In the competitive arena of Big Law, making partner isn’t just about billable hours or courtroom victories—it’s about weaving yourself into the fabric of the profession. Maxwell S. Mishkin, a newly minted partner in Ballard Spahr’s Litigation Department in Washington, D.C., knows this firsthand. Elevated to partner in January 2025 as part of the firm’s 2025 class of elevations, Mishkin specializes in First Amendment and media law, defending journalists, news organizations, NGOs, and content creators against defamation, privacy, and access claims. With a track record that includes representing coalitions of press organizations in high-profile access-to-records battles—like those tied to the January 6 Capitol riot and former Vice President Mike Pence’s grand jury subpoena—his ascent reflects a blend of strategic networking and relentless client advocacy.
In an exclusive interview with Law.com’s “How I Made Partner” series, Mishkin distilled his journey into actionable wisdom for associates eyeing the partnership track. “Actively participate in bar organizations, both locally and nationally,” he emphasized, underscoring how involvement beyond the office builds visibility, credibility, and opportunities that fuel career acceleration. It’s a mantra rooted in his own path: Before joining Ballard Spahr in 2017 via the merger with First Amendment boutique Levine Sullivan Koch & Schulz, Mishkin honed his craft at the latter, where he tackled pre-publication reviews, FOIA battles, and defenses for clients like Global Witness against international defamation suits.
The Power of Bar Involvement: Mishkin’s Roadmap
Mishkin’s advice isn’t abstract—it’s a deliberate strategy he credits for opening doors at Ballard Spahr and beyond. “Bar organizations are where you meet mentors, peers, and potential clients who operate in your niche,” he explained. “It’s not just about attending events; it’s about contributing—speaking on panels, drafting amicus briefs, or chairing committees. That visibility translates to referrals and a reputation as a go-to expert.”
For Mishkin, this meant diving into the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Forum on Communications Law and the D.C. Bar’s Media Law Committee. Locally, he engaged with the Virginia Bar Association’s First Amendment Section, leveraging these platforms to co-author articles on emerging issues like AI in journalism and drone regulations for newsgathering. “Nationally, the ABA gave me a stage to connect with in-house counsel at major outlets; locally, it grounded me in D.C.’s regulatory pulse,” he noted. The payoff? Invitations to speak at the National Press Club and collaborations on cases like the unsealment of surveillance videos from January 6 prosecutions.
But bar participation is just one pillar. Mishkin outlined a holistic approach for associates:
- Build a Niche Early: “Don’t be a generalist forever. I zeroed in on media law because it aligned with my passion for the First Amendment and offered high-stakes work with real impact.” Specializing led to standout matters, like defending CNN against defamation claims and challenging court seals in high-profile divorces.
- Prioritize Client Relationships: “Treat every interaction as a partnership. Pre-publication counseling isn’t just risk avoidance—it’s advisory trust-building.” His work with NGOs and freelancers, often on shoestring budgets, honed his efficiency and earned loyalty that spilled into firm-wide business development.
- Mentorship and Feedback Loops: “Seek sponsors, not just mentors. I had partners at Levine Sullivan who advocated for me during the merger—visibility in bars helped them see my potential.” Post-merger at Ballard Spahr, regular check-ins with practice leaders kept him aligned with firm goals.
- Balance Billables with Impact: “Partnership isn’t volume—it’s value. My bar roles brought in pro bono wins, like access cases for press coalitions, which elevated the firm’s profile.” Chambers USA has called him “the future leader of the Bar,” a nod to this multifaceted approach.
Ballard Spahr’s Partnership Path: A Collaborative Climb
Mishkin’s elevation is part of Ballard Spahr’s 2025 class, which includes five new partners and seven of counsel across departments, hailing from Philadelphia to Los Angeles. The firm, known for its media and entertainment prowess, values associates who embody its “one-firm” culture—collaborative, client-centric, and innovative. “Ballard doesn’t chase rainmakers; it invests in builders,” Mishkin said. His transition from boutique to Am Law 100 powerhouse was seamless, thanks to the merger’s retention of First Amendment expertise.
The timing feels poignant amid 2025’s legal landscape: With AI ethics and digital privacy surging, Mishkin’s focus on content-related claims positions him—and Ballard—at the vanguard. “The bar work I did early on? It’s paying dividends now, as regulators eye tech’s First Amendment footprint.”
Lessons for Aspiring Partners: Beyond the Grind
Mishkin’s story resonates in a lateral-heavy market where 70% of associates eye partnership but only 20% make it, per NALP data. His tip? “Don’t network—contribute. Show up with ideas, not just business cards.” For firms like Ballard Spahr, it’s a reminder: Partnership thrives on ecosystems, from local CLEs to national forums.
As Mishkin steps into his new role, he’s already eyeing the next horizon: Mentoring the next wave. “The bar gave me a community; now, I’m paying it forward.”
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