I attended a legal networking event last night so I thought I would write about my general experiences at these events. Networking is a necessary evil when it comes to practicing law. Whether you are a solo practitioner, at a large firm, or working for a government agency, networking is an important skill to master. There is always the temptation to avoid these events because who really wants to spend their evening talking to strangers about their professions. Here are some techniques that have helped me get something out of networking events.
- Avoid Clustering
The easiest thing to do at a typical networking event is to cluster with your friends and colleagues into a small area. Not only will you make it impossible for others to feel like they can infiltrate your group, but you’re not really going to get anything out of talking to people you spend most of the day with anyway. I know it’s in most people’s nature to want to stay in a safe, non-threatening group setting, but putting yourself out there and making new connections will be the best thing you can do at a networking event.
- Be Friendly
I think the first thing I did last night was to remember to put a smile on my face and to be friendly. I know you are probably not going to meet your new best friend or future partner at this event, but you can likely make a new LinkedIn connection and you never know what that connection could lead to. By being friendly and willing to talk to someone you’ve never met before, you are opening yourself up to the possibility of getting a new case or meeting someone in a different practice of law who may even refer something to you or your firm in the future.
- Monitor Your Alcohol Intake (If You Partake)
The worst thing you can do at a networking event is to make the wrong impression on a new connection. A lot of these events will offer you a free open bar. As tempting as it is to take full advantage of free libations, you have to remember to pace yourself or even limit yourself to just a drink or two. Remember, you’re not going to impress anyone by being the lawyer who drank the most. In fact, the only impression you will make is that you were that person who everyone will talk about at the next networking event.
- Go into the Event with an Open Mind
The funny thing about these events is that if you are willing to take a risk and speak to someone you don’t know; you may learn something. Contrary to popular belief, I think that lawyers are actually quite interesting and intelligent people. You may end up talking to someone who practices a different type of law than you, and it may catch your interest enough that you think about changing career fields. Or even more importantly, you may end up speaking to a hiring partner or a judge who you have heard about. You never know what can happen at these events, so take the risk and go into it with an open mind.
We all know networking is a necessary evil. So, if you avoid clustering, be friendly, monitor your behavior, and go into these events with an open mind, you will be able to get something out it. Whether it’s a meeting a new friend or establishing a connection with a powerful judge or partner, there are always opportunities at networking events. Don’t be awkward and go for it.
Peter S. Garnett is an attorney at Balestriere Fariello who represents clients in trials, arbitrations, and appeals. He focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation and contract disputes from pre-filing investigations to trial and appeals. You can reach Peter at peter.s.garnett@balestrierefariello.com.