Networking In Law

As a lawyer, it is essential to surround yourself with the following people: 1. Senior Lawyers with Integrity (Mentors) These are not just experienced lawyers—but principled ones. They teach you how to win with ethics, not shortcuts. They refine your courtroom strategy and judgment, and they open doors you cannot open alone. Avoid brilliant lawyers who lack integrity—they damage your name faster than they build your skill. 2. Peers Who Challenge You (Not Just Agree With You) You need colleagues who question your arguments, push you to research deeper, and compete with you in a healthy way. A circle of “yes people” will make you comfortable—but comfort kills excellence. 3. Clients Who Value Professionalism Not all clients are worth keeping. Surround yourself with clients who respect your advice, pay fairly and on time, and understand legal processes. Clients who want shortcuts, manipulation, or illegal tactics will eventually pull you into trouble. 4. Professionals Outside Law (Strategic Network) Law does not operate in isolation. Build relationships with business leaders, entrepreneurs, accountants, auditors, HR professionals, and policy makers. These connections bring you high-value work, expand your perspective beyond litigation, and position you as a solution provider—not just a lawyer. 5. People with Strong Moral Character Law is not just technical—it is deeply ethical. Keep around people who hold you accountable, live disciplined lives, and value truth and fairness. When pressure comes (and it will), your environment will determine your decisions. 6. Younger Lawyers You Mentor Mentoring others sharpens you. It forces you to think clearly, builds leadership, and strengthens your legacy. A good lawyer doesn’t just rise—they lift others while rising. 7. A Personal Support System (Family & Trusted Friends) Law can be intense. You need people who keep you grounded, remind you who you are beyond the profession, and support you during losses and pressure. Your network is your silent CV. Judges, clients, and institutions may not know everything about you—but they will judge you by who stands with you. #LegalProfession #Lawyers #Leadership #ProfessionalGrowth #LegalPractice #Ethics #Mentorship #Networking #CareerDevelopment #LawFirm #Advocacy

One of my favorite pieces of advice to give to early career professionals about how to maximize networking opportunities at a conference: Stand up and ask a question during a session early on in the program. You get to introduce yourself to the entire audience in one fell swoop by stating your name and company before asking your question. And ideally you ask a thoughtful and memorable question on the topic you most want to talk to people about. Now you’ve teed yourself up for the most fruitful conversations possible throughout the rest of the event. You might have to remind people “I’m so-and-so, the person who asked the question about XYZ during the session on ABC” but then you can continue on to ask what they think about the topic. It’s a great conversation starter aligned with your business objectives for the conference.

A lot of the value of attending or speaking at a conference doesn’t come from being there. It comes from what you do afterwards. How many times have you come back from a conference or event and thought, “I should’ve done more to maximize that experience”? Not just attending the sessions or showing up at the networking receptions, but turning it into something meaningful for your visibility, your relationships and your business development efforts. Me too 🙋🏼♀️ It’s easy to get caught up in our busy lives, especially after returning from a conference and then move on to the next thing without following up. What you proactively do after the event is what can turn conversations into relationships and visibility into opportunity. Here are some ways to make the most of attending your next conference: ✔️ Prioritize the people you met and follow up with context on LinkedIn or by email, referencing your conversation and suggesting a clear next step ✔️ Follow up with organizers to share feedback and express interest in speaking or getting involved in future programming ✔️ Turn your conference notes into key takeaways and share them as content (LinkedIn post, blog post or short video) connected to your work, your clients or what you’re seeing in the market ✔️ Host your own webinar to recap key themes and extend the conversation ✔️ Interview speakers or attendees whose perspectives stood out and use that content in a webinar, blog post or on social media ✔️ Host an internal recap to share key insights and connect them to your team’s work ✔️ Turn questions or conversations from the event into content or targeted outreach ✔️ Share insights from the event in an email newsletter ✔️ Add relevant new contacts to your email list so you can stay visible with them ✔️ Create a simple system to stay in touch with the people who matter most ✔️ Review the attendee list and reach out to people you didn’t meet ✔️ Follow up with speakers you admired, even if you didn’t connect in person ✔️ Identify one trend or theme you kept hearing across conversations and proactively share that perspective with clients or colleagues You already put in the time and energy to be there. This is how you carry that momentum forward. Which of these ideas resonated most with you? #LegalMarketing #ClientDevelopment #LinkedInTips #BusinessDevelopment #PersonalBrandingTips

