How I Made Office Managing Partner: ‘Loyalty, Patience and Long-Term Thinking Matter,’ Says Shant Karnikian of Kabateck LLP
In the competitive world of law, rising to office managing partner demands more than sharp legal skills—it requires unwavering loyalty and strategic patience. Shant Karnikian, newly appointed to this role at Kabateck LLP, credits his success to long-term thinking that pays off in the end.
Shant Karnikian’s Journey at Kabateck LLP
Shant Karnikian joined Kabateck LLP, a prominent Los Angeles-based plaintiff-side firm specializing in class actions and personal injury cases, early in his career. Over the years, he built a reputation as a dedicated attorney, contributing to high-stakes litigation that has secured over $2 billion for clients.
His promotion to office managing partner in 2025 marks a pivotal milestone. In an exclusive interview with Law.com, Karnikian shared insights into his path, emphasizing the firm’s collaborative culture as a key factor. “Chop wood, carry water. Keep your head down and do the work,” he advised, underscoring the value of consistent effort.
Karnikian’s background includes co-hosting the Civil Action podcast with firm founder Brian Kabateck, where they dissect legal and political issues, amassing over 2 million views. This visibility highlights his expertise in consumer protection and civil litigation.
The Power of Loyalty in Legal Careers
Loyalty stands out as Karnikian’s cornerstone principle. He stayed with Kabateck LLP through economic ups and downs, focusing on firm-wide success rather than personal glory. In the interview, he noted that true advancement comes from supporting colleagues and clients alike, fostering trust that leads to leadership roles.
This approach resonates in an era of high attorney turnover. Many young lawyers jump firms for quick gains, but Karnikian warns against it. “Loyalty builds the foundation for long-term opportunities,” he said, pointing to how his commitment earned him the managing partner nod.
Kabateck LLP’s recognition of Karnikian as a 2025 Consumer Attorney Visionary by the Los Angeles Times further validates his steadfast dedication.
Patience and Long-Term Thinking: Keys to Success
Patience defines Karnikian’s philosophy. Legal careers often involve slow progress, with years of groundwork before breakthroughs. He described navigating complex cases, like asbestos contamination litigation and wildfire-related suits, as tests of endurance.
“Long-term thinking means playing the infinite game,” Karnikian explained. Instead of chasing short-term wins, he prioritized skill-building and relationship cultivation. This mindset helped him weather challenges, including high-profile podcast discussions on corporate negligence and political legal battles.
Experts in the legal field echo this. Career coaches note that partners who endure stagnation often emerge stronger, as firms value reliable leaders over fleeting stars.
Public Reactions and Expert Insights
The legal community has responded positively to Karnikian’s story. On social media, professionals praised his advice, with one X user sharing how patience turned their near-firing into top performance. Law.com’s coverage sparked discussions on LinkedIn about rethinking career loyalty in Big Law.
HR experts in the legal sector highlight that promotions like Karnikian’s are rare amid a “promotion recession,” where internal advancements lag. His rise serves as a counterexample, proving that persistence pays in plaintiff firms focused on client impact.
Impact on U.S. Legal Professionals and the Economy
For U.S. attorneys, Karnikian’s journey offers hope in a tough job market. With law firm attrition high due to burnout and stagnant roles, his emphasis on loyalty could stabilize workforces, especially in California where Kabateck operates amid wildfire and consumer litigation surges.
Economically, it underscores the value of long-term talent retention. Firms like Kabateck, handling billion-dollar recoveries, drive consumer protection and economic justice. Politically, Karnikian’s podcast work on issues like corporate accountability influences public discourse, potentially shaping policy on environmental and labor rights.
Lifestyle-wise, his advice promotes work-life balance through focused effort, reducing the frenzy of constant job-hopping that plagues many professionals.
Conclusion: Lessons for Aspiring Leaders
Shant Karnikian’s ascent to office managing partner at Kabateck LLP proves that loyalty, patience, and long-term thinking triumph in law. As he puts it, consistent hard work yields results, inspiring a new generation to build enduring careers.
Looking ahead, expect more firms to adopt similar values to combat talent shortages. For ambitious lawyers, Karnikian’s story signals that staying the course can lead to leadership—and lasting fulfillment—in America’s dynamic legal landscape.
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