Networking Advice from People Who Know What They're Doing

Networking Advice from Those Who Know What They’re Doing

September is the month of Networking posts at The Almost Lawyers, but we aren’t going to pretend
that we are experts on the subject. Both of us are fairly new to the concept of Networking and want
to provide the most relatable and reliable advice for those who are new, or wanting to brush up on
their skills, but we don’t think that we are necessarily the most qualified to deliver that advice! We
have reached out to some amazing people online through Twitter (@almostlawyers) and LinkedIn
and asked for their one stand out piece of advice for networking successfully and compiled our
favourites for you!

If you’re worried there’ll be too much focus on you:

“If you find Networking scary, ask questions and look interested in the answers. Most lawyers love
talking about themselves!” - Victoria Wilson (@barristerWilson) - Head of Family Team at Goldsmith
Chambers

If you’re unsure that putting yourself out there is the best idea:

“...despite the initial nerves of entering the world of networking, once you put yourself in one situation,
for example, meeting with a local solicitor perhaps to discuss their route to Law or find out more about
the firm, the easier it is to gain more insightful contacts and build your network. You never know, an
email to a local firm introducing yourself and your ambitions could be the difference between gaining
some valuable work experience or instead being one step behind all those budding lawyers out there!
Putting yourself in uncomfortable situations like networking not only gives you contacts but gives you
a new found level of confidence!” - Bethany Walker (@BethanyWLaw) - Law Undergraduate,
University of Surrey.

If you think you’re alone:

“I would say remember that however nervous you are, everyone has been in your situation and felt
that nervousness. It does get easier the more networking you do, and everyone is usually really helpful
and friendly” - Gemma Osgood (@GemmaOsgood) - Clinical Negligence Solicitor

If you’re not sure what will work for you:

“...you need to understand whether you are an introvert or an extrovert and be honest about what plays
to your strengths. Working a room can be excruciating for an introvert, who may be better investing
time in blogs or articles which reach out to people in a different way.” - Rhys Taylor (@RhysTaylor32)
- Barrister, Arbitrator, Mediator and Author

If going to events isn’t your thing:

“...the best way of networking is taking advantage of speaking to lawyers and barristers when you can.
I have had visits from a local law firm at my University and I went up and spoke to them. It’s always
good to talk to lawyers or those who work in a law firm. If you apply for a training contract or etc in the
future, you may have a better chance as they will remember you.” - Katie (@_katie98_)
- Undergraduate Law Student

If you need any more convincing that networking is a great idea:

“...as the saying goes, “two heads are better than one”, and you may find people with exceptional
creative abilities, established professional skills, or a highly feasible business idea that can help you…
Some of the most worthwhile business friendships begin with networking so do not rule out this
opportunity” - Amar Farooq (Amar Farooq on LinkedIn) - Real Estate Social Housing Solicitor

If you have any more tips that would be beneficial to new/improving networkers, then please leave a
comment or tweet us @almostlawyers, we love to hear from you!