There are many different legal events taking place every week across the country, and figuring out which ones are worth attending can feel overwhelming. Using the above tools as a starting point can help you prioritize the events that work best for you while staying organized. In no time, you`ll have a constant rotation of networking, referrals, and educational opportunities that can help you grow your business or practice. Websites like Eventbrite and Meetup are often associated with purely social events. However, there are also a plethora of professional events, many of which cost nothing. Nearly 100% of respondents say face-to-face networking meetings are essential for long-term business relationships. In addition, 74% of consumers identify word-of-mouth as an important factor influencing their purchasing decisions. Whether you`re an experienced networker or a first-time lawyer, there`s always more to learn. We`ve gathered some tips over the years that can help you develop a lawyer network strategy that works. One of the most common types of networking involves attending events and meeting potential clients and colleagues in person. This increases the reach of your business. Check back regularly to get involved in upcoming YLS events and opportunities! Here are some resources to help you find the most rewarding networking events for law firms: Take advantage of other networking opportunities. In-person networking is just one facet of lawyer networking.
For example, use social media to join groups of lawyers (see Chapter 5). Successful lawyers understand the importance of networking within the legal community. Many law firm networking events take place weekly at the local, state, and national levels, but keeping track of all the networking events in your area can be overwhelming. Overcoming Drug Abuse in the Legal Profession – October 24 at 2 p.m. Lawyers are particularly vulnerable to anxiety, depression and substance abuse. The demanding nature of the legal profession can leave lawyers and law students feeling isolated, alone, and desperate to relieve themselves of drugs and alcohol. The objective of the seminar on overcoming drug abuse in the legal profession is to inform legal practitioners about the effects of drug abuse throughout the profession. Presented by Joe Scally of the Illinois Lawyers` Assistance Program, join us to discuss the causes of substance abuse in the legal profession and learn more about the resources available for people struggling with addiction (1.0 MCLE Credit) Click here to register! 29th Annual Pro Bono Show – October 27 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Presented by the CBA Young Lawyers Section and co-sponsored by CBF and Kirkland & Ellis LLP More than 40 Chicago legal aid, pro bono, nonprofit and mentoring organizations will come together to meet with members of the legal community. Hear directly from legal aid lawyers and pro bono lawyers about how you can make a difference. There is a way to personalize each individual`s schedule, interests, skills, and goals! Click here to register! The ABA In-Person Events Portal lists all ABA-supported events that contain a CLE component. This is a unique opportunity to earn continuing education credits while building valuable relationships. A variety of locations and practice areas are listed. Legal Latitudes – National Events for Litigators Fortunately, there are tools that can help you make the most of the options available and decide which events can have the greatest impact on your practice. Be sure to attend the annual and annual conferences held annually by your local and state litigation lawyers` associations. Work on becoming a presenter or speaker and building brand awareness.
As part of your network strategy, we recommend that you calculate your current network costs to ensure they align with your company`s growth goals. Exercise. Sometimes you just have to do the things that scare you. Take small steps by setting goals for networking opportunities. For example, set a goal to meet two new people at an event. Tip: Create your own networking event! Have fun – there are so many virtual events these days that it`s important to be fun and stay focused. There are some fantastic tools for virtual networking, so use them to your advantage. And in the face of the pandemic, networking events have changed.
Many companies are opting for hybrid – half online, half in person. Yes, face-to-face networking still exists, despite the focus on everything online. What kind of virtual events and other marketing activities do you have? How much time and money did you have to invest and how many clients did you get in return? Labster Jennifer Winegardner thinks she`s a big wall flower. She hated going to events where she didn`t know anyone. She needed a change in mindset, so she stopped seeing events as space work and started seeing them as an opportunity to make friends, invite exciting people for coffee, and learn more about them. In this way, networking felt personally valuable. To make sure you`re not wasting your time and money, ask about your networking options. Beyond time, networking requires hard-earned money. For example, you may have to pay for travel to attend a legal conference, monthly session fees, or your prospect`s client dinner. This also includes virtual networking. The American Bar Association organizes flagship events each year, including the Solo and Small Firm Summit.
They are fertile sources of networking, lawyer referral opportunities and legal education. Other places for online lawyer networking include LinkedIn, online communities like Reddit, Twitter, and more. The Young Lawyers Section of the Chicago Bar Association hosts numerous events and programs throughout the Year of the Lawyer, providing useful and relevant information and networking opportunities for the new lawyer.