​The Importance of the Right Captain

In sport, the best teams aren’t just made up of talent—they are shaped by great leaders. The difference between a promising young player reaching their full potential or fading into obscurity often comes down to the quality of their coach.

The same applies in law. As a junior lawyer, the firm you join matters, but the partner you work for matters even more. This person will shape your early years, influence your confidence, and ultimately set the trajectory for your career. A great partner can propel you towards success, while the wrong one can leave you stuck in a cycle of frustration and stagnation.

So, when evaluating where to start your career, ask yourself not just what firm do I want to work for?  but who do I want to learn from?

Signs of a Great Legal Leader

Like top-tier sports coaches, great legal mentors share common characteristics. They aren’t just technically excellent; they invest in their team, foster talent, and lead with purpose.

1. They Have a Track Record of Developing Junior Lawyers

A coach is only as good as the players they develop. The same applies to partners. A key question to ask: Have they successfully guided other junior lawyers through the ranks?

• Do they have former juniors who are now senior associates, special counsel, or even partners?

• Have they built a reputation for mentoring talent within the firm?

• Do people who trained under them stick around and progress, or do they leave as soon as possible?

If a partner has a history of developing junior lawyers into future firm leaders, chances are they’ll invest in your career, too. If not, you might just be another cog in their machine.

2. They Invest in Your Development—Not Just Your Billable Hours

The best legal leaders, like great coaches, don’t just issue orders; they teach, support, and elevate.

• Do they take time to explain the why behind tasks, rather than just expecting you to follow blindly?

• Do they provide meaningful feedback, helping you refine your skills rather than just correcting mistakes?

• Do they assign work that will help you grow, or are you just handling admin-heavy tasks with no learning value?

A partner who sees you as an investment will actively help you develop. One who sees you as just a resource, won’t.

3. They Are Accessible and Approachable

A great captain leads from within, not from an ivory tower. If a partner is impossible to approach or makes every interaction stressful, that’s a red flag.

• Do they have an open-door policy, or do juniors have to fight for their attention?

• Are they patient when answering questions, or do they make you feel like a burden?

• Do they engage with juniors outside of formal work settings, taking an interest in their growth?

If a partner is closed off, dismissive, or too busy to engage, you’ll struggle to gain meaningful experience.

4. They Give You Visibility and Ownership

Top-tier leaders elevate those around them. In law, that means giving juniors the opportunity to be seen and heard.

• Do they introduce you to clients early on, rather than keeping you behind the scenes?

• Do they acknowledge your contributions in meetings and emails?

• Do they encourage you to take the lead on smaller matters to build your confidence?

If a partner hogs the limelight and only gives juniors low-level work, they’re not developing future leaders—they’re just maintaining their own dominance.

5. They Balance High Expectations with a Growth Mindset

Every great athlete makes mistakes, and the best coaches use those moments to teach, not to berate. The same applies to law. A good partner:

• Sees mistakes as learning opportunities, not career-ending failures.

• Provides constructive feedback that helps you improve rather than just pointing out errors.

• Pushes you to grow while supporting you along the way.

A partner who reacts to every slip-up with anger or impatience will create a fearful environment where you’re afraid to take initiative. A strong leader builds confidence and resilience.

6. They Have a Clear Pathway for Your Career Progression

The best sports coaches don’t just train for the next game—they develop players for long-term success. A strong legal mentor does the same by:

• Mapping out a clear career pathway within the firm.

• Helping you build your own professional network early on.

• Encouraging you to take on challenges that prepare you for senior roles.

If a partner sees you only as a temporary resource, you’ll struggle to develop into a well-rounded lawyer. But if they are invested in your future, they’ll make sure you’re constantly progressing.

Choosing Wisely: Questions to Ask

When considering who to work under, ask yourself:

✅Have they successfully mentored other lawyers into senior roles?
✅Do they invest in developing talent, or just focus on their own billable hours?
✅Do they create opportunities for juniors to grow and be seen?
✅Are they respected as a leader within the firm, or just known for technical ability?
✅Would I trust this person to guide me through my first few years in law?

The Bottom Line

In sports, great coaches turn promising players into champions. In law, great partners turn junior lawyers into future firm leaders.

If you want a career where you grow, develop, and thrive, choose your mentor wisely.

You’re not just picking a job—you’re picking a leader. Make sure it’s the right one.