The power of networking: your key to success in the legal profession

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We all know that the journey into the legal profession isn’t an easy one. We understand it’s a competitive process, with many stages, numerous requirements (eg, great grades, experience, extracurricular activities and commercial understanding), and countless applicants all hoping to secure one of the limited positions available in that recruitment round. Who would’ve thought it’d take me 13 years to make it?

From my first day at university in October 2011, to receiving a congratulations email from the Solicitors Regulation Authority in March 2024 confirming my enrolment into the Law Society of England and Wales, it’s been quite a journey. Exciting, demanding, heart wrenching at times but worth it.

Now, as a commercial lawyer working at a magic circle law firm in the City, I constantly reflect on my journey