Networking Tips for Plaintiff Lawyers

Referrals, professional connections, and a strong reputation within the legal community can all play an important role in building a successful law practice. Networking can open doors and create connections that benefit your firm and your clients for years to come.

1. Get Involved in the Legal Community

Join bar associations, trial lawyer groups, and other professional organizations that align with your practice. Volunteer for committees, participate in educational programs, or take on a leadership role when the opportunity arises.

Being an active participant in the community gives you more opportunities to meet other attorneys and allows people to become familiar with you and your firm over time.

2. Network Outside of the Legal Community

Some of your most valuable professional relationships may be outside the legal profession.

Depending on your practice, you may benefit from developing relationships with medical professionals, financial professionals, and other experts who work with plaintiff attorneys.

Having a network of trusted professionals, you can turn to when your clients or cases need additional resources can be incredibly valuable.

3. Be a Resource for Others

If you meet an attorney who is looking for an expert you have worked with, make an introduction. If someone asks you about a vendor you have worked with, share your experience. If you come across an article or case that you think someone in your network would find interesting, send them an email or a text message.

Small gestures can make a lasting impression. The goal is to become someone others know they can turn to when they need help.

4. Make Networking Part of Your Routine

Try setting aside a little time each month for networking. Even one or two intentional conversations can make a difference when you do it consistently.

A quick coffee with another attorney, a lunch with a referral source, a phone call to check in with a former colleague, or a few LinkedIn interactions can all help maintain relationships.

5. Follow Up After Meeting Someone

After meeting someone at a conference, CLE, dinner, or other event, send them a quick message to follow up. Mention something you talked about, thank them for the conversation, or suggest getting together for coffee sometime. Following up shows that you valued the interaction you had and gives you an opportunity to keep the conversation going.

Ultimately, the best networking strategy is one that feels authentic to you. When you consistently invest in the people around you and look for ways to add value, you will build a network of professionals who do the same for you and your law firm.

Photo Credit: 123RF - lightfieldstudios

About Donna A. Jones

Donna Jones is the President at Advocate Capital, which became a part of Pinnacle in 2019. Ms. Jones is a member of the Board of Directors of Advocate Capital and serves as a member of the Credit Committee. Her responsibilities include education and training of Advocate Capital staff regarding civil litigation, coaching new clients on the fundamentals of Advocate’s online services, as well as its proprietary software application, AdvoTrac®, and all activities related to existing and prospective clients.