How I Made Partner: ‘Success Means Being a Trusted Adviser,’ Says Carrie Connolly of Faegre Drinker
In the competitive world of Big Law, making partner is a milestone that demands years of dedication, strategic networking, and unwavering client focus. Carrie Connolly, a newly elected partner in Faegre Drinker’s corporate group, embodies this journey. In this exclusive profile, Connolly shares her path to partnership at the Am Law 200 firm, emphasizing that true success lies in becoming a “trusted adviser” to clients navigating complex business landscapes.
From Associate to Partner: Connolly’s Career Trajectory
Carrie Connolly joined Faegre Drinker (formerly Faegre Baker Daniels) as an associate in 2015 after graduating from the University of Michigan Law School. Specializing in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), private equity, and securities law, she quickly established herself as a go-to expert for middle-market deals. Her practice spans advising public and private companies on transactions, compliance, and governance, often in industries like healthcare, technology, and manufacturing.
Connolly’s elevation to partner, announced in late 2024 and effective January 1, 2025, recognizes her contributions to high-stakes deals totaling over $5 billion in value during her tenure. Key highlights include leading the acquisition of a Midwest healthcare provider by a private equity firm and counseling on cross-border securities offerings amid regulatory shifts. “Partnership isn’t just about billable hours—it’s about delivering results that drive client growth,” Connolly reflects.
This promotion aligns with Faegre Drinker’s robust 2025 partner class, which includes 12 new members across offices in Minneapolis, Indianapolis, and Philadelphia—Connolly’s base. The firm’s collaborative culture, with over 900 lawyers nationwide, played a pivotal role, allowing her to mentor juniors and collaborate on interdisciplinary teams.
The Path to Partnership: Strategies and Challenges
Connolly’s ascent wasn’t linear. Early in her career, she balanced demanding workloads with pro bono work for nonprofits, honing skills in stakeholder management. She credits Faegre Drinker’s structured development program—featuring mentorship pairings and business development training—for accelerating her progress.
Key strategies she employed:
- Client-Centric Approach: Building long-term relationships by anticipating needs, such as integrating ESG considerations into M&A due diligence.
- Visibility and Leadership: Speaking at industry conferences and leading internal practice groups on emerging trends like AI in corporate governance.
- Work-Life Integration: Prioritizing wellness to sustain high performance, including flexible hybrid arrangements post-pandemic.
Challenges included navigating gender dynamics in a male-dominated field and adapting to economic volatility, like the 2023 deal slowdown. “Resilience is key—every setback is a chance to refine your advisory role,” she advises aspiring partners.
Defining Success: Being a Trusted Adviser
For Connolly, partnership success transcends titles. “Success means being a trusted adviser,” she asserts. This philosophy centers on proactive counsel that aligns legal strategies with business objectives, fostering client loyalty and referrals. In an era of regulatory flux—think SEC climate disclosures and antitrust scrutiny—her role involves demystifying complexities for C-suite executives.
This mindset has yielded tangible results: Repeat business from 80% of her clients and internal recognition as a “rainmaker” for originating new matters. Connolly also mentors diverse talent, supporting Faegre Drinker’s DEI initiatives to ensure inclusive pathways to leadership.
Expert Insights and Firm Perspective
Faegre Drinker Chair Andrew Glantz praised Connolly’s elevation: “Carrie’s ability to blend legal acumen with strategic foresight makes her an invaluable asset. She’s the epitome of our client-first ethos.” Legal recruiters echo this, noting that firms like Faegre Drinker prioritize “adviser” partners who contribute to revenue growth amid softening demand for traditional services.
Industry observers highlight the broader trend: With lateral hires dominating promotions (60% in 2025 per NALP data), homegrown talents like Connolly stand out for their firm loyalty and cultural fit.
Impact on U.S. Legal Professionals and Economy
Connolly’s story resonates with U.S. lawyers, where only 20% of associates reach partnership amid rising burnout rates. For women in law (comprising 38% of the profession but just 25% of partners), her journey inspires, aligning with efforts like the Mansfield Rule to boost diversity. Economically, partners like Connolly drive M&A activity, supporting a $1.2 trillion U.S. deal market in 2025 and fueling job creation in legal services.
For readers in corporate roles, her emphasis on trusted advising underscores the value of legal partners as business allies, influencing sectors from tech startups to established enterprises.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Aspiring Partners
Carrie Connolly’s path to partnership at Faegre Drinker illustrates that success in Big Law hinges on trust, resilience, and client impact. As she steps into this role, her mantra—”Be the adviser clients can’t imagine succeeding without”—offers a timeless lesson. For those eyeing the corner office, Connolly’s blueprint: Focus on value, build relationships, and never stop learning. With Faegre Drinker’s support, she’s poised to shape the future of corporate law.
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