustainable approach that allows you to be present and effective in both domains without burning out.”
This advice comes at a critical time, as attorney well-being remains a significant concern across the profession. The National Task Force on Lawyer Well-Being reports that attorneys experience substance abuse and mental health issues at rates substantially higher than other professions—a reality that has prompted firms like Foley to implement comprehensive wellness initiatives.
Partners also stressed the importance of developing business acumen alongside legal expertise. “Understanding the commercial context of your work transforms you from a technical advisor to a strategic partner,” said a partner specializing in mergers and acquisitions. “Law school teaches you to think like a lawyer, but clients need you to think like a business person who happens to have legal expertise.”
This perspective aligns with evolving client expectations. According to a 2025 Thomson Reuters survey, corporate legal departments increasingly select outside counsel based on their understanding of business operations and industry trends rather than legal knowledge alone.
Perhaps most surprising was the partners’ unanimous emphasis on embracing failure as essential to professional growth. “The attorneys who progress most quickly are those who are willing to take on challenging assignments, make mistakes, learn from them, and move forward,” noted a partner in the firm’s regulatory practice. “Perfection is impossible, but continuous improvement is non-negotiable.”
Foley & Lardner, with its 175-year history and approximately 1,100 attorneys across 24 offices, has established itself as a leading full-service firm serving clients across industries including health care, energy, manufacturing, and technology. The firm’s partnership promotion process is known for its rigorous standards, making this cohort’s advice particularly valuable.
As the legal profession continues to transform under pressures from technology, globalization, and changing client demands, this guidance from those who have successfully navigated the path to partnership provides invaluable perspective for the next generation of legal talent.
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9 Comments
This enforcement push could have significant implications for mining and energy companies. It’s important they stay vigilant and ensure full compliance with all relevant regulations.
Agreed. Companies in these industries need to have robust compliance programs in place to mitigate False Claims Act risks.
It’s understandable the government wants to crack down on fraud, but this new False Claims Act push could end up overburdening compliant companies too. Balance is key.
Increased False Claims Act scrutiny could create compliance headaches for mining and energy firms. They’ll need to shore up their internal controls and documentation.
I’m curious to see how this intensified False Claims Act enforcement will impact the mining and energy sectors. Will it lead to more audits and investigations?
The prospect of heightened False Claims Act enforcement is concerning for the mining and commodities industries. Diligence and transparency will be paramount.
The False Claims Act has long been a powerful tool for the government to go after fraud. Stepping up enforcement is an interesting move, though the details will be important.
Yes, the specifics of how this is implemented will be crucial. Companies will need to closely monitor developments on this front.
I wonder what specific types of False Claims Act violations the government plans to target in the mining and energy spaces. This could have wide-ranging impacts.