how to network as a lawyer

^{Social media can supercharge your efforts}

• Follow relevant hashtags on both sites to stay up to date on what’s happening in the areas of practice that you care about, current issues in your area of practice, ...
• Follow firms and companies on LinkedIn and Twitter to see their latest news and events. ...
• Use LinkedIn to see who you may already be connected to within the firm or organization, or where you may share a mutual connection that you can leverage.
• Prior to a networking event, connect to key attendees on LinkedIn and Twitter, with a personalized note that explains why you’re reaching out. ...

Full Answer

What is attorney networking and why does it matter?

Sep 05, 2018 · It’s a better mentality to go in planning to speak with a specific number of people or a set number of new connections. This slight shift in mindset will help you come across as a genuinely interested person instead of a networking shark. Getting to the tips: Have a goal. As mentioned above, go into the event with a specific goal in mind.

What are the best tips for Attorney networking?

Take advantage of other networking opportunities. Face-to-face networking is only one facet of lawyer networking. For example, use social media to join lawyer groups (more on this later). Or, use LinkedIn to connect with colleagues. No matter what, make sure you’re putting your best face forward at networking events.

Should you join a lawyer networking group?

Tip 1: Find networking opportunities. The first thing to keep in mind is that networking happens everywhere. It might be hard to imagine now, but the people sitting next to you in your law school classrooms will be your peers in the legal world. Some of …

What does networking for lawyers look like in 2018?

Aug 01, 2018 · 5 essential networking tips for law students 1. Have a Plan. You may think that because you’re a law student, you don’t need to have a plan for business development... 2. Do your research. I mentioned this briefly above, but in today’s hyperconnected world, there’s no excuse for not... 3. Hone your ...

How do you network a legal profession?

Legal Networking: How to Network in the Legal WorldMake and Use Business Cards.Embrace the “Always On” Mindset.Join Bar Associations for Legal Networking.Attend Formal Legal Networking Events.Keep Conversations Going.Work Pro Bono to Boost Legal Networking.Volunteer in Your Community.Jan 10, 2022

How do I network my attorney?

Seek out volunteer opportunities in the area of law in which you're most interested. Attend presentations, conferences and symposia. The more people you know, the more likely it is that you'll hear of exciting opportunities. Networking is especially key for lateral attorneys.

Is networking important for law?

Networking helps you build connections and develop relationships. It's important for a career in law, where it can lead to new business for your firm or give you new opportunities.

Why is networking important for lawyers?

Having access to information about jobs, developments within your firm, happenings in the legal market, clients with business they can give you and your firm, and more is essential to your success as an attorney. Moreover, being known to sources of information relevant to your career is even more important.

What questions to ask during networking?

Networking: Questions to AskWhat are your primary job responsibilities?What experience did you have to get your job?How long have you worked here?What is your own background and experience?What is a typical work day like?How long is your work day?How much variety is there in your work?More items...

What do you understand by networking?

Networking is the exchange of information and ideas among people with a common profession or special interest, usually in an informal social setting.

What is legal in business network?

It was founded to assist businesses and entrepreneurs build legally protected businesses through our various activities, services and campaigns, such as connecting business needs to experts with tailor made legal solutions, training, research, business awareness programmes, legal advisory and excellence awards.

What are some examples of networking?

If you’re interacting with people, you are networking. Just a few examples to keep in mind: 1 Any breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, sporting event or concert 2 Large gatherings, such as cocktail parties or college, high school or graduate school events, produce opportunities to meet new people that can then be followed up by individual meetings 3 School reunions and committees in support of your schools 4 Bar association activities for local, state and the ABA 5 Educational programs and seminars 6 Community and religious organizations 7 Other nonprofit activities

Why is networking important?

Networking is important for long-term success. The relationships you establish become lasting friendships, as well as produce business. It’s about building and managing relationships; immediate financial rewards are secondary. In his book Give and Take, Adam Grant, a professor of management and psychology at the Wharton School, ...

What is networking in the 20th century?

Networking is a skill that seems like a relic of the 20th century. In society today, we have social media, texting and videoconferencing. These do not substitute for the personal contact, attention and commitment necessary for building lasting relationships.

How to win friends and influence people Dale Carnegie?

Dale Carnegie’s book How to Win Friends and Influence People was written in 1936, but his lessons are still true today. Compliment people when they deserve to be complimented; “Give honest, sincere appreciation” is Carnegie’s Principle 2. You may never know the impact your kindness will have.

What is the value of relationships?

THE VALUE OF RELATIONSHIPS. Relationships are the bedrock of winning and keeping business. When you focus on helping others, you will find that it leads to intangible benefits and satisfaction, not only in the production of business but in building lasting and rewarding friendships and relationships.

What are some examples of large gatherings?

Any breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, sporting event or concert. Large gatherings, such as cocktail parties or college, high school or graduate school events, produce opportunities to meet new people that can then be followed up by individual meetings. School reunions and committees in support of your schools.

Networking within the firm

When you start as an articling student or as a law firm associate, your firm should – and likely will – be your best source of professional development. And it is through the firm that you will take those initial steps toward developing a network of contacts, both within and beyond the profession.

