
Attorneys are busy, and networking takes work. While challenging, networking for law firms and sole practitioners does pay off. It also gets easier with practice.
Nearly everyone, at some point, needs an attorney.
By building contacts or participating in networking events, you may be the attorney they call.
Below are some attorney networking tips to help you at your next event.
What Is Attorney Networking?
Networking is interfacing with others, many of whom you don’t already know, to build relationships to support and further your career.
You can reap multiple benefits by enhancing your networking skills, including the following:
- Improving your communication skills. Many attorneys find that their communication skills improve when they interact with other attorneys and potential clients.
- Growing your confidence. An attorney may feel intimidated by the act of networking. However, the more relationships and contacts you build, the more comfortable and confident you will feel as the success of your firm grows.
- Opening the door to new opportunities. Establishing contacts with individuals in the legal field opens up new opportunities for you as an attorney.
It’s challenging to take the time to network regularly while handling the day-to-day tasks of running a law firm.
However, networking helps to strengthen your practice and grow your firm’s success.
Tips for Networking for Law Firms
You may understand there are networking benefits, but you don’t know how to start. Below are some attorney networking tips to help you start networking immediately.
Stay Goal Oriented
When attending a networking event, go with a purpose to avoid getting sidetracked or discouraged.
Your goal can be anything from getting five new contacts to informing others about your law firm.
Research the Event and Attendees
Before an event, see if you can access the list of participants. Identify people with shared interests to help you break that initial communication wall.
You may also read about the past cases of attorneys and judges attending the event to find topics to discuss.
Make a Friend
Talk to attendees at a networking event as you would talk to a friend. Find common interests outside the legal field to help develop a deeper connection.
Be Prepared
Make a plan for the type of questions to ask some of the other attendees. Bring plenty of heavy-duty business cards to pass out to each person you meet at the event.
Stay Attentive
Stay off of your phone while you are at a networking event. While you may feel uncomfortable, looking at your phone at a networking event makes you appear disinterested.
Continue Networking After the Event
Continue networking after the event is over. Connect with your contacts after the event to ensure they remember you.
Follow up with potential clients or lawyers with a message that will trigger their memory of your conversation.
Contact Us
Mesilla Legal Center provides space for attorneys and firms to hold meetings, depositions, mediation seminars, trainings, and networking events.
Our office and communal space can help you work more efficiently. We also offer plenty of amenities to keep you, your clients, and your colleagues comfortable.
Contact us if you need space to meet with a client or focus on a project, and we would be happy to assist you.