When it comes to making strides in your legal career, there are several aspects to consider. The first step to getting your foot in the door is having the right education. Do you have the knowledge and skills to meet the needs of the advertised position? Over time, as you work in the field, you’ll be exposed to various situations and learn new skills that will improve your attractiveness as a potential hire.
While an ongoing commitment to training and education is crucial, there’s another element that many in the legal field fail to embrace, and that is the power of networking. As a lawyer, your power lies not only in your knowledge, skills, and experience but also in who you know.
In this competitive legal landscape, one of the best ways to boost your career is to make yourself and your accomplishments known. In this post, we offer seven powerful tips that will help you jumpstart your legal career and take it to the next level.
When advancing your career, it’s best to be clear on which goals you seek to achieve. Identify specific goals and positions you wish to attain and research the law firms that will meet these future needs. This way, you can tailor your networking approach in such a way as to connect with the people who have the greatest influence and can open doors to the opportunities you desire.
While social media platforms can be useful to connect with friends, they are even more important for expanding your professional network. Platforms such as LinkedIn are a great way to connect with fellow legal professionals and promote your superpowers as a talented lawyer.
When you view legal events and seminars as networking events, you’ll see how they provide a perfect forum for meeting new people and expanding your reach. While an aptitude for small talk is certainly an asset, be sure to perfect your elevator pitch so you’ll make a memorable first impression.
Law societies tend to host a variety of annual events, giving members the opportunity to meet and mingle with other lawyers in the region. Becoming part of a society allows you to connect with like-minded individuals and share ideas, learning, and experiences. It’s also a great way to get to know your colleagues more intimately, as you have the opportunity to meet on multiple occasions, solidifying those relationships throughout the year.
Pro bono work offers the opportunity to commit to those people who are most in need. This commitment to social responsibility allows you to build meaningful relationships with clients, develop skills, and gain experiences that may be outside the scope of your day-to-day work. It also allows you to work alongside colleagues from other law practices, building new relationships that can lead to future job opportunities.
Whether it's an article in a law journal or as a speaker at a seminar, one of the best ways to get on the radar in the legal world is by showcasing your expertise. Great lawyers are often thought leaders. An easy way to differentiate yourself is to position yourself as a credible source of knowledge. When people know who you are and what you can do, you make the job of filling their new position easy.
It's not enough to simply make your elevator pitch and put your gold foil business card in someone’s hands. To commit to a successful long-term networking strategy, you need to stay in touch with your leads. When you make valuable connections, follow up promptly to build relationships with them. As memorable as your first meeting may have been, a follow-up creates a more lasting impression, serving you well for the next time you meet.
If you’re looking for legal recruitment opportunities in Vancouver and Calgary, take a look at the latest job postings on our website. As an established legal recruitment firm with almost 20 years of experience under our belt, we have the privilege of working with some of the largest law firms in Western Canada and can help you navigate a successful career.
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