Networking In Law

If you're a lawyer at a small firm, don't underestimate the potential of generating referral opportunities from lawyers at big firms. It's a great pipeline to develop. When I started my own law firm, a substantial number of my best referral sources were other lawyers. In particular, I generated a steady stream of opportunities from a handful of lawyers at BigLaw firms who sent me work they were conflicted out of or the client couldn't pay their rates. If you do commercial litigation, transactional, corporate restructuring, IP, or many other types of work at a small firm, there are many BigLaw lawyers looking for someone like you to send work to. I can tell you from my experience working in BigLaw that there are countless "all attorney" emails flying around asking for recommendations for external lawyers to send work to or hire as local counsel. You have to be good at what you do. Take great care of the client. And keep the lawyer who referred the work up to speed. But if you can check those boxes, you will reap the rewards. Don't have these types of relationships? - Reach out to some law school classmates who work in BigLaw. - If you previously worked at a bigger firm, touch base with some former colleagues. - Add insightful comments to LinkedIn posts written by lawyers at bigger firms who have a similar practice. After engaging with them for a while, send a direct message suggesting a time to for a phone call. - Get out and network in your local community. Speak at bar association events. Build and nurture strong relationships within the legal community to build your practice. It's an invaluable, but often overlooked, source of new business.

The 2024 Game-Changer for Business Success? Ideal Referral Partner (IRP) You’ve heard the term “Ideal Customer Profile” (ICP) You've probably got one nailed down. But there's a piece of the puzzle that's missing. 👉 Enter: Ideal Referral Partner (IRP) Think about it. We're all about connections, about weaving that strong net. And it's not just who you catch – it's who helps you cast the net wider. Your IRP is someone who gets it. Someone who serves your ideal client just like you do. They're not your competition; they're your ally. They understand your hustle because it's their hustle too. Aligning with them? 👉 That's smart. 👉 That's strategy. 👉 That's growth. ✅ They amplify your voice. ✅ They extend your reach. And let's face it – they make you look good. Because in business, the adage "your network is your net worth" isn't just catchy. It's currency. Building a network of referral partners is investing in your business's future. And your personal brand? That’s key It shows you're credible, you're the expert, you're the go-to. So when they refer you, they're not just passing on a name. They're endorsing a reputation. And that? That's invaluable. So ask yourself, who's your IRP? ✓ Start that conversation. ✓ Nurture that relationship. ✓ Watch your business grow. Because who knows... your next big opportunity might just come from them. ---- PS: Curious how you can increase revenue and business opportunities through personal branding and social selling strategy? Send me a DM! Turn your expertise into influence. 😎

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been putting together all the advice I’ve received over the past year or so, bits of wisdom from more than 40 lawyers I’ve had the privilege of meeting. After all these conversations, this seems to be the collective consensus on what a young lawyer should be doing: 🔹 Build a meaningful network. Your network is your most valuable asset, but don’t just build it for career growth. Use it to understand the deeper needs of the legal industry. Focus on genuine relationships, not just transactions. Join professional groups and engage with professionals beyond legal circles, including legal tech, business, and public policy. 🔹 Be curious and proactive. Reach out to experienced lawyers with personalized messages, attend events, and always follow up. Go beyond surface-level networking by asking meaningful questions about where legal services are falling short. Pay attention to recurring frustrations faced by businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals. These gaps often hold the biggest opportunities. 🔹 Offer value and stay engaged. Share insights, introduce contacts, or volunteer because in networking, "givers gain." Listen more than you speak, track patterns in conversations, and keep in touch with your connections even when you don’t need anything. Toronto’s legal market is small, and your reputation travels fast. Your biggest advantage won’t just come from networking but from using those relationships to identify and act on the legal industry’s blind spots. What do you think? Do you agree? Would you add or challenge anything on this list? Let me know in the comments! 👇 - - - Hi, I’m Claudio – a law student and podcast host. I’m on a mission to connect with 75 lawyers before I graduate. Follow me and tap the 🔔 to stay updated on this journey. Let’s connect!

