Make Partner in a Law Firm: Nima Darouian’s Blueprint for Success Through Meaningful Relationships
How I made Partner for best relationship: In the cutthroat world of Big Law, climbing to partner isn’t just about billable hours—it’s about who you know and how deeply you connect. Nima Darouian, a rising star in employment litigation, credits his recent elevation at Ballard Spahr to one timeless strategy: forging solid bonds that last.
Darouian, 40, based in Los Angeles, shared his journey in a candid interview, offering legal career advice that’s resonating with ambitious attorneys nationwide. Promoted to partner in January 2025 after joining the firm in 2023, he embodies the grit and savvy needed in today’s legal landscape. His story highlights how to become a law firm partner, blending relentless work with networking for lawyers that feels genuine, not forced.
A graduate of a top-tier law school, Darouian cut his teeth at boutique firms handling high-stakes employment disputes. He represented Fortune 500 companies in wage-and-hour class actions and discrimination suits, honing skills in California’s notoriously plaintiff-friendly courts. By 2023, his track record caught Ballard Spahr’s eye, leading to his move to their LA office.
But Darouian’s ascent wasn’t linear. Early on, he faced the typical associate grind: 80-hour weeks, mentor roulette, and the pressure to stand out amid hundreds of peers. “I learned quickly that technical prowess alone won’t get you there,” he told Law.com. Instead, he focused on relationship building in law, turning colleagues into allies and clients into confidants.
The cornerstone of his philosophy? “Build and expand solid, meaningful relationships,” Darouian advises. He dismisses the myth of schmoozing at glitzy galas. “You don’t need to go to networking events to meet influential people,” he says. Simple acts—like grabbing coffee with a senior partner or remembering a client’s family milestone—built his web of support.
This approach paid dividends. During his partnership push, mentors vouched for him not just on wins, but on his collaborative spirit. “In litigation, trust is currency,” Darouian notes. His elevation alongside 11 others at Ballard Spahr underscores the firm’s bet on team players who drive business through connections.
Public reactions pour in on LinkedIn and legal forums, where young lawyers hail Darouian’s tips as a breath of fresh air. “Finally, advice that feels human in this machine of a profession,” one associate commented. Experts like career coach Elena Vasquez agree: “In 2025’s hybrid work era, virtual handshakes fade fast—authentic ties endure.”
For U.S. readers eyeing the legal field, Darouian’s blueprint carries real weight. The American Bar Association reports over 1.3 million lawyers nationwide, yet partner spots remain scarce amid economic shifts. His making partner tips could boost mobility in a sector projected to grow 8% by 2032, per the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Whether navigating tech-driven disputes or economic downturns, stronger networks mean resilient careers—and a more dynamic economy fueled by trusted advisors.
As Darouian looks ahead, he’s already mentoring juniors at Ballard Spahr, emphasizing empathy in an AI-augmented practice. His message? Prioritize people, and the partnership plaque follows. In a profession often criticized for its silos, this relational roadmap offers hope for sustainable success.
By Sam Michael
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