During a “voice of the client” interview, a senior executive – loyal to an elite firm that hired us – burst out laughing. “The irony is unbelievable,” he said. “You’re asking how [Firm X] could improve, and I’m literally on my way to their biggest competitor for a roundtable with my peers. I’ve never worked with them before…but this is a brilliant way to introduce themselves. Firm X has never done anything like this.” Like Firm X, many professional service firms fail to leverage their networks to benefit clients. They sponsor “events” but those are rarely the kind where extremely senior business leaders spend their time. Yet, senior executives often feel isolated and highly value opportunities to connect with peers. The best firms use their “convening power” to host informal roundtables, fostering community, deepening client loyalty, and providing firsthand insights into executives’ concerns. What makes these events successful? Three key factors: 1. High-quality participants – a carefully curated peer group. Let’s be honest: the senior execs are more interested in hobnobbing with and learning from highly experienced colleagues. Set the agenda so they’re doing 90% of the talking with each other. 2. Relevant hot topics – issues they’re eager to discuss. Doing a few pre-roundtable conversations to uncover those topics is also a great way to build relationships. (“I value your opinion because I know you’re highly plugged into the most important strategic issues – and I’m interested in creating a small roundtable based on your most highest priorities”… sounds like you really care, no?) 3. A safe setting – an informal, off-the-record environment. Sure you’re going to attend so that you can introduce the attendees to each other, very lightly moderate the session, and above all LISTEN. Don’t pitch. Don’t sell. But follow up diligently so that they know you care and you’re willing to help. Roundtables are low-cost, low-effort (especially when partners trust their teams to help execute), and deliver significant returns. They help partners: * Strengthen client relationships * Demonstrate expertise by selecting the right participants and topics * Gain valuable insights by listening to attendees Executives often expect and welcome follow-up conversations, making roundtables a powerful tool for deepening relationships and adding value. For more insights on how outside advisors – especially lawyers – can elevate collaboration, check out What Clients Want from Law Firms, featuring a chapter by me and Gardner & Co. Insights Director Csilla Ilkei. @Globe Law and Business Ltd @CsillaIlkei #SmarterCollaboration #ClientEngagement #ProfessionalServices

In a world where every executive has a firm handshake and a stack of business cards, how do you become the person everyone remembers after a conference? After attending dozens in the past decade, I've developed a strategy that transforms conferences from transactional meetups into relationship goldmines. ♟️Pre-Conference LinkedIn Strategy The real networking begins weeks before the event. Review the speaker and attendee lists, then connect with key individuals on LinkedIn with a personalized message: "I noticed we’re both attending the Stand & Deliver event. I'd love to connect. See you soon." This pre-conference connection creates a warm introduction and significantly increases your chances of meaningful engagement. 👗👔The Memorable Wardrobe Element In my early career, I blended in at conferences. Now? I'm known for wearing a little more color (often D&S Executive Career Management teal) or patterns that are professional yet distinctive. When someone says, "Oh, you're the one with the great dress," you've already won half the networking battle. 🤝Contribute Before You Collect** Instead of collecting business cards, focus on providing immediate value in conversations. Can you connect someone to a resource? Share relevant research? Offer a solution to a challenge they mentioned? The executives who stand out aren't those who take the most cards—they're the ones who solve problems on the spot. What networking approach has worked for you at recent conferences? Share in the comments below! #ExecutiveLeadership #NetworkingStrategy #ConferenceSuccess #ProfessionalDevelopment

Introverts can't build personal brands on LinkedIn. That's a flat-out lie. In fact, quiet people often build the STRONGEST connections online. I've watched introverted clients go from zero presence to an inbox full of opportunities. Why? Because what looks like shyness is actually your biggest advantage. Let me show you what worked for me and my clients 👇 1️⃣ Deep listening = better content While others compete to talk first, you actually hear what your audience needs. This creates content that genuinely resonates. 2️⃣ Quality connections beat quantity You don't need 1000 shallow interactions. My introverted clients build focused relationships that convert to real opportunities. 3️⃣ Thoughtful analysis stands out In a world of hot takes, your carefully considered perspectives grab attention. People trust experts who think before they speak. 4️⃣ Authentic storytelling builds trust When you do share, it means something. Your audience feels that sincerity immediately. 5️⃣ Energy management creates consistency By honoring your natural rhythm (not forcing extroversion), you avoid burnout and maintain a steady LinkedIn presence. The loudest voice in the room isn't always the one people remember. Sometimes it's the person who speaks less but says more. What's one thing you do as an introvert that actually helps your personal brand? Let me know in the comments!👇 P.S. Want more leads from your LinkedIn profile? Book a FREE consultation call. Check the comments for the link. #LinkedInGrowth #PersonalBranding #ContentCreation #IntrovertSuccess

Attending a conference? To increase the ROI from your time, effort, and money - it's important to 1) prepare ahead of time, 2) craft a game plan, 3) stay engaged during the event, and 4) take proactive steps afterward to maximize professional growth and connections. Below and attached are some key tips and a roadmap of to dos to maximize results from conference attendance. ➡️ Prepare Before Your Go: - Define clear goals for attending the conference, such as networking, learning, or scouting new opportunities. - Review the event schedule and identify sessions, speakers, and networking events relevant to your objectives. - Research attendees and, if possible, reach out for pre-conference meetings or introductions. - Prepare an elevator pitch to describe yourself succinctly and bring business cards, or digital equivalents, for easy information exchange. ➡️ Be Ready to Maximize Your Experience: - To expand your network, attend both formal sessions and informal events, such as coffee breaks, dinners, or social activities. - Attend a variety of session formats to broaden your learning, from workshops to panels and lectures. - To cover more ground, consider distributing your team among parallel sessions and share notes afterward. - Throughout the event, take notes on key takeaways, interesting contacts, and actionable tips. - Use the conference app or social media to connect with other attendees and keep track of sessions and people you meet. ➡️ Network Effectively: - Approach new contacts genuinely and avoid overly sales-focused conversations. - Refer to name tags for personalized introductions and ask follow-up questions to foster meaningful dialogue. - Be a giver: offer assistance to others and share insights from sessions to start conversations. - Be ready to end conversations politely and move on as needed. ➡️ Post-Conference Actions: - As soon as possible after the event, review and organize your notes on sessions and contacts. - Summarize and share insights, key takeaways, and resources with your team or network to extend conference value. - Follow up with new contacts via LinkedIn ASAP, and later via email to continue professional relationships. - Take time to reflect on your original goals for attending and whether attending the conference helped you achieve them, then plan for improvements at future events. - Rest and recharge as needed: balance intense participation with self-care. When approached intentionally and actively, attending a conference is a valuable opportunity for professional development and networking. With solid preparation, engaged participation, and strategic follow-up, anyone can turn a single event into long-term benefits and connections! Please share other tips in the comments. Thx! #businessdevelopment #marketing

Beware of Creating the "Airport Experience" for Your Legal Team Users ✈️ Airports have lots of processes, queues, information screens, directional arrows, emails, texts, unique numbers, checks, special documents etc. On the surface, it all gives the impression of extreme organization and information sharing. But as a user, particularly if you only navigate an airport once or twice a year, the experience can be overwhelming, tense, confusing, and frustrating. 😵💫 This made me think that while processes, self-service, and information sharing are critical components of a well-run legal department, there's a danger of overdoing it. We must never forget that the average user's ability to comprehend and interact with our department can easily be compromised by overly complex systems and communication channels. I thought of these watch outs to make sure you're not turning your legal department into a bustling airport terminal: Avoid Multiple System Channels of Entry for Queries: Stick to a streamlined process with one or two clear channels for submitting queries. Having multiple systems can confuse users and lead to queries being lost or mishandled. Keep it simple, and ensure that users know exactly where to go when they need help. 🛣️ Simplify Communication: Be realistic about what your business stakeholders are going to read and digest. Focus on clear, concise, and targeted communication that gets straight to the point. Your goal should be to make information easy to digest and actionable, providing it in the place and at the time they need to consume it. ✉️ Cater to Infrequent Flyers: Even frequent users of legal team services won't fully understand or appreciate the process or what's needed as part of their request. For infrequent or first-time users, it can be even more confusing. Be prepared to tell them upfront exactly what you need from them and why, so you can get the request off to the best start. 🚦 #LegalOps #Legal #Law #Business #Efficiency #Communication

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!

Early in my career, I started going to networking events, and as friendly and extroverted as I am, they always made me nervous. People already knew each other and, even worse, I was often one of the few vendors in the room (cue the Jaws music). But a few things changed these events for me - 1. How can I help? - I found networking was easier when I had a task, so I joined a Legal Marketing Association committee, a vertical I'd chosen to focus on. Suddenly, I had tasks that let me get to know a few of the members that then snowballed into easier networking. I ended up serving four years on the DC board as well and making some of my best friends along the way. - As a speaker, I want the chance to network with the attendees, so upon check in, I ask, "Do you need a pair of hands for something?" It lets me be part of the action, while also helping my pursuit of being different - I suspect it's a rarity that a speaker offers to be of extra help. 2. Ask questions, make intros. In a booth? When they pop into your booth, you're the host, make them feel welcome. Use my trick of getting a peek at their name tag, too - "Hi, I'm Sam, how's it going?!...oh sorry, I didn't quite catch your name" (squints at name and company politely). Then, find a way to show them you know them by connecting dots on their co. or location, or simply say, "Thanks for swinging by our booth - do you much about us or is there anything I can help with?" At happy hour and don't know a soul? Look for the equally "ugh, who can I talk to?" nervous person and befriend them. "Hi! I'm just going to come over because it ALSO looks like you know no one here - I'm Sam!" ^^ask questions - people love to talk about themselves. 😉 Steer away from "What do you do" and find a way to focus on them/event. "Where are you coming in from?" "What session are you most excited for tomorrow?" "What did you think of Sam's keynote this morning, brilliant, right?!" 😏 Talking to a new friend and see the old friend walking by? Make eye contact and pull that person in to help them make new contacts. "Oh, here comes Mary, do you know her?...Mary, hi! Come meet Bill!" All the above will make people want to talk more to you and include you in invites because they know you can help them socialize and bring energy into a room. Bonus: In a conversation you're desperate to get out of... My go to: "Would you excuse me for a minute, I need to run to the restroom" and hope they don't say, "Me too! I'll go with you!" 😉 3. Don't talk about your own work when speaking with existing prospective clients. I know this sounds counterintuitive, but if I see someone I've been prospecting or that's in an active deal cycle, the last thing I want them to think is that every time I approach I'm doing so with a pitch (see Jaws music from above). So, I make it about building our relationship, getting to know them and doing most of what's above in point 2. If they want to talk work, they'll let me know. #samsales