Practicing law is a client service business. Folks who rise to local leadership roles in large law firms often end up providing service to the service providers.

“Serving as a managing partner is rewarding because it offers the opportunity to contribute to the firm’s culture and function in a significant way,” said Daniel Laguardia, the Bay Area managing partner for Shearman & Sterling since 2020. “It’s also a large effort in administration, providing assistance to colleagues in improving their practice or working conditions and the sort of nuts-and-bolts management work that lawyers often try to avoid.”