Growing a Law Firm: Attorney Networking Strategies

Introduction

Every practicing attorney, no matter the size of the firm, should prioritize expanding their legal network. These connections not only lead to potential clients for participating firms, but develop important relationships for attorneys. Networks provide real-life feedback on the experiences of other firms, whether in the same practice area or not. With the legal services landscape continuing to evolve, having a group of trusted attorneys creates a sort of boot camp. Attorneys can use both digital and in-person networking strategies that help expand their own professional horizons, along with the firm's reach.In-Person Events

Live, in-person events are good occasions for legal networking. They offer opportunities to interact with other attorneys, firm partners, and potential clients face to face. Organizations that often hold live events include:

• Local or state bar associations: Many host events like luncheons, after-work get togethers, and educational events that give attorneys a chance to meet and mingle with their peers.
• Special interest groups that serves a similar community as the law firm's client, such as:
   
  • The Chamber of Commerce for business law.
  • The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) for  immigration law.
  • Mortgage brokers, real estate agents, religious organizations, etc.

In-person events add great value and facilitate deeper connections between attorneys, organizations, clients, and communities.

Social Media

The key to successful social media networking is finding the right platform to use. Good social media websites for attorneys include:

• LinkedIn: Designed to help professionals get in-touch with individuals in similar fields. It's also a good platform for finding attorneys with similar levels of experience, too.
• Bar association groups: Some host digital seminars, blogs, and podcasts. They also have groups attorneys can join as a way of meeting fellow professionals.
• Other social media platforms: As an example, Reddit can be a good a way of finding and getting in-touch with fellow professionals. It can also be a good way to locate potential leads, as many go to Reddit seeking advice and guidance.

The emphasis here is on the right platform. A platform that's useful for one attorney might not be for another. Don't be discouraged simply if one option doesn't yield results. Finally, be mindful when posting online. Once something's on the internet, it's up there forever. If you wouldn't post it on a bill board in public, don't post it online.

Non-work Activities

Attorneys are always connecting, even outside of work. Attorneys should be open to meeting new contacts as a course of daily life. Sure, it isn't the primary reason attorneys attend or participate in these non-professional settings, but being open to meeting new people is always a good idea.

• Going to the gym, park, or other leisure activities.
• Attending a weekly civic or religious gathering.
• Special interest groups.

In these circumstances, it's not always appropriate to bring up work. Always be open to discussing work related topics, however. Sharing professional profiles in these environments is normal. Once an introduction is made, a connection is formed. It may or may not go anywhere, but it's good to plant those seeds, as appropriate, through daily activities.

Adjacent Service Providers

Attorneys looking to expand their legal network should expand their network through related service providers. Reach out to adjacent professionals that serve a similar client profile. For example:

• For real estate attorneys, consider connecting with real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and other professionals in that market.
• Tax attorneys can connect with accountants and other financial advisors.
• Estate planning attorneys may connect through local schools, perhaps partnering with the schools Parent Teacher Association and offer some education to introduce their services.

A strong and diverse network is key to maximize the potential benefits of new clients and a healthy practice. 

Other Licensed Professionals

Attorneys that want to expand their network even further should consider reaching out to other professionals outside of their own practice fields. Certain licensed professionals that frequently work with legal practitioners include:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA), especially for finance lawyers.
• Notary Public, who regularly interact with attorneys from all kinds of practice field.
• Archivist/data management specialist, depending on how frequently attorneys access archives for their work.

Keep things focused on the immediate community. If there are any locally-based professionals, reach out to them first. It's better than having to travel halfway across the city just to make an introduction.

Closing Thoughts

Networking strategies can benefit everyone, but they can especially help attorneys look to increase both their own presence and that of their law firm. While it may seem daunting at first, especially for attorneys just starting out, network-building can help attorneys of any experience level stay relevant and top-of-mind with their peers.

SimpleLaw, meanwhile, makes working with leads and clients simple with an affordable all-in-one case management software program.

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