Tamara Bruno: How I Made Partner

As a part of its Q&A, the publication asked Bruno what helped the firm decide to make her partner. Among other things, she said that she “joined Pillsbury in an earlier stage of a period of rapid growth for our insurance recovery group, which brought with it opportunities to work on significant matters with major clients.”

She added that she was “able to take on work in emerging issues, particularly cyber insurance, which helped shape the role I’m able to take on as a partner.”

Bruno also opined on the keys to successful business development.

“Incorporate some amount of business development into your routine every day, even if it’s just following up with a contact you haven’t spoken to for a while or sharing an article. Always keep an eye out for and pursue business development opportunities.  Organizations need volunteers, writers and speakers. You’ll find the opportunities if you look for them.”

She added: “Beyond that, it’s important to think ahead and recognize emerging issues in your practice area and your clients’ or potential clients’ businesses. The law is ever-evolving and often the most significant issues that your clients will need your help with as outside counsel are those that they have not experienced before. Understand where your services fit into the issues faced by your clients and be able to explain that concisely and in an actionable way.”

In her advice to associates who want to make partner, she suggested to “make yourself indispensable. Identify a role that you can effectively fill as a partner, whether it’s in an emerging or in-demand specialty, a geographic area, a major client relationship or some combination.”