Networking outside the firm

Since not all business contacts come from within the firm, you’ll also have to be aware of the need to develop contacts outside the industry. One of the best ways to do this is through a mentor or a more senior partner, who may be able to introduce you to new clients or contacts you might not otherwise have had a chance to meet.

Networking online

The Internet has changed the way in which we communicate and, by extension, the way in which we network. For example, look at how social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace have enabled people to re-establish contact with old friends and long-forgotten acquaintances.

The right tools for the job

One of the most important things to realize about networking is that it’s an incremental process, and one that must be developed on an ongoing basis. As you grow your network, keep it nurtured. Stay in touch with everyone on your list and keep adding to the list on a regular basis.

How to get new clients as an attorney?

As a solo or small firm attorney, networking and referral marketing are some of the best ways to get new clients. Don’t let the thought of schmoozy cocktail parties fill you with dread; there’s so much more to networking and gathering referrals than selling your firm over bubbly. No longer does networking mean going to in-person meetings.

How can a law firm grow?

Although it’s widely known and proven that law firms can experience quick growth through word-of-mouth referrals and face-to-face networking, sustainable growth requires more. Networking and referral marketing shouldn’t be the only tactics inside your law firm marketing strategy.

How to ensure clients choose you?

One of the surefire ways to ensure they choose you is by becoming known via networking and being shared via referral. Word-of-mouth is a powerful marketing tool—use it to your advantage.

What do you do inside a firm?

Everything you do inside your firm comes at a cost, including networking. You must value the time you spend networking and meeting prospective clients just as you would billable time. After all, although you’re working on your business, it takes time away from client work and other business tasks.

What is face to face networking?

Face-to-face networking is only one facet of lawyer networking. For example, use social media to join lawyer groups (more on this later). Or, use LinkedIn to connect with colleagues. No matter what, make sure you’re putting your best face forward at networking events.

How to ensure you're spending time on the right referral sources?

To ensure you’re spending time on the right referral sources, you must track where they’re coming from and be mindful. Some of the costs required to gain referrals such as attorney networks and networking events can add up over time.

What is networking event?

Networking Events. One of the most common types of networking involves going to events and meeting face-to-face with potential clients and colleagues. Not only do face-to-face events create meaningful business relationships, but they also increase your exposure. As a result, you further your firm’s reach.

Learn how to network successfully while in law school

Law school is the perfect time to start building your network. Here are 5 networking tips you can implement now.

Tip 1: Find networking opportunities

The first thing to keep in mind is that networking happens everywhere. It might be hard to imagine now, but the people sitting next to you in your law school classrooms will be your peers in the legal world. Some of them will work for the government or for non-profits. Others will work in private practice.

Tip 2: Do your research

Before meeting with an attorney in your field of interest, be sure to do your research. Learning about the person you’re planning to meet serves 2 purposes.

Tip 4: Put together an elevator speech

Though you shouldn’t focus on yourself when networking, the conversation will likely turn to you at some point. When it does, you’ll want to be prepared.

1. Have a Plan

You may think that because you’re a law student, you don’t need to have a plan for business development – but it’s never too early to start networking.

2. Do your research

I mentioned this briefly above, but in today’s hyperconnected world, there’s no excuse for not doing your research, and we all pretty much expect it these days. You’ve already checked out classmates and potential dates online, so why not also look at potential employers, colleagues, and clients?

3. Hone your elevator speech

I am hopeful that someone has already mentioned your “elevator speech” to you by this stage, but in case they haven’t, let’s talk about what they are, and why they’re important.

4. Social media can supercharge your efforts

I’m confident that you’re already exceedingly comfortable with and adept at using social media to stay connected. But whether you’re also using it for your professional connections extensively yet, I’d be curious to know. Currently, we have the most generations in the workforce in history, and their use of social media varies widely.

5. Networking happens everywhere

For older generations, social media used to be something we could “check off” on our to do list – it was separate from the projects that we did day to day, rather than an underlying piece of our full strategy. Networking can be a bit the same (even though it’s been around for much, much longer).

What is networking in business?

Networking is the process of speaking and interacting with people to develop professional contacts and relationships. It involves chatting to people at events, exchanging your contact details and developing connections within your existing networks. Remember that….

How to be an effective communicator?

You need to be an effective communicator by speaking clearly and confidently but you also need to listen.

How to connect with people at a networking event?

When you walk into a networking event, your goal isn’t to meet everyone in the room—at least it shouldn’t be. Before arriving, sort through the attendee list and jot down the names of three or four people you want to connect with.

How to avoid rambling when meeting someone?

Avoid rambling when you first meet someone by having your 30-second elevator pitch committed to memory. It should include the name of your company, your company’s function, and the role you play in the business.

Networking Within The Firm

• When you start as an articling student or as a law firm associate, your firm should – and likely will – be your best source of professional development. And it is through the firm that you will take those initial steps toward developing a network of contacts, both within and beyond the profession. In one regard or another, all firms provide profess...

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Networking Outside The Firm

Networking Online

The Right Tools For The Job