Breaking Ground

How Successful Women Lawyers Build Thriving Practices.

“Deborah Farone has hit it out of the park with this book. Bringing to bear her extensive knowledge of the legal and law firm landscape, Deborah has penned a brilliant and, at last, an insightful practical guide for women in the profession. It is full of candor and great tips, written with a liveliness that keeps you eagerly turning more pages. It is a must read for anyone serious about building a successful legal career.”

—Mary Jo White, former chair, United States Securities and Exchange Commission; current senior chair, Debevoise & Plimpton

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Discover how leading rainmakers develop their books of business.

Based on more than 60 interviews spanning four continents, Breaking Ground reveals how many of the world’s most successful women lawyers build powerful, sustainable practices—by cultivating client relationships, navigating firm dynamics, and leading with intention and authenticity

This book is both inspiring and tactical, offering a guide for all lawyers, firm leaders, and marketing professionals eager to understand and propel exceptional business development.

Why This Book Matters

Why do some women consistently rank among the top business generators? Breaking Ground uncovers the strategies behind their success—how they earn client trust, foster meaningful cross-border networks, and thrive amid complex organizational environments.

Preorder your copy today from PLI and be among the first to explore how women partners are reshaping success in law.

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What’s Inside

Inside Breaking Ground, you’ll discover:

How women attorneys approach business development in ways that stand out—and pay off
Authentic strategies for balancing ambition and authenticity
The transition from transactional service to trusted advisor
The mindset shifts, mentorship patterns, and resilience that drive success
Practical ways firms can support women in business development

This book is a must-read for:

Any lawyer interested in growing their book of business
All law firm partners and rising associates
CMOs, marketing or business development leaders
Managing partners and firm leadership teams
General counsel and clients interested in future-ready legal partnerships
Anyone passionate about women’s leadership and inclusive business growth

Think Piece Authors

Ten fantastic professionals in the legal arena share their insights in their own think pieces at the end of each chapter.

Andrea Markson, Global Chief Information Officer, Cadwalader
Priya Lele, Co-Founder and Chair, She Breaks the Law
Cheryl Bame, Principal, Bame Public Relations
Nancy Myrland, President, Myrland Maketing
Melissa Davis, MD Communications
Bridget McCormack, President and Chief Executive Oficer, American Arbitration Association
Heidi K. Gardner, PhD, Author, Smart Collaboration and Smarter Collaboration, Distinguished Fellow, Harvard Law School
Sally Fiona King, Managing Director, The Alexander Group
Jordana A. Confino, Founder, JC Coaching & Consulting
Toni Jaeger-Fine, Senior Counselor, Fordham Law School

Press
Contacts

Recent Press

How Lawyers Really Develop Business: Lessons from Leading Rainmakers

After decades of advising lawyers and law firms, I noticed that the same question constantly rose to the surface again and again. Sometimes it was asked quietly and sometimes more urgently, but the sentiment was the same.

How do great rainmakers actually succeed?

Read Story

Deborah Farone: Developing Clients, Confidence, and Career Control

In this episode, Steve Fretzin and Deborah Farone explore how intentional business development can empower lawyers—particularly women—to gain greater autonomy, influence, and long-term career control. Their conversation focuses on building authentic relationships early, aligning marketing efforts with personal strengths, and cultivating trust through long-term client engagement.

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For all inquiries related to Breaking Ground by Deborah Farone, please contact:

Emily Willette

emily.willette@smithpublicity.com

Lirona Wainer-Yaffe

lirona.yaffe@smithpublicity.com

Early Praise for Breaking Ground

“Deborah Farone has hit it out of the park with this book. Bringing to bear her extensive knowledge of the legal and law firm landscape, Deborah has penned a brilliant and, at last, an insightful practical guide for women in the profession. It is full of candor and great tips, written with a liveliness that keeps you eagerly turning more pages. It is a must read for anyone serious about building a successful legal career.”
Mary Jo WhiteFormer Chair, United States Securities and Exchange Commission; current senior chair, Debevoise & Plimpton

“Breaking Ground is a must-read for anyone serious about the future of legal practice. Through thoughtful interviews and deep research, Deborah Farone has uncovered what truly drives success for women lawyers—and the lessons here extend to all ambitious lawyers. With her unmatched experience advising law firms and professionals at the highest levels, she brings insight, candor, and practical wisdom to every page. Law firm leaders, take note: this book isn’t just about individual achievement—it’s about the cultural and strategic shifts our profession needs.”
Heidi K. Gardner PhDDistinguished Fellow, Harvard Law School Center on the Legal Profession Co-founder, Gardner & Co

“Deborah Farone has taught me more about nourishing the relationships that fuel business than any course in business school possibly could, and she practices what she preaches. From her vast experience leading cutting-edge business development efforts at the world's most globally significant firms, Deborah understands that women lawyers have unique superpowers that make them exceptionally well-suited to grow thriving practices. She's created a playbook that weaves together insights from the exceptional women she's learned with along the way, infused with the generosity and pragmatic wisdom that define what makes her great at what she does.”
Jennifer Leonard, Esq.Founder & Principal, Former Chief Innovation Officer, Univeristy of Pennsylvania Carey Law School

“There is nothing harder than trying to be someone else and nothing more freeing than owning who you are and being yourself. Deborah Farone proves in her research that being yourself is the true magic to building business. Own who you are, what your life looks like as a woman professional and trust that it will draw the clients to you. Include, of course, excellent lawyering and you are guaranteed to attract clients for life. Deborah gives every reader permission to be authentic, to demonstrate confidence in who you are, what you can do. Wherever you are in your career, it will take you steps further into your business development future. You deserve it. Just read it! In fact, gentlemen, don’t lose out. There are so many ideas in here, there will definitely be something to add to your business development toolkit too.”
Natalie LoebFounder, Co CEO & Leadership Coach, Loeb Leadership

About the Author

Deborah Farone is a leading consultant to law firm executives and the former CMO of Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP and Debevoise & Plimpton. She authored the widely used Best Practices in Law Firm Business Development and Marketing (PLI, 2019) and is a sought-after speaker at legal industry conferences worldwide.

For media inquiries, or speaking opportunities around Breaking Ground, Contact Diane O’ Donnell at diane@faroneadvisors.com. For bulk sales, contact Alexa Robertson at arobertson@pli.edu