Attorney network is paramount in this profession. However, in today’s digital world dominated by the internet and social media it seems to have lost its importance. But whatever the situation might be, networking is crucial for lawyers. Though social media dominates peoples’ lives, the importance of personal relationships cannot be ignored.
The nature of the legal profession is such that the majority of business come through referrals, and therefore, the attorney network is critical.
Every successful lawyer or law firm has built their practice by building and maintaining relationships. Keeping in touch with existing clients helps in getting new clients. You need to engage with people to build relationships.
How to Network Successfully?
Networking is important from a long term perspective. The relationship that you build in the course of your practice can result in lasting friendship. You may not get immediate business, but these relationships will get you clients in the future. Building relationships doesn’t mean that you should only expect to get business from them, but should also help others with your time and knowledge. People are givers and takers, and therefore, you should be ready to give if you expect something from others. It is, therefore, very important to be a part of some attorney network services.
Who Can You Help?
You have to be alert to look for opportunities. You never know when an opportunity may come your way. For instance, you can join a club where you will get to know new people and expand your community. Clubs are a very good place to enlarge your social and business relationships. You are likely to meet other attorneys at the club with whom you can forge a business partnership. As it is, attorneys specialize in just a few areas of law. When you meet an attorney whose area of practice is different from yours, you should try to build an understanding that would be mutually beneficial to both of you. If a client comes your way, and you don’t practice in that field you can refer that client to the other attorney that you met at the club. Similarly, if the other attorney has a client whose case is related to your practice area, then that attorney could refer that person to you. Mutually helping each other can be highly successful.
Interaction with different members of the club is likely to develop into a new business relationship. You just have to be aware of the situation. You also need to involve yourself in bar association work and build a lawyer referral network.
Where to Find Networking Opportunities?
Networking opportunities are everywhere you only have to be alert to grab the opportunities. Whenever you interact with people you can look for business opportunities. For instance, you can find opportunities at breakfast tables, sporting events, and concerts. Large gatherings, school alumni meet and marriage functions too are good places to look for business opportunities. Getting involved in bar association activities, both at the local and national level provide excellent opportunities to find new clients.
Bar Association Activities
Participation in bar association activities provides excellent opportunities to network with other attorneys. You get to know other lawyers with whom you can forge a mutually beneficial relationship. Also, you can get clients through referrals. There are many people who approach bar associations to search for attorneys. You can get such clients if you regularly visit bar association and keep yourself involved in its activities. You may also get the opportunity to be a part of a legal services network.
School and College Groups
Networking with school and college groups can be immensely beneficial. Besides students from your class, you will also find opportunities elsewhere. For instance, your friends from your class would be part of some other groups as well, and they could refer to people from those groups. Lawyers from your group could come together to form some sort of professional legal network and help each other by cross-referring clients.
Being Nice to Others
How you behave with people who work for your clients is very important. Sometimes when we are busy we tend to become inconsiderate towards those who work in your clients’ office. Such behaviour may not go down well with your client and you may not get any business in the future. Being good to the administrative staff can build your reputation, and they might refer you to someone in their knowledge.
Networking Training
Effective networking requires training and guidance. Young lawyers after graduating from law school should work under the guidance of a senior lawyer. Not only will he/she get practical experience, but would also learn about networking.
Effective networking is very essential in the legal profession. Though lawyers now mostly market themselves online, the importance of personal relationships can never be underestimated. Networking is a skill that all attorneys must have. Your success and failure depends on how good or bad your networking is.