In today’s episode, I am joined by Joe Glynias, chair of Husch Blackwell. He is based in St. Louis and focuses his practice on employment law. As a former Executive Board member, Joe helped modernize the firm’s evaluation metrics and became Husch Blackwell's chair on April 1, 2024. He co-led the launch of HB In-House, a unique career development program designed to help lawyers transition to in-house roles and enhance client service.

We discuss how law firm lawyers can better understand in-house roles to enhance client service and prepare for potential transitions to in-house positions. Joe shares insights into HB In-House and how this program not only provides educational modules but also opportunities for secondments and job matching, offering a comprehensive approach to professional development.

Our conversation illustrates innovative ways law firms can better serve their clients and their lawyers with structured professional development programs and fostering open career path discussions.

At a glance:

• 00:00 – Introduction by Laura Terrell

• 00:20 – Understanding in-house roles

• 03:18 – Joe Glynias’s professional background and journey

• 05:08 – Overview of the HB In-House program

• 07:00 – Detailed breakdown of the program's curriculum

• 08:44 – Eligibility and application process for the program

• 10:24 – Client involvement and feedback on the program

• 12:32 – Importance of understanding client businesses

• 15:09 – Building better client relationships

• 17:06 – Historical approach vs. current structured program

• 18:33 – Handling job placement and matching

• 20:30 – Enhancing internal conversations about in-house transitions

• 22:06 – Feedback from alumni and in-house mentors

• 23:24 – Importance of maintaining strong alumni relationships

• 24:36 – Philosophical approach to client relationships

• 25:49 – Industry response and future growth of the program

• 28:05 – Delivery methods and cohort relationships

• 29:11 – Future plans and potential curriculum pivots

• 32:15 – Husch Blackwell’s business approach and leadership

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How to reach Joe Glynias:

joe.glynias@huschblackwell.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-glynias

http://www.huschblackwell.com

Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? - here are ways to reach out to her:

www.lauraterrell.com

laura@lauraterrell.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/

Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast

In today’s episode, I discuss more of the pressing questions and challenges that associates in large law firms frequently face, including how to handle situations such as contemplating a job change without a new position lined up, understanding the critical importance of billable hours, navigating the realities of unlimited PTO, and finding a fulfilling role in big law without becoming a rainmaker.

At a glance:

• 02:25 - Temporary vs. permanent need for a break

• 03:09 - Exploring family medical leave and sabbaticals

• 04:24 - Considering a permanent break and understanding its implications

• 05:09 - Financial preparedness and exploring options before making a decision

• 06:40 - The reality and expectations of billable hours in large law firms

• 07:54 - Consequences of not meeting billable hours and proactive measures

• 08:55 - Addressing non-billable work and taking steps to increase billable hours

• 10:30 - Understanding the professional expectations behind unlimited PTO

• 11:51 - Balancing time off with client obligations

• 12:34 - Preparing in advance for taking PTO and setting boundaries

• 12:59 - Realities of unlimited PTO in big law and planning for feasible time off

• 16:03 - Roles and opportunities for attorneys not interested in business development

• 16:57 - Exploring non-equity partner positions and other firm roles

• 17:25 - Evaluating firms based on their expectations and your career aspirations

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify

Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life? Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.

For Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast here!

For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.

Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting? - here are ways to reach out to her:

www.lauraterrell.com

laura@lauraterrell.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/

Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast