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OPINION FEBRUARY 1, 2021 ¦ 49

when those traits aren’t part of the pandemic upended our pri-
the definition of success in Big orities? Let me be blunt: Ready
Law? to trade in your going-rate pay-
“That’s the million-dollar check for compassion?
question,” admits Nangia, one I hate to be so unromantic, but I
of the study’s authors. She adds, think not. I can’t imagine anyone
“Some partners won’t care, but would go through the inherent
we believe you can teach em- unpleasantries of Big Law—re-
pathy through the creation of a lentless pressure, time sheets and
coaching culture.” mind-numbing tedium—with-
From their coaching experi- out getting paid a tidy bundle.
ence, Nangia and Beard believe Indeed, when you consider that
that even mean partners are 27% of the study’s respondents
teachable. “Sometimes a firm want “reduced hours with no
will tell us that a partner is suc- reduction in pay,” it’s a telling
cessful but that he makes people sign that lawyers aren’t ready to
cry,” says Beard. “Often, that’s a How do you teach forfeit the bounty. (Also a sign
shell, and you learn the partner partners empathy and they’re not totally realistic.)
is not nice to himself either.” understanding when those
Rather than being resistant to traits aren’t part of the That said, no one can argue that
Big Law isn’t due for a cultural
coaching, though, partners “feel definition of success in shakeup. Beard says, “mindful-

a sense of relief because they Big Law? ness used to be mocked, but now
don’t feel judged,” says Beard. it’s mainstream.” She also cites
This all sounds like therapy, medicine as an example of how
but Nangia and Beard stress that professions can change. “It used
coaching is different because it to be that being caring, compas-
looks to the future rather than sionate was not part of the job
the past. What also makes empathy coaching pal- of being a doctor,” says Beard. “And now teaching
atable to partners is that it’s tied to future success. bedside manner is part of the medical school cur-
“We tell them [empathy] coaching will make them riculum.”
better leaders and enhance their productivity,” says To that end, Beard says that gestures of human-
Nangia. “If you tell them it’s just to make associates ity—big and small—pack a punch. “People want
feel better, they’ll say, ‘whatever,’” says Beard. “But resources, particularly technology and help with
if you tell them it’s part of being a trusted adviser, child care,” says Beard. “Associates want money,
it’s natural to talk about compassion.” but they also like free apples on the kitchen coun-
More compassion equals more success. Okay, I ter; it makes them feel cared for.”
can see how some partners might buy that. It’s not Yes, a fruit basket is a good start.
the noblest reason for being more humane, but if
it works, who’s to complain?
[email protected]
And if firms show more kindness, will young Twitter: @lawcareerist
talent stay longer? Which brings me back to the ¦

issue I raised at the top: Is money truly no longer Vivia Chen is a senior columnist at The American
the driving force for lawyers during COVID? Has Lawyer and the creator of The Careerist blog.

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