Most of my new clients come through referrals, not outreach. When someone they trust says, “You should work with them” the entire dynamic changes. The conversation no longer starts at zero. It starts with credibility, with proof already built in, and with a level of trust that no amount of cold pitching can buy. Here’s how I’ve made referrals a core part of my personal brand strategy: 1/ Deliver beyond the immediate ask. One client might come to me for LinkedIn strategy, but if I notice their founder story or positioning doesn’t land with the right audience, I’ll step in and help refine it. When people feel you are invested in their broader success, not just the contract scope, they remember you as more than a service provider. That’s the version of you they share with others. 2/ Make your clients look good in the rooms you cannot access. If a client’s content gains traction and positions them as a thought leader, it is their reputation that rises in front of investors, hiring candidates, and industry peers. Behind the scenes, they are clear about who helped shape that visibility, and those are the moments that fuel strong referrals. 3/ Stay connected long after the work is done. A quick check-in, a thoughtful suggestion, or amplifying their big announcements signals that you are invested in their long-term journey. The smallest actions often spark the biggest introductions. Referrals are not an accident. They are the natural outcome of doing excellent work, creating trust, and ensuring that your clients succeed so publicly and so visibly that other people cannot help but ask who is behind it. That is why referrals are not just a growth channel for me. They are the clearest validation that my work delivers lasting impact.

The #1 skill lawyers aren’t taught in law school? Marketing. And I say this as a lawyer too. Because a few years ago, being a lawyer online meant one thing: • Posting about case wins. • Sharing legal jargon. • Maybe a stock photo of a gavel. But something’s changing. I’ve been connecting with a lot of lawyers lately, and they’re doing something different. They’re not just practicing law. They’re building brands. • They’re learning marketing. • They’re improving their sales skills. • They’re figuring out where their ideal clients hang out. Because knowing the law is only half the battle. The other half is getting clients. And the best lawyers I know don’t sit around waiting for business to magically appear. They build systems to attract it. • They put themselves out there. • They share their expertise. • They show who they are beyond the courtroom, beyond the contracts they draft. Because in this field, your network is everything. And if people don’t know you exist, how will they ever hire you? And let me in you a secret. The best way I network is by speaking to people without expecting anything in return. It means: • No pitching left or right. • No forcing sales into conversations. • If the context calls for it, then politely ask if they need what you do. Because ultimately: • The more people respect you. • The more your network grows in the right market. • The more chances you have of getting your ideal client. And all this is connected with your brand. So start building that today. And this advice is not coming from a personal brand expert, it's just coming from another lawyer like you. --- ✍ Question: How are you positioning yourself to attract the right clients?

Lawyers, most job seekers focus on job portals and online applications, assuming that’s where the best opportunities are. But here’s a reality check: nearly 70-80% of jobs (especially senior roles) are never publicly advertised. They get filled through internal referrals, networking, or headhunting. As a career coach for lawyers and law students in India, I’ve seen this play out time and again. Law firms and legal teams often prefer: ✅ Internal referrals – Saves time and ensures trusted hires. ✅ Legal recruitment agencies – Like Neeti Shastra, which specializes in targeted placements. ✅ Direct headhunting on LinkedIn – A powerful tool for mid-to-senior roles. So, if you’re only relying on job postings, you’re competing with thousands of applicants for the same positions. Instead, here’s how you can tap into the hidden job market: 🔺 Build genuine connections with lawyers in your practice area—engagement matters! 🔺 Stay in touch with your alumni network—your seniors might be hiring. 🔺 Work with legal recruiters—especially if you have 2+ years of PQE. 🔺 Be active on LinkedIn—many hiring decisions start with a strong profile. A passive approach won’t cut it in today’s competitive legal job market. Be strategic, be visible, and go beyond the job portals! If this was helpful, share it with someone who needs to hear this today. ________________________________________ 📍 I help lawyers secure their dream jobs. 📍 I assist lawyers and firms in generating high paying leads.

I had the good fortune to participate in a career readiness session organized by the Led By Foundation which is doing some awesome work! I was able to spend some time with young law students and fresh law grads looking for internships, jobs and the like. While I was able to share some of these tips with them, I wanted to pen them down here for the broader audience. 1. Network Actively: Build and maintain professional relationships. Attend legal networking events, join bar associations, and connect with alumni from your law school. Networking can open doors to opportunities that aren't advertised. 2. Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter: Customize your application materials for each job. Highlight relevant experiences and skills that match the job description. A well-crafted cover letter can make you stand out. 3. Gain Practical Experience: Consider internships, clerkships, or volunteer work to gain practical experience. Even if these positions are unpaid or temporary, they provide valuable skills and networking opportunities. 4. Leverage Online Platforms: Use LinkedIn and other professional networking sites to showcase your skills, connect with professionals in your field, and search for job openings. Join groups and participate in discussions to increase your visibility. 5. Research Potential Employers: Learn about the firms or organizations you’re applying to. Tailor your application to show that you understand their work and how you can contribute. Mentioning specifics in interviews shows you’ve done your homework. 6. Prepare for Interviews: Practice common interview questions and scenarios, especially those specific to the legal field. Be ready to discuss your past experiences, your understanding of legal principles, and how you handle challenges. 7. Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with developments in the legal field, especially in your areas of interest. This demonstrates your commitment and can give you talking points during interviews. 8. Consider Alternative Legal Careers: Explore various career paths beyond traditional law firm roles, such as compliance, government roles, legal tech companies or legal journalism. These roles can offer valuable experience and opportunities. 9. Continuing Education: Consider taking additional courses or certifications relevant to your area of interest. This can make you more competitive and show a commitment to ongoing professional development. 10. Be Persistent and Positive: Job searching can be challenging and sometimes discouraging. Stay persistent, keep applying, and maintain a positive attitude. Each application and interview is a step closer to your goal. #sundaymusings #payitforward #givingback #careeradvice #lookdeeper

Introvert-friendly networking tip: Start your event connections before the event begins. If walking into a room full of strangers makes your stomach flip, here’s a quiet strategy that can make in-person events feel less intimidating, and more intentional: 💡 Connect on LinkedIn before the event. Look up the event page, RSVP list, or hashtag. Identify a few people, maybe a speaker, a fellow guest, or someone you admire. Then send a short, friendly note like: 👉 “Hi [Name], I saw you’re also attending [Event Name] this week. I’d love to connect here and hopefully say hello in person!” I’ve used this approach myself, attending events alone and still managing to create real conversations, on my terms. Why it works: - You walk in with familiar faces instead of total strangers. - You have a built-in conversation starter (no forced small talk). - You control the pace of connection—before, during, and after the event. 💜 And here’s a bonus: If you don’t get to meet them in person, you still have the connection to follow up later with a kind note or reflection on the event. You don’t have to “work the room” to network well. You just have to be intentional. And that’s where introverts shine. Have we met? 👋 Hi, I’m Ana, a career coach and strategist for introverts. If you are a professional who wants to improve your LinkedIn presence and become visible to recruiters without spending hours job searching, then follow along! #NetworkingTips #introverts

Having just wrapped up a powerful LinkedIn session in Nashville with a room full of Legal Ops professionals, here are 3 steps you can take today as a legal professional: 1. 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽 𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴. Start engaging. Commenting with insight is more powerful than just hitting “like.” 2. 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲. Talk about what your clients care about, not just what your firm does. If you are interested in them, you become interesting to them. 3. 𝗕𝗲 𝗵𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻. The most trusted voices aren’t perfect—they’re consistent, clear, and real. And in today's AI world, you being you is the differentiator.     Legal expertise is your foundation. LinkedIn is your amplifier. Thank you Connie Brenton and the LegalOps team for letting me part of your city tour. What’s one thing you’ve seen work well in your firm’s online presence? I’d love to hear it—and so would everyone else reading this. P.S. If you are a legal professional and would like to receive a copy of my LinkedIn Summary for Legal Professionals, leave a comment with #blisspointlegal  and I will send you a copy.

Let’s talk about something most introverts secretly dread — networking. The crowds. The small talk. The pressure to “work the room.” As someone who’s hosted dozens of masterminds, social lunches, and business networking sessions, I’ve met all types of people — from charismatic extroverts to thoughtful introverts. And here’s what I’ve learned: Introverts don’t need to be louder to make meaningful connections. They just need to leverage what comes naturally to them. If you identify as an introvert, here are a few ways to network without pretending to be someone else: 1️⃣ Start with depth, not breadth. You don’t need 50 new connections — you need 5 meaningful ones. Choose quality over quantity. 2️⃣ Use online connection as a warm-up. Engage on LinkedIn before you meet in person. Comment genuinely. Message people whose content resonates with you. It makes real-life conversations easier. 3️⃣ Follow up privately. Introverts shine in one-on-one settings. Send a note after an event saying, “I really enjoyed our chat about X.” It stands out because it’s personal. You don’t have to “turn on” a fake extrovert mode to grow your network. You just have to connect authentically — in ways that feel natural to you. Because real connection isn’t about being seen by everyone. It’s about being remembered by the right people. If you’ve ever thought networking wasn’t “your thing,” it might just be time to redefine what networking looks like for you. You don’t need to be the loudest in the room — just the most genuine. 🔥 If you want more strategies on how to network digitally, check out my LinkedIn Learning Course FOR FREE: https://lnkd.in/gnKpUcDE