For most, achieving success in Big Law does not come overnight. It takes a commitment to playing the long game. And that means building a diverse and engaged network of sponsors, mentors, clients, and colleagues who can uplift and encourage you throughout your career.

That was at least part of the message imparted by three women attorneys who spoke at the inaugural WILEF Southern California Young Lawyers Committee event held on January 23 at the offices of Venable in Century City. Around 50 lawyers attended.

The panel, moderated by Jennifer L. Nassiri of Venable, featured three recently minted law firm partners: Vanessa A. Sunshine of Bryan Cave; Sierra Elizabeth of Kirkland & Ellis; and Kanika D. Corley of Akerman.

(L-R) Sierra Elizabeth of Kirkland & Ellis; Kanika D. Corley of Akerman; Vanessa A. Sunshine of Bryan Cave.

Patricia A. Daza-Luu of Nicolaides Fink Thorpe Michaelides Sullivan, who helped organize the event, said that one of the takeaways was that to achieve career longevity, you must be willing to cultivate a diverse and ever-changing network whenever you can.

“Some weeks you will be able to focus on networking,” she said. “Other weeks, you’ll be slammed with work. And then there will be times when you have to remember you’re a human. Life is about code-switching.”

(L-R) Jennifer L. Nassiri of Venable and Sierra Elizabeth of Kirkland & Ellis.