In the cutthroat world of Big Law, ascending to partner isn’t a solo climb—it’s a team effort laced with mentorship, strategic networking, and unyielding client focus. Heather Speers, newly elevated to partner at Cooley LLP in 2025, embodies this truth. “You can’t make partner on your own,” she declares in a candid Law.com interview, crediting a web of supporters for her breakthrough. As one of 20 standout lawyers in Cooley’s 2025 partner class, Speers’ story offers a blueprint for ambitious associates navigating the partnership track.
Speers, a securities litigation specialist, joined Cooley as an associate and rose through the ranks by defending biotech giants and gaming behemoths in high-stakes class actions. Her journey—from SEC intern to partner—highlights the collaborative essence of Big Law success amid a 2025 lateral hiring surge and AI-driven efficiencies.
From Auditor to Advocate: Speers’ Early Foundations
Heather Speers didn’t start in law. Before earning her JD from the University of San Diego School of Law, she honed analytical chops as an auditor, scrutinizing financial statements for public and private clients. This pre-law rigor proved invaluable in securities work, where dissecting disclosures is daily bread.
At USD, Speers interned at the SEC’s Division of Enforcement in Washington, D.C., and externed for a Southern District of California judge—experiences that sharpened her litigation edge. “I chose law because I loved the puzzle-solving,” she shares, a nod to auditing’s influence. Post-grad, she targeted Cooley for its client-centric culture and tech-savvy vibe, joining the firm’s securities litigation team in San Diego.
Key fact: Cooley’s 2025 partner promotions span nine offices, emphasizing diversity and cross-practice collaboration—a stark contrast to siloed Big Law norms. Speers, now based in San Diego, credits this ecosystem for her ascent.
The Partnership Puzzle: Mentorship and Teamwork Take Center Stage
“You can’t make partner on your own.” Speers’ mantra underscores Big Law’s shift from lone-wolf billables to relational capital. In her Law.com sit-down, she spotlights mentors like partners Koji Fukumura and Ryan Blair, who led her on landmark wins, including a summary judgment for Aurinia Pharmaceuticals in a nine-month securities saga.
Her path involved defending Activision Blizzard against claims tied to its Bungie fallout, showcasing prowess in gaming and tech sectors. “Focus on being the best advocate,” she advises, echoing Cooley’s ethos. But it’s the “web of support”—sponsors, peers, even staff—that sealed her promotion.
Background: Partnership tracks at Am Law 100 firms like Cooley average seven years, per 2025 NALP data, with 2025 seeing a 15% uptick in elevations amid talent wars. Speers navigated this by building alliances, a strategy experts like Deborah Epstein Henry, founder of WorkLife Strategies, praise as essential in “hybrid-era” firms.
Public reactions? LinkedIn buzzes with congrats from Cooley alums, while X (formerly Twitter) amplifies her story via Law.com shares, sparking threads on #BigLawMentorship. “Inspiring for mid-level associates,” one commenter notes, highlighting the interview’s viral pull.
Challenges Conquered: Balancing Billables and Burnout
Speers candidly addresses hurdles: The “always-on” demands of securities cases, where SEC probes loom large. As a biotech defender, she juggled evictions—er, eviscerations—of derivative suits amid 2024’s market volatility. Yet, she thrived by prioritizing “client-first” advocacy over hours logged.
Her greatest influence? A judicial externship that taught resilience. “Challenges build character,” she says, aligning with Cooley’s wellness initiatives, which cut associate attrition by 20% in 2024.
Echoes in the U.S. Legal Landscape: Relevance for Aspiring Lawyers
For U.S. readers eyeing Big Law, Speers’ ascent resonates deeply. Economically, partnership signals stability in a sector projected to hit $400 billion in 2025 revenues, per Thomson Reuters. Her story spotlights tech’s fusion with law—defending fintech and pharma amid AI regs—mirroring Silicon Valley’s boom.
Lifestyle perks? Partners like Speers enjoy equity stakes and flexibility, countering the grind. Politically, her SEC roots underscore lobbying’s role in securities reform, influencing bills like the 2025 Corporate Transparency Act. Sports angle? Think strategic plays: Just as NFL teams build rosters, firms like Cooley scout “team players” for wins.
Sealing the Deal: Advice for the Partnership Pursuit
Heather Speers’ elevation isn’t luck—it’s leveraged relationships. “Invest in people,” she urges, from junior associates to C-suite clients. As Cooley’s 2025 class charges ahead, her path forecasts a collaborative Big Law future, where solo stars fade but team titans endure.
Looking forward, expect more “How I Made Partner” spotlights amid 2026’s anticipated 10% promotion wave. For dreamers: Network boldly, advocate fiercely. Speers proves: Partnership isn’t made alone—it’s multiplied together. What’s your next move?