THE IMPORTANCE OF NETWORKING FOR CANDIDATE ATTORNEYS
Natalie Macdonald-Spence
![Natalie Macdonald-Spence]()
Natalie Macdonald-Spence
Corporate & Commercial Attorney | Dual Qualified, LLB, LLM (Tax Law), Attorney, Conveyancer & Notary Public (RSA), Solicitor of England & Wales | Board Member | MBA Student
- Why networking is so important: words of advice to candidate attorneys
- You are thrilled that you are on your way to becoming an attorney. Who knows- maybe you will become a leader in your field, an academic, a litigant, a legal advisor, a magistrate, a prosecutor, an advocate... the list goes on. However, an attorney with no clients is a problem... that is why relationships are often the keys to your success.
- The relationships you have made to date may very well be significant for your professional career. Any person you come into contact with could end up as a future client of yours, if you know how to maintain relationships.
- The harsh reality is (and nobody ever tells you this at high school) is that the legal field is very competitive. Each year thousands of attorneys join the ranks of attorneys and this makes it increasingly difficult to make a living. If you cannot generate sufficient funds to keep a business or law firm running, it is unlikely that the law firm can retain your services. That is why networks are SO important- your client base has already started before you have even been admitted as an attorney.
- Your professional network is like a garden. The flora in your garden is your network and also current and potential clients. You get to choose whether you want a big garden, or a small garden, whether there will be plants, and whether you choose to water them or not. You need to decide how much time you will spend in tending your garden, and no, that does not mean focusing abnormal amounts of attention on each and every plant. Of course, some plants die naturally or don't survive and that's okay. However, if you let it die, how did it happen? Did you neglect to pay it attention? Did you not protect it from the elements? If you leave your garden untended, don't be surprised to find it a wild mess when you finally decide it's time to get gardening. Also, too much water kills!
- By way of the analogy above, you can choose how much time you spend on your network. If you don't bother with your network, you can expect to have a dead network. How will you ever get work then? As future attorneys, we are also entrepreneurs. If we don't market ourselves, we cannot sell our work i.e. our intellectual property, our skills and advice. You can pick and choose which clients you need and don't in the long run, but for now at the beginning stages, it is so important to respect and value each person in your field, both internally and externally. If you don't have the client, you can always plant the seed at every opportunity that arises (just don't water it too much -overkill!-, otherwise you can say goodbye to that working relationship for good!).
- You will be very surprised to know that many attorneys refer work to each other, as we are supposed to do when a specific line of work is beyond our expertise or speciality. If you don't make yourself known in the legal world you cannot expect to get work referred to you. It's like actors- they cannot make blockbuster movies unless they persist in attending every audition and marketing themselves at every opportunity so that one day all the best directors and producers will know about them.
- Some points and tips to remember about networking:
- Family members are sometimes our best business cards!
- Treat each matter as important, no matter how small the reward or fee. If you cannot do well on a minor matter or treat it with respect, that client will certainly not entrust you with a more important matter. Also- do NOT complain about your workload or clients in public or in private-we should be grateful for each opportunity to grow with work. There are many professionals who struggle to get work, and hence we should do the best we can with each matter we receive.
- Always maintain a client's confidentiality with the highest regard, even with close friends and relatives.
- Get that LinkedIn page going, and start publishing articles on areas that you wish to specialise in. Even better, approach other professionals on LinkedIn and ask them to critique your work.
- Always treat colleagues in the field with the utmost respect. Even if it is incredibly frustrating dealing with someone who is agitated, do not fall into the disrespect trap! You will be amazed by how long grudges can last and how quickly a poor reputation can spread. You don't want one isolated incident to ruin your image.
- Put others before yourself- having that mindset works wonders for your attitude as you deal with others and your workload.
- Be wary of what you post on social media.
- Be sincere and genuine with clients and colleagues- nobody likes an insincere person or who only seems motivated to benefit from others.
- GO TO THOSE NETWORKING EVENTS! I am involved in the Cape Town Candidate Attorneys' Association, and we host networking events every month or so. This gives candidates an opportunity to get to know each other and hopefully form relationships. I have formed valuable friendships through this, as well as professional connections. Personally, when dealing with a matter I was unsure of, it was so easy to pick up the phone and call an individual I had met, and ask for some tips. It was so great!
- Attend seminars as often as you can- not only can you expand your knowledge on the seminar topics, but you often get to meet interesting and knowledgable professionals in the field.
- Be wary of overkill- you don't want to cross the line by treading into "touting" waters.
- Be prompt with service and be efficient. Unfortunately the reality is that sometimes you just don't get second chances.
- Hand out your business cards as often as you can- you never know when someone may need an attorney!
- All the best as you continue your journey to becoming an attorney. May you be the best you can be and do the best you can!
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7 年Law practice can be a competitive market, great to have your insights around networking to get the edge!
Principal Legal Advisor
7 年This is very true. Starting off in practice can be extremely difficult. However, most , if not all, of my briefs came from people I knew through networking. Having a good attitude and being approachable is the most important thing in your first few years. Your ability and skill will speak for itself as your career develops.