Top 10 Secrets of Success from Winston & Strawn Hiring Committee Co-Chair Bill O’Neil

Winston & Strawn Hiring Committee Co-Chair William O’Neil authored “Top 10 Secrets of Success from a Partner,” an article featured in Lexis Practice Advisor’s 2018 Summer Survival Guide. In the article, Bill offers practical tips for BigLaw summer associates as they embark on one of the most important jobs in their career.

Bill stresses the importance of building durable, meaningful, and lasting relationships with attorneys at the firm. “I truly believe that the biggest predictor of success or failure in a large law firm is mentorship and sponsorship, which begins as a summer associate. Navigating the waters of your firm to ensure you get the best assignments on the most interesting transactions and cases takes wisdom and experience—those who have successfully chartered that path before you can be an invaluable resource,” he explains.

Bill’s top 10 tips:

1. Collect real, genuine, authentic relationships.
2. Be infectiously likeable.
3. Never lose sight of the fact that this a client service business.
4. Be vigilant about your internal reputation (i.e., your personal brand).
5. Set goals (in writing).
6. Be proactive.
7. Become a great student of your firm.
8. Disprove the millennial stereotypes.
9. Embrace face time.
10. Take care of yourself.