#85: Why BigLaw Partners Still Need Learning & Development—Leigh Riley on How Foley Built a Program That Delivers

The legal industry has long assumed that once you make partner, you no longer need training. But as law firm operations have become more complex, and leadership expectations more demanding, that mindset no longer serves the firm or its partners. In this episode, I talk with Leigh Riley, a longtime partner at Foley & Lardner and architect of the firm's PEAK (Partner Excellence Actionable Knowledge) program, which is redefining what professional development looks like for senior lawyers.

Leigh shares the real-world gaps she experienced after making partner and how she helped build a program to address the business, leadership, and people-management skills that partners are now expected to master. We get into everything from billing strategy and succession planning to managing laterals and navigating the emotional dynamics of career evolution. Whether you're a new partner, a lateral, or approaching transition in your practice, this episode offers a clear look at how firms can better support lawyers at every stage of partnership.

At a Glance:

00:00 Why the idea that partners don't need training is outdated
03:13 Leigh's realization that partnership came with less guidance, not more
05:07 The moment she advocated for firm-wide partner development
06:15 Why people management is core to Foley's culture
07:58 Common partner questions that shaped the program
10:18 How mentorship gaps persist well into partnership
12:02 Why internal leaders are the primary trainers—not outsiders
13:25 How training is delivered: live sessions, short videos, and an on-demand library
14:49 Helping lateral partners understand firm culture and support systems
15:13 Involving business professionals in training content
16:12 How PEAK differs from traditional leadership programs
17:10 Training on listening, feedback, and generational differences
18:12 Feedback from partners and why it drives program longevity
23:10 Planning for transitions as partners evolve into new career stages
25:14 The challenges and importance of client succession planning

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Reach Leigh Riley
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leigh-riley-747b515/
[e-mail]
https://www.foley.com/people/riley-leigh-c/
https://www.foley.com/ 

Information about Foley's PEAK program
May 2025 Foley Career Perspectives blog post re overview of all tenure-based training academies at Foley, including PEAK: https://www.foley.com/insights/publications/2025/05/investing-attorneys-arc-careers/

October 2024 PEAK highlighted in The American Lawyer: https://www.foley.com/news/2024/10/foleys-peak-training-program-highlighted-in-the-american-lawyer/

September 2024 press release re PEAK launch: https://www.foley.com/news/2024/09/foley-launches-peak-partner-training-program/

Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting?

Here are ways to reach out to her:

www.lauraterrell.com 

[e-mail]  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/ 

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