Name: Jackie Cohen

Category: Law Firm: Collaborative Leadership

Firm/Company: Weil, Gotshal & Manges

Title: Partner

Time in Position: Since 2011

What was your route to the top?

I started as an associate at Simpson Thacher [& Bartlett] in 1997, tested the waters in-house at Morgan Stanley in 2001, returned to private practice at Dewey Ballantine from 2002 until 2007, when I left to pursue and entrepreneurial dream, opening a yarn shop in the suburbs of New York City. I decided to return to BigLaw in 2007 and took a position as a senior associate at Weil and became partner Jan. 1, 2011. Along the way, I made sure to take advantage of all the opportunities offered to me. In addition, I had two children while I was a senior associate at Weil.

What keeps you up at night? 

Making sure that I am always thinking a step ahead for my clients. Constantly thinking about what I can be doing to continue to develop and nurture deep and long-lasting relationships with clients, potential clients and colleagues. Making sure my clients are satisfied and actually enjoying the process of working with me and my team on their matters.

What is the best leadership advice you've given or received, and why do you think it was effective?

You must have the support of your team to be successful. In order to get support, you must BE supportive. Keep in mind your team members' individual goals and make achieving them part of the team culture. This has always been effective for me because if you are serving everyone's interests, everyone will be more satisfied with their job, making them better contributors.

Looking back, what do you wish you had known when you started out in the legal profession?

The importance of mentors. You need people to guide you, to give you constructive feedback, and to champion you. The best way to get a mentor is to do good work for them. That will lead them to want to contribute to your success. You should be mindful of who your champions are and seek to have at least one who has the power and influence to support your goals. I wish I had known and understood the importance of networking and building long-term relationships. Keep in touch with everyone!

What is the most valuable career advice anyone has ever given you?

You will never make a better impression than by doing good work. This is so true. Our clients, internal and external, want to look good. If you make life easier for them, help them make decisions, and execute flawlessly, everyone benefits.