In the cutthroat world of Big Law, where billable hours can feel like a treadmill to nowhere, one Kansas City powerhouse just shared the secret sauce to climbing the ladder: genuine connections trump clock-punching every time.
The how to make partner law firm journey just got a masterclass from Ben Struby of Lathrop GPM, whose meteoric rise to Partner in Charge spotlights timeless wisdom for ambitious attorneys nationwide. At 46, Struby embodies the blend of grit and grace needed in financial restructuring, dishing out Lathrop GPM partner advice that’s resonating from coast to coast. His mantra? Forge bonds inside the firm and beyond – a strategy that’s propelled him from associate to office helm in record time.
Benjamin C. Struby’s story reads like a roadmap for Midwest legal talent. A Doane College English grad (B.A., 2001) turned UMKC School of Law powerhouse (J.D., 2004), he cut his teeth in bankruptcy and creditors’ rights before joining Lathrop GPM around 2018. Specializing in high-stakes restructurings, he’s repped national banks through Chapter 11 chaos, snagged multimillion-dollar judgments on guaranties, and even dismissed a $1 million preference suit that could’ve sunk a client. By 2023, he’d ascended to partner, earning nods like Best Lawyers in America (2023-2026) and the Kansas City Business Journal’s 2025 NextGen Leaders award. Fast-forward to June 2025: Elected Partner in Charge of Lathrop GPM’s Kansas City office, succeeding Jean Paul Bradshaw after his eight-year stint, Struby now steers a 100+ attorney squad, championing recruiting, professional development, and a collaborative vibe.
What sets Struby apart isn’t just courtroom wins – it’s his holistic hustle. As chair of his practice group’s recruiting and a fixture on the firm’s Professional Development Committee, he’s mentored countless associates, easing their entry into the fray. His tenure on the U.S. Bankruptcy Court’s Attorney Advisory Committee (2016-2018) honed his procedural savvy, while speaking gigs at Missouri Bar events and authoring pieces like “Should Banks Become Landlords?” in Servicing Management cemented his thought leadership. Community ties run deep too: Board spots at Job One KC and the Johnson County Library Foundation, plus co-hosting galas for the Rose Brooks Center, paint a picture of a lawyer who’s all-in on Kansas City’s fabric.
Struby’s crown-jewel advice cuts through the noise: “Make yourself valuable in ways other than just billables. Get to know people, both inside and outside of the firm. It is not something you have to force, and you can do it in different ways – find what works best for you.” In a Law.com “How I Made It” feature, he stresses authenticity over schmoozing, urging juniors to tailor networking to their style – whether it’s grabbing coffee with colleagues or volunteering at chamber events. This relational edge, he says, builds trust that bill sheets alone can’t touch.
The legal Twitterverse and LinkedIn are abuzz with nods to Struby’s playbook. Law.com’s post on the piece racked up shares from firm alums praising his “steady hand” in KC’s volatile market, while one X user quipped, “Finally, advice that doesn’t start with ‘bill more’ – Struby gets it.” Skeptics? A smattering, with some griping that “networking’s easy when you’re already winning cases,” but the chorus leans inspirational, especially for mid-market firms like Lathrop GPM navigating AmLaw 200 pressures.
For U.S. readers eyeing the partner track, Struby’s ascent hits at the intersection of career ambition and economic reality. In a post-pandemic legal landscape where lateral moves spike and burnout bites, his tips offer a lifeline for associates in hubs like Chicago or Dallas, emphasizing soft skills that boost retention amid talent wars. Economically, it spotlights Kansas City’s resurgence as a restructuring hotspot, with Lathrop GPM’s growth fueling local jobs and client wins in agribusiness and manufacturing slumps. Lifestyle-wise, it’s a nod to balance: Struby’s family man cred (shoutout to wife Annie, also a ’01 Doane alum) reminds overachievers that firm life thrives on recharge, not just red-eye nights. Tech angle? His push for efficient compliance tools aligns with AI-driven due diligence trends, prepping firms for tomorrow’s filings.
Aspiring lawyers Googling how to make partner law firm want actionable gems: Timeline tweaks, networking hacks, and red flags to dodge. Struby’s management echoes that – hit up PD sessions, volunteer strategically, and track your “value adds” quarterly. With Lathrop GPM’s KC office eyeing expansions, he’s fielding mentorship requests, advising: Start small, stay consistent.
In essence, Ben Struby’s path to Partner in Charge at Lathrop GPM proves that in law’s marathon, relationships are the rocket fuel. As firms grapple with hybrid work and client demands, his blueprint promises not just promotion, but purpose – a beacon for the next wave of attorneys ready to lead with heart and hustle.
By Sam Michael
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