Heather Townsend

Heather Townsend is the leading global expert in what it takes to move from senior fee earner to partner - and when you get there, stay there.

She regularly runs programmes to help fee earners take the step up to partner, and establish themselves as a new partner, for mid-tier law, accountancy and consultancy firms.

It just so happens that she is rather good (and not really that modest either!) in helping individuals successfully market and sell themselves. Just the skills you need when you are aiming to grow your client portfolio AND make it to partner. In fact, her clients have added over £1 million in fees to their client portfolio in the last year.

Heather often works with private clients who want to drive their own career (regardless of the development options offered by their firm) via her Progress To Partner membership site. The membership site helps lawyers, accountants and consultants to:

  • Find the time to work ON their career development and business development
  • Grow their client portfolio
  • Develop a strong personal case so that they are seen as the next partner
  • Get onto partner track rather than been seen as only a "safe pair of hands"
  • Build, write and pitch their business case
  • Prepare for the partnership panel interviews

She is the author of 6 books including 'How to make partner and still have a life' (co-authored with Jo Larbie), 'Poised for partnership', 'The Financial Times guide to business networking' and 'The Go-To Expert'. Her books have sold over 20,000 copies globally and been translated into over 6 different languages and attracted over 200 five star reviews on Amazon.

Her coaching style has been described as challenging, friendly but very supportive.

Heather's top 3 tips to help you step up to partner

number 1

Start to change your conversations so you are thinking, feeling and acting like the level above you.

number 2

Specialise early into a niche as this will make your life much easier the more senior you get in a firm.

number 3

Build and nurture your network so that when you get towards partner you already have well established networks who refer work to you.

Heather's books

One of our most sought-after courses in our subscriber-only site Progress to Partner is called "How to Build a Cast-Iron Business Case for Partner". We think it's a must-have in your arsenal of tools and guidance to help with your career progression. There is also a section on the Partnership Admissions process with guides and recordings to help you find your way through the system. Check it out!

Thank you very much indeed for your significant help and support - as a result of your guidance I felt incredibly confident in submitting my business plan and then giving my presentation and interview. In the days after the presentation and interview I had some very positive feedback from the partners who interviewed me, saying that my performance was "outstanding" and that my presentation was "very slick and professional" - I doubt it would have been without your advice and guidance. I gained so much confidence from working with you and I am extremely grateful.

Partner, BLM LLP
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