On May 6, upon the release of the 2026 Am Law 200 rankings, Law.com took a look at the “Second Hundred” law firms that continue to grow – including Tucker Ellis.  Featured in “What It Takes to Make Partner as a Litigator in a Second Hundred Law Firm” are three recently made partners, including Elisa Arko. The article shares their candid reflections from Law.com’s recent “How I Made It” series to uncover consistent themes on earning partnership in this group of firms.

Commenting on building credibility, Elisa said that Tucker Ellis’s “holistic approach” to its partnership decisions considers each potential partner’s individual achievements, strengths, goals, and potential. For Elisa, that meant purposefully expanding her relationships within the firm to increase internal support. “I spent a considerable amount of time ensuring that I diversified my practice and worked with partners in different offices and practice groups. Developing these relationships internally was instrumental when becoming partner as it allowed me to have many advocates and champions in the room.”

In discussing flexibility, Elisa cautioned against becoming overly narrow early in your career. “Many people allow themselves to become boxed in, either with the work that they are doing or the people they are working with, which I think stunts your growth and development.” Internal relationships, she said, are “just as important as business development connections with clients.”

Commenting on confidence as a learned skill, Elisa – who balances her career with the responsibilities of parenthood – closely ties confidence to intention. “My time is my greatest commodity. I try not to spent it without intention.”

Read the article on Law.com here. Download the article below.