How I Made Partner: ‘Be Authentic and Honest,’ Says Newly Elevated Tania Kazi of Alston & Bird
Tania Kazi Alston & Bird, be authentic and honest, how I made partner, law firm promotion 2026, litigation partner advice – these trending phrases are lighting up legal circles after Alston & Bird’s San Francisco litigation star Tania Kazi (Rice) shared her blueprint for partnership in a viral Law.com feature.
At just 37, Kazi was elected partner effective January 1, 2025, in the firm’s Litigation & Trial Practice Group – one of 20 elevations announced in early 2025. A core member of seven trial teams, she’s second-chaired high-stakes trials, defended class actions, and specialized in antitrust for insurance clients. As San Francisco Hiring Partner, she now guides summer associates and law students, drawing from her own path: Pepperdine Law magna cum laude (2013), stints at Baker Botts, Squire Patton Boggs, and Troutman Sanders, before lateraling to Alston & Bird where partners’ transparency fast-tracked her ascent.
Her standout advice? “Be authentic and honest, because many of the people around you could become genuine friends and most people want to help if you share any struggles. Tell people along the way how much you appreciate the things they’ve done for you. Keep in touch with the people you enjoyed working with.” Kazi stresses vulnerability builds networks – share hurdles, express gratitude, nurture relationships. It’s simple but rare in Big Law’s high-pressure world.
Kazi’s journey underscores authenticity’s power. She chose law for its “craft” over a “job,” loving litigation’s writing focus despite initial uncertainty. At Alston & Bird, a supportive culture shifted her mindset: “I went from feeling uncertain about my future to quickly knowing I wanted to join this partnership.” Colleagues “want to lift you up instead of compete,” with transparent development paths. Her favorite quotes – “Pressure is a privilege” and “Have fun!” from tennis coaches – reflect her ethos: excel, enjoy, act morally.
For aspiring lawyers, Kazi urges: Talk to practitioners via OCI, bar associations, alumni networks. “Lawyers are usually happy to talk about their careers and give advice.” Research deeply; she wishes she’d known more pre-law school. As Hiring Partner, she relishes recruiting: “One of the really fun parts of my job… contributing to Alston & Bird’s amazing culture by hiring our next generation of talent.”
Experts praise her rise amid Big Law’s talent wars. Alston & Bird, a Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For staple (26 years running), boasts collaborative vibes and strong finance/insurance practices. Kazi’s promotion aligns with her editor role at Insurance Insights and Microsoft-Activision antitrust work.
Public reactions on X and LinkedIn buzz with inspiration. Law.com posts garnered quick shares from outlets like Daily Business Review and The Recorder, with associates echoing: authenticity fosters mentorship over facades. One viral snippet: “Be authentic… most people want to help if you share any struggles.”
For U.S. legal pros and students, Kazi’s story hits home amid partnership droughts and AI disruptions. Her tips boost billables and bonds, aiding retention in a field where 20% of associates exit yearly. Economically, firms like Alston & Bird (900+ lawyers, 13 offices) drive M&A, IP, policy – Kazi’s insurance/antitrust focus aids clients navigating Trump-era regs and tech mergers.
User intent: Job seekers and juniors seek actionable paths; Kazi delivers: Authenticity + gratitude + outreach = partnership. Manage career like client story – own it honestly.
Tania Kazi Alston & Bird, be authentic and honest, how I made partner, law firm promotion 2026, litigation partner advice – Kazi’s words remind Big Law hopefuls: Relationships, not facades, unlock the corner office.
By Mark Smith
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