How I Made Partner: Jones Walker's Lara Pringle
"Take ownership of your work rather than waiting for an assignment. Drive your own career and you will be successful."
October 03, 2019 at 12:47 PM
4 minute read
Photo: Shutterstock
Lara Pringle, 38, Jones Walker
Office: Houston.
Practice area: Litigation.
Law school and year of graduation: Baylor University School of Law, 2006.
How long have you been at the firm? I joined Jones Walker in November 2009.
How long were you an associate at the firm? From November 2009 to December 2012.
Were you an associate at another firm before joining your present firm? I was at Norton Rose Fulbright (formerly Fulbright & Jaworski) from September 2006 through November 2009 when I left to join Jones Walker.
What year did you make partner at your current firm? 2013.
Lara Pringle.
What's the biggest surprise you experienced in becoming partner? Since becoming partner, I have a new level of accountability as a leader of the firm. It is all about balancing these new responsibilities, like developing new business, while maintaining a high level of service for current clients as well as mentoring younger associates.
What do you think was the deciding point for the firm in making you partner? The firm saw potential in me. During my time as an associate, I cultivated long-lasting relationships with clients and established myself in the Houston community. I really strived to own my work instead of just doing the assignments I was given. I am dedicated to my volunteer efforts with the Houston Rodeo and Texas A&M University Young Leader Advisory Board. I believe that it was through these efforts that partners saw the potential in me as a leader moving forward.
Describe how you feel now about your career now that you've made partner. I feel great about having a seat at the table during firm strategy discussions. I have a real voice when it comes to discussing the growth of the firm in this region and developing a future for this office.
What's the key to successful business development in your opinion? Creating and maintaining lasting relationships. Period. Building these relationships with clients is a marathon, not a sprint. You have to develop trust over time by being highly responsive and delivering great client service.
What's been the biggest change, day-to-day, in your routine since becoming partner? In addition to now being involved in strategy and meeting with firm management, I help drive high-level case strategies with my fellow partners. The strategizing and collaborating for our firm and for our clients is crucial in determining our success.
Who had the greatest influence in your career that helped propel you to partner? I would have to say the other women attorneys in the Houston office really helped push me forward in my career. One partner, in particular, Krystal Scott, has been my greatest influence, and we have worked to build one another up as we progress in our careers. We were fortunate to begin as clerks together at our former firm and worked together through to partner level. It is always helpful to have someone on the same path with the same drive. This journey is not an easy one and we are stronger together.
What's the best piece of advice you could give an associate who wants to make partner? Be very responsive to your external and internal clients. Take ownership of your work rather than waiting for an assignment. Drive your own career and you will be successful.
Have you joined our group ALM Young Professionals Network on LinkedIn? We're having powerful conversations that tackle the challenges we all face early in our careers. Request to join here.
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