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and call it a day?
    “Mackenzie, set a kick-off meeting for today at two.”
    I nodded, scribbling orders on my notepad.
    “Any questions?” Ben asked, clearly expecting none.
    The room fell silent.
    “Great.” Ben smiled. “Pegasus usually uses Skadden for their M&A work, so if we bring this one home it could mean a lot more work for us from these guys.” Ben pushed back his chair and stood. The rest of us followed suit.
    “Oh, Mackenzie, hang back for a second. The rest of you can go.” He dismissed the first years with a curt nod of his head.
    I stood awkwardly, not knowing if I should sit back down. I noticed Patrick turn and give me a look on his way out that said, Better you than me.
    Ben waited for them to scurry out of the office before fixing his eyes on me, “Mackenzie, I’m sure you realize what a privilege it is for a second year associate to be entrusted with this deal. Your efforts on Maxwell’s deal didn’t go unnoticed and Maxwell is a hard guy to please. It’s not easy for an associate to stand out at F&D. There’s a lot of driven and smart associates here. That’s a given.” He hesitated. “Those who distinguish themselves in my eyes go above and beyond . Do you understand what I’m saying here?”
    I nodded, not entirely sure I did.
    “Good.” He folded his arms over his chest and rocked back on his heels. “Then I’m sure you know that I’m the partner responsible for picking the associate that lands the StarCorp secondment.”
    My pulse quickened. Every year the firm selected one mid-level associate to work for the firm’s largest client, StarCorp Investments, for six months. Not only does the lucky associate get an opportunity to work on the business side, gaining valuable experience, but the hours were far less demanding, essentially amounting to a six month break from the grind of Biglaw. It was the most sought after reward for a corporate associate at F&D and landing it was essentially adeclaration that you were on partnership track. Every associate that has been selected for the plum position has gone on to make partner. Every single one. And the last three associates that had been graced with the opportunity made partner a year earlier than expected.
    “So.” Ben blew out a long breath of air. “This deal isn’t just an opportunity for the firm, but an amazing opportunity for you as well. I’m a good guy to impress.” He grinned, ensuring we were now both in on the same secret.
    “Of course,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “You can count on me, Ben.”
    “I wouldn’t expect anything less. This one is going to require a Herculean effort from you and your team, but I’m sure you’re up to the task.”
    “Absolutely,” I said with more certainty than I felt.

    Walking back to my office, a whir of emotions was spinning inside me. If I performed well on this deal, I was basically guaranteed the StarCorp secondment. Just thinking about it made me feel like I was levitating from elation. And being involved in an acquisition of this magnitude would definitely bring accolades. I always got a major adrenaline rush whenever my name made the list in New York Law Journal’s “Lawyers Working on Billion Dollar Deals.” The first time my name appeared, I’d cut out the article and sent it to Mom and Dad, eager to show off my newfound celebrity status. Mom put it in the scrapbook, which was mostly populated with articles showcasing Margaret’s athletic achievements. “And your name is in bold!” Mom had cooed.
    But, being handed the opportunity to work on this deal also came with the tremendous responsibility not to screw it up. I didn’t even want to imagine what would happen if I didn’t perform to Ben’s standards. His Herculean standards.
    “Well?” Sadir called out when I entered the office.
    I leaned against the wall, my head still spinning. “You know, when you didn’t have the inside track on a big deal being staffed by Ben Ireally did think