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In a profession that specializes in conflict resolution and verbal acuity, the ability to leverage those skills to build relationships in a broader community is often what makes for a successful and fruitful legal career. Of course, the basics of legal networking apply here: attending industry events and leveraging platforms like LinkedIn. While this provides a good starting place, there’s more to attorney networking if you want to create a holistic approach.

Let’s take a look at some ways to strategically network in furtherance of building and maintaining lasting connections. 

The Importance and Benefits of Networking for Lawyers

In a profession where credibility and relationships areparamount, networking serves as more than a means of career advancement—it is acornerstone of long-term professional success. Beyond expanding your list ofcontacts, each new relationship can open doors to fresh perspectives and uniqueopportunities. 

  • Expand your referral base and attract new clients – Clients often look for legal representation through trusted recommendations, making strong professional connections key to growing your client base. By cultivating relationships with fellow lawyers and other professionals, you create a dynamic pipeline of referrals. Additionally, law firms greatly value attorneys who can develop robust referral networks to enhance the firm’s reputation. This not only boosts your practice but also strengthens your own reputation as a trusted legal advisor.
  • Build a support system – Perhaps one of the most underrated aspects of networking is the sense of camaraderie and support it can provide. The legal profession can be competitive and high-pressure. Having a circle of fellow lawyers and mentors to exchange advice with or simply discuss challenges can keep you motivated and resilient. This support network helps you navigate turbulent times in your career and stay grounded in your objectives.
  • Career advancement – Having a strong professional network increases your visibility to open law jobs, and keeps you top of mind when the opportunity arises. Someone in your network may even help you navigate how to prepare for a law firm interview effectively. Attorneys can learn how best to handle interviews by connecting with experienced individuals in the field. 

Put differently, if you’re not actively building connections, you’re stifling your legal career in more than one way.

Traditional Networking Avenues

Direct, in-person interaction remains one of the most effective ways for attorneys to make lasting connections. Meeting other lawyers face-to-face is essential for building networks and credibility in the legal industry. Here are three traditional networking avenues worth exploring.

Bar Association Events and Conferences

Hopefully, you are already a member of the American Bar Association. You should also consider joining local, state, or specialty bar associations and organizations. They organize events and conferences which are great places for lawyer networking.

Legal Seminars and Workshops

There is probably a legal networking group seminar or workshop taking place near you this month. Attend one, and you'll inevitably expand your professional network. Platforms like Eventbrite are a good resource for finding legal networking events in your area. These events are perfect for attorneys looking to make connections that align with their specific interests. 

Modern Networking Strategies

As valuable as traditional networking avenues are, modern networking strategies need to be a part of your arsenal. Having an online presence, for example, is an absolute must, and this includes more than uploading your resume to an online platform and hoping a law firm, company, or potential client notices you. 

Make the Most Out of LinkedIn

For one, your LinkedIn profile needs to be up-to-date and optimized properly. Use a descriptive headline and a professional photo, concisely highlight your skills and experience, and seek recommendations from colleagues and clients. More importantly, actively engage in discussions with other lawyers.

Expand Your Reach

LinkedIn is not the end all be all when it comes to online networking. Discussions about legal matters also take place on platforms like X and Reddit. These platforms provide tremendous opportunities for attorneys to tap into diverse legal discussions. If you consistently provide value by answering questions and showcasing your expertise, you can expand your network beyond the confines of the corporate world.

Get Creative With Your Online Networking Strategy

Even social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok can be very effective at building an online presence and carving out a niche audience. This, too, can be valuable for legal networking and potentially lead to some new, exciting opportunities. 

Work With Legal Recruiters

Working with legal recruiters can offer attorneys a competitive advantage in the job market, as recruiters have access to a wide network of contacts and know about opportunities that may not be publicly advertised.

Networking Skills for Lawyers

Networking requires attorneys to be adaptable, using technology and personal interactions to build meaningful ties. Successful lawyers articulate complex legal concepts clearly, concisely, and persuasively. Effective communication is a crucial aspect of the legal profession, and it is also an essential skill for building networks and fostering relationships. 

There are no shortcuts to becoming a more effective communicator. You need to practice, and you do that by conversing and connecting with others. Commit to attending legal networking events, conferences, and virtual workshops. If you make this a part of your professional routine, your communication skills will develop naturally over time.

Maintaining professional relationships requires effort as well, but more than anything else it is about listening and being curious. If the people in your network feel valued, they will provide value to you.

Challenges and Solutions in Lawyer Networking

Having a good theoretical grasp of lawyer networking can be incredibly helpful, but applying it in the real world may cause some challenges. The primary one is not knowing how to approach people. 

When you're trying to build a connection, it's always a good idea to open with a compliment. Familiarize yourself with the person's work, and find something specific to praise. It could be a recent LinkedIn post they wrote, or a project they handled. When you're at a conference, you can compliment a presentation they gave or engage in a thoughtful discussion about it.

You do not need to sell yourself directly, but you should have an elevator pitch that should briefly explain who you are, your practice area, and what you do. This practice ensures that you maintain interest among listeners and clearly present your law expertise. A good start would be something like, "I specialize in helping non-profits navigate financial regulations." You can expand, test, and refine your pitch based on the feedback you receive.

Adequate groundwork beforehand ensures you have meaningfulconversations that build relationships rather than forgettable small talk. Toset yourself up for success, try to:

  • Set clear objectives – Determine what you want to gain from the event—whether it's meeting potential mentors, exploring career transitions, or landing new clients. Having clear goals will guide you toward the right sessions, speakers, or attendees to connect with.
  • Do your research – Check the event’s speaker lineup, review the agenda, and see if there is a published attendee list. If possible, identify key individuals you’d like to meet and learn about their background or recent projects. This knowledge not only boosts your confidence but also allows you to tailor your conversation starters to reflect a genuine interest in their work.
  • Prepare conversation starters – Nothing stalls a first impression like awkward silence. Come armed with open-ended questions that spark lively discussion. For instance, “What drew you to your current practice area?” or “What trends do you see shaping the future of corporate litigation?” Thoughtful questions allow your conversation partner to share insights and help you establish common ground.
  • Elevator pitch and materials – Make sure you’ve rehearsed a succinct introduction that outlines who you are, your practice area, and a glimpse of what sets you apart. Also, don’t forget to bring up-to-date business cards or have a quick, easy way to share your contact details electronically. These preparation steps ensure each interaction is purposeful and memorable, setting the stage for follow-up conversations that can shape your professional future.

Network Proactively With E.P. Dine

Attorney networking is about consistently investing time into building connections that can significantly influence your legal career opportunities.. When you network proactively, you create momentum, which helps connections develop faster.

To step up your networking game, reach out to E.P. Dine. For more than 40 years, our team has been helping candidates build successful careers. Fostering valuable relationships is at the core of what we do.

Sources:

  1. Interlegal. Why Networking Is Essential To Be A Successful Lawyer. https://www.interlegal.net/why-networking-is-essential-to-be-a-successful-lawyer/ 
  2. LegalGen. The Top 10 Social Media Platforms For Lawyers And Law Firms LegalGEN Inc. https://legalgen.com/2023/10/25/social-media-platforms-for-lawyers/ 
  3. Bloomberg Law. Networking for Lawyers. https://pro.bloomberglaw.com/insights/business-of-law/networking-for-lawyers/ 
  4. Law. Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch: Tips for Lawyers on the Rise. https://www.law.com/thelegalintelligencer/2020/02/05/perfecting-your-elevator-pitch-tips-for-lawyers-on-the-rise/

At E.P. Dine, we are committed to delivering content that is not only relevant and insightful but also rooted in professional integrity and expertise. To achieve this, every article published on the E.P. Dine blog undergoes a meticulous review process by qualified professionals with deep knowledge and experience in the legal field and legal recruitment.

David Walden

Co-CEO

As Co-CEO of E.P. Dine and leader of the Law Firm Practice Group, David is a premier legal career strategist and search industry expert to law firm executives and partners throughout the United States. His clients, among the world's finest law firms, engage him when seeking the highest standard of excellence in their search efforts and hiring initiatives.

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