In the cutthroat world of Big Law, where promotions feel like climbing Everest, Nima Darouian credits his recent elevation to partner at Ballard Spahr not to billable hours alone, but to a simple yet profound strategy: forging genuine connections. As searches explode for “how I made partner,” “making partner law firm,” “build relationships legal career,” “law firm partnership path,” and “Nima Darouian advice,” the 40-year-old Los Angeles litigator shares his blueprint for success in an era when networking trumps resumes.
Darouian, a California native, kicked off his legal journey with a B.A. from Loyola Marymount University in 2007, followed by a J.D. from Loyola Law School in 2010. Admitted to the California Bar that same year, he dove headfirst into employment litigation, building a reputation defending major corporations against wage-and-hour class actions and Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) claims. His cases span everything from off-the-clock disputes to misclassification battles, often involving workforces of up to 20,000 employees.
He joined Ballard Spahr’s Litigation Department in Los Angeles in late 2023, bringing a track record of handling high-stakes matters in state and federal courts. By October 2025, his promotion to partner marked a milestone after 15 years in the trenches, where he emphasized proactive client development over passive waiting. “Relationships are the currency of our profession,” Darouian told Law.com in a candid interview, highlighting how his pro bono work at the Los Angeles Federal Pro Se Clinic honed his interpersonal skills alongside his legal chops.
At the heart of his ascent lies that standout piece of advice: “Build and expand solid, meaningful relationships,” he urges younger attorneys. Darouian flips the script on traditional networking, insisting you don’t need cocktail hours or conferences to land clients. “You don’t need to go to networking events to meet potential clients. Instead, potential clients might be your next-door neighbor, a parent at your child’s school, or the person you see every month to cut your hair.” He backs this with action: Active involvement in bar associations, like the D.C. Bar’s Arts, Entertainment, Media, and Sports community and the American Bar Association’s Forum on Communications Law, opened doors to the media law ecosystem—connecting law firms, news outlets, NGOs, and insurers.
Darouian’s path wasn’t without hurdles. Early in his career, he navigated the grind of defending Fortune 500 clients amid California’s aggressive labor laws, all while balancing a burgeoning family life. Yet, he views these as accelerators for authenticity. Legal mentors echo his sentiment; a senior partner at a rival Am Law 100 firm notes, “In 2025’s hybrid work world, virtual handshakes only go so far—Darouian’s emphasis on organic bonds is spot-on for retention and rainmaking.”
Online, aspiring lawyers are lapping it up. Threads on LinkedIn and Reddit’s r/LawFirm buzz with nods to his story, one viral post reading: “Finally, advice that feels real—not just ‘bill more’!” With Big Law partnership rates hovering below 20% for associates, Darouian’s blueprint resonates amid talent wars.
For U.S. readers chasing legal dreams, this hits home on multiple fronts. Economically, stronger relationships mean steadier client pipelines, fueling job growth in hubs like L.A. and bolstering firm revenues that trickle down to pro bono initiatives tackling wage inequality. Lifestyle-wise, it liberates attorneys from endless schmoozing, freeing weekends for soccer games or barber chats that double as business builders. Politically, in a divided era, his cross-sector ties highlight law’s role in bridging divides, from employment rights to media ethics.
Darouian’s rise underscores that partnership isn’t a solo sprint but a relational marathon. As “how I made partner,” “making partner law firm,” “build relationships legal career,” “law firm partnership path,” and “Nima Darouian advice” dominate legal searches, his words offer a timeless nudge: Invest in people, and the title follows. Ballard Spahr, known for its collaborative culture, positions him to lead on cutting-edge employment defenses as California laws evolve.
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