Here are 5 tips if you are not sure where to start.
1. Define your goals
Think about what you want to get out of networking. This will look different for everyone and will evolve over time. By having clear goals, you can develop a plan tailed to your needs and can reflect on whether your actions are helping you achieve those goals.
Some common reasons for networking include:
- Building connections – expanding your professional network with other lawyers and professionals in other industries.
- Personal development – whether that is improving your public speaking skills or becoming more confident in new settings.
- Wellbeing – making contacts with peers who are going through the same challenges as you and who can provide insight into their experiences navigating that problem.
- Education and CPD – sharing knowledge with others and discussing practical topics.
- Career development – building your reputation and seeking new opportunities.
While bringing in business can be a benefit to networking, it is not something that comes immediately. As a young lawyer, you should establish other goals to first develop your skills before using networking to actively seek referrals.
2. Pick your communities
Consider which communities or networking activities align with the goals you have. Think about your practice area and who you work with day to day. If you can’t help a client with a legal or technical issue, do you know someone who can?
Some communities include:
- Early Career Lawyers
- Queensland Law Society (QLS)
- Bar Association of Queensland
- Queensland Young Lawyers (QYL)
- Brisbane Junior Chamber of Commerce (BJCC)
- Women’s Legal Association of Queensland (WLAQ)
- Industry groups specific to your practice area.
- Alumni and university – most run events or mentoring programs.
- Supreme Court Library – for example, the Selden Society lecture program.
- Other lawyers within your firm.
Aim for quality connections over quantity. Pick 2-3 communities to get involved in and don’t spread yourself too thin.
Professional events are a great way to meet new people, but you can also engage in networking through a role on a committee, by attending an in-person CPD event, or by arranging a one on one coffee catch up with a colleague or mentor. You may be more comfortable as a part of a smaller group that engages in other hobbies such as team sports, book club, or run club.
3. Aim for consistency
Start small. Set realistic and achievable targets. You can always adjust your targets if you feel that you can take on more or if you need to dial back.
For example, you might decide that you want to attend one event and have a meaningful check-in with two connections every month. Or you may aim to write one article or case note once every three months.
Think about ways that you can keep yourself accountable. Diarise a reminder or block out time in your calendar. Invite friends and colleagues to events to motivate you to attend together.
4. Prepare your introduction
So… what do you do?
When meeting new people at events, this is often the first question asked. Having an answer that you are comfortable with is a great way to make a lasting impression.
Prepare a short introduction that is 1-2 sentences or about 15 seconds in length as a short “about you”. Write down your introduction and practice it out loud so that it comes across naturally when you are in a new setting.
Try to succinctly summarise “who I help” and “how I help” in simple terms, without using too much legalese or overly technical language. You want to explain what your services are and how you can add value. Your introduction will change over time as you progress in your career.
Don’t feel limited to only talking about work. You can bring in personal interests and goals, and this can help build a connection and find common ground in the right setting.
5. Update your online presence
Check what your online presence says about you.
LinkedIn is predominantly used to build connections and keep in contact with other professionals that you meet at events. If you have an existing LinkedIn profile, some easy things to update are your:
- Headline
- Photo – ensure that it is a professional looking headshot
- Location – that reflects the general area in which you practice (e.g. Brisbane, Toowoomba, Townsville etc)
- About section (perhaps using the introduction you prepared earlier!)
Lawyers are increasingly expanding their online presence – whether that is by being part of other social media platforms (such as Instagram and TikTok), publishing articles to share knowledge, or participating in podcasts.
Make sure you are aware of your ethical obligations if you decide to make posts or create content to expand your online presence.
You are now ready to network like a champ!
Our legal careers are a marathon, not a sprint. Consider your other priorities (both work and personal) and integrate networking activities into your schedule so that it is sustainable long term.
With this knowledge, identify one community that interests you and commit to attending their next event.
Don’t wait, start building your network today.
Amy Clarke
Senior Associate
Macpherson Kelly