Most lawyers, regardless of their experience level, should be more focused on business development. At most firms, having a book of business (or at least demonstrating a strong ability to develop one) is a prerequisite to making partner. When you originate client work, it increases your compensation. You enhance your ability to move laterally. Most important, having clients allows you to have greater autonomy over your career and personal life, because you’re not as reliant on others for work.

True, getting your own clients creates a whole new set of pressures and responsibilities. When you own the client relationship, you own the ultimate responsibility to produce great work and provide great client service in order to maintain the relationship. When something goes wrong, you own the responsibility to fix it.