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I want to make it big in law. I do not mind the work hours and my only point in life is to make it big, professionally and financially. To see my parents live the life they wished I would live in. To give them all they wanted but avoided for me and my sister.
I am now confused though. Have there been T1 partners who have made it big from such backgrounds. I mean I come from a family which has been big on education as that is all we have. I see a lot of associates from family like me, a lot many from higher better families too. I know there is a level of advantage to latter but I want to hear that this advantage is not the only thing. That I can make a pattern without say knowing how will I bring business to the firm. Would that happen with my profesional connections? How? My veins need to know, I just need to know so that I start preparing, I will give it my all. I will.
So, keep faith in what you know and you do; and dont loose your efforts. The things will fall in their place and destiny will take you where you belong.
I think your question is can someone without clientele become a partner. Yes, absolutely they can.
Logic: A PA3 could get offer for partnership from T2 / T1 law firms. His EP would not want him to leave so he would offer partnership.
Some firms also have targets - bill enough and become a partner. Lots of partners IK do not gave connections / contacts/ clientele.
Having said that, you should also look out for building connections & networking - not from requirement standpoint but growth.
The one extra piece of unsolicited advise I will give you is to have extremely thick skin and look at the substance of the criticism and how it relates to your work. If it is all personal (which it can be) then ignore it and if it has an element of critique about your work focus on just that. Eventually seeing someone unflappable under pressure is what will make your reputation for you. Another thing is that AZB'ites tend to be nicer to you after you have spent a few (about 6) years in the firm since you are then an insider. Once you become an insider you should have more occasional reprimands (mostly around appraisal time).
I will also encourage you to not carry that culture through to the people you work with since most associates get carried away and take pride in emulating those that were most severe on them. Differentiating yourself and endearing yourself to many at the firm will make your rise faster.
- Partner in a Tier - 1 law firm