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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]My DH is Counsel at a Big Law firm. He's been there for 6 years after working for the government for 12 years. Prior to that, he was at a very prestigious big law firm his first 6 years out of law school. He went to a top 10 law school and always gets lots of praise for his work. He's very involved with the ABA, has been published, speaks at conferences, etc.. I have no idea if that means anything.

He likes his firm, likes the work, he doesn't work like a dog and gets paid well. [b]So, in some senses he doesn't mind just staying as counsel but I know it bothers him that he is not a partner.[/b] And, according to him, his practice area has some storm clouds ahead so he doesn't see making partner any time soon. He also has no book and is not outgoing at all, but he's a good worker. The partners in his practice seem to like him and his firm is known for keeping counsels around. But, I can't help but be worried. He's 51 and I am not sure what his future is.

My question is, do you know of people who have made partner in their 50s? Or, has that ship sailed? Should we be worried about his long-term prospects?

TIA. 
[/quote]

The bold is somewhat contradictory, but perhaps not.  He doesn't mind staying counsel, but it doesn't bother him (enough) that he is not a partner (for him to do anything about it).  Involvement with the ABA, publications, conference speaking slots, etc... are all nice to get your name out there.... to other private practice lawyers and some in-house counsel.  BUT those activities will not translate into business unless your husband takes the necessary actions to turn his 30-second conference chats (after his presentations) with in-house counsel into a lunch meeting where he can learn more about potential clients.  Does he have access to any client development funds from his firm?  If not, you and he should budget some money (~$2,000) for business development out of your own pockets (consider it an investment in his future).

If you're both worried about the storm clouds ahead, then your husband needs to plan for this.  I'm sure he has relationships with partners at other firms (who have sizeable books of business) who would want someone like him to work for them.  He could also start applying for in-house roles (51 isn't too old, but pickings may be slim for the more senior in-house roles).

In the end, no one is going to look out for your husband's career except him.[/quote]

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