One of the toughest parts of BigLaw life is dealing with unclear or contradictory instructions. Partners often send cryptic emails, clients can be vague, and deadlines shift without explanation. You can waste hours second-guessing what a partner really wants. Or you can get smart about how to deal with ambiguity and recognize that mastering it is part of the job in BigLaw.
In this episode, I share the practical strategies you can use to navigate those moments, from clarifying vague assignments without pestering, to using timeboxing and judgment calls when no direction is available. I also explain how to read a partner’s “ambiguity profile” so you can adapt to their style and avoid unnecessary frustration.
At a Glance:
00:00 Why ambiguity is built into BigLaw and why clear instructions are the exception rather than the rule
01:20 How partner communication shortcuts and client vagueness create trickle-down uncertainty
02:39 Common scenarios such as three-sentence emails, vague quick overviews, and missing context
03:51 Four practical tools to navigate unclear assignments: clarify, timebox, skeleton outlines, and judgment
05:07 Examples of clarifying questions that suggest options and avoid over delivering
06:11 Why timeboxing prevents wasted hours and misaligned deep dives
06:38 Using a one pager or outline to confirm direction before investing too much time
07:30 When judgment is the only option and how to demonstrate initiative with uncertain asks
08:53 Reframing ambiguity as an opportunity to show judgment rather than a test of failure
10:19 Why forward progress matters more than perfection in firm culture
11:19 Understanding a partner’s ambiguity profile and adapting to different supervision styles
12:40 Practical tactics for working with partners who do not respond, do not realize they are vague, or want independence
13:22 Why ambiguity is normal in BigLaw and how associates who thrive are those who navigate it
14:05 Final advice: treat ambiguity like a puzzle, not a problem
Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts & Spotify
Do you enjoy listening to Big Law Life? Please consider rating and reviewing the show! This helps support and reach more people like you who want to grow a career in Big Law.
For Apple Podcasts, click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode! Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast here!
For Spotify, tap here on your mobile phone, follow the podcast, listen to the show, then find the rating icon below the description, and tap to rate with five stars.
Interested in doing 1-2-1 coaching with Laura Terrell? Or learning more about her work coaching and consulting?
Here are ways to reach out to her:
laura@lauraterrell.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralterrell/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraterrellcoaching/
Show notes: https://www.lauraterrell.com/podcast
