Becoming a partner at a successful law firm is a milestone many lawyers hope to achieve. Traditionally, the path to partnership has been well-defined, requiring hard work, dedication and incremental steps.

Although this remains true for most journeys to partner, the rapidly changing legal landscape has opened up new doors that lead to partnership.

In this blog post, we explore how to become a partner in a law firm by following the traditional path and alternative ways to stand out from the crowd.

The traditional path to partnership

Firstly, let's look at a 'traditional' path of how to become a partner in a law firm. These are generic steps you'll likely have to follow in some capacity to reach that coveted partner status, although they may differ depending on the type of firm you’re at.

1. Law school and bar exam

Your journey into law will likely begin with earning your law degree and passing the bar exam. The law bar exam is a professional qualification exam for lawyers across the UK. After passing this exam, you'll be certified to practice as an advocate and perform licensed activities done by legal professionals.

The foundational knowledge you gain throughout earning your law degree and passing the exam is essential to building a successful law career.

2. Your first foot on the legal ladder

Whether as a paralegal, associate or junior lawyer, these formative years in a law career can be pivotal. You'll gain valuable experience and work on cases, building your reputation and know-how.

If you haven't decided already, this career period can help you choose which field of law to explore. Whether it's criminal, administrative or corporate law, your time working on cases will be pivotal in building your learning.