Networking in the Law Profession: How to Foster Relationships and Grow Your Professional Network
/Successful lawyers have at least one thing in common, and that’s their professional network
If you were asked to find the common thread between the most successful lawyers that you know, what would you say connects them? Chances are, most of the attorneys that immediately come to mind came from different backgrounds and graduated from various law schools.
So, what is it that ultimately differentiates the good from the great? Often, the most successful attorneys are “networked”.
A “networked” lawyer keeps a wide professional circle of people that can be tapped into to gain access to information they would otherwise not have, like jobs, developments within a firm or organization, happenings in the legal field, and new and potential clients. A professional network also offers opportunities to meet other groups of influential people that they would otherwise not have the chance to meet.
Whether you’re a new associate or a tenured lawyer, the notion that you need to be networking never fades away. But, effective networking requires time, patience, documentation, and follow-up.
Here are some steps you can take to foster your current relationships and grow your professional network:
1. Write it down
It doesn’t matter where, but you should keep a living, breathing list of the people who you want to stay connected with. Think about your classmates from law school, peers, and your past and current coworkers. This list of names should not be considered permanent or static—as a matter of fact, you should plan to revisit it on a monthly or even weekly basis.
2. Stay accountable with goals
Once your working list is established, select up to three people per week that you want to connect with. Reach out to each of them individually, and include something unique to each person in your note. Remember, the goal is to build and solidify relationships, so generic or blanket communication will not be effective.
3. Document your meeting
When you make networking a part of your weekly schedule, it can be easy for details and conversations to get lost in the shuffle. To keep track of each interaction, jot down notes after each meeting. Include details like the meeting date, topics of conversation, personal details shared and discussed next steps. Taking detailed meeting notes will allow you to keep a record of your conversations’ highlights and allow for a more personalized follow-up.
4. Do follow up
If you take detailed meeting notes, then your follow-ups should be a breeze. After meeting with one of your contacts, be sure to send them a follow-up email thanking them for meeting you for coffee, lunch, etc., and include any relevant next steps in your note. For example, if someone has committed to making an introduction, include a friendly reminder in your note.
5. Stay flexible
Attorneys are busy people, and it is not uncommon for meetings to get canceled. When this happens (and it will), don’t take it personally and instead focus on rescheduling for a more convenient time. You may also deal with contacts who are unresponsive to your meeting requests. Again, do not let this deter you. Just make notes in your file and follow up at a later date.
It’s important to remember that networking is a process, and a strong network of people within the legal community cannot be built overnight. In order to be effective, you need to be intentional about your existing relationships (alumni, current and past company stakeholders, clients, etc.), and remain proactive about meeting new contacts in the legal market, too.
Networking is one of the most weighted and fundamental elements of a long and successful career in the law. If you keep it a priority from the time you are in law school until you decide to retire, you too can join the ranks of some of the most successful attorneys who have a vast array of professional relationships and resources.
Carrington Legal Search is devoted to finding the ideal candidates for our clients’ recruitment needs. While we have experience in most industries, we have particular expertise in the Financial Services (banking, insurance, investment management, etc.) and Technology verticals. To make our nationwide network work for you, get in touch at 512-627-7467 or email carrie@carringtonlegal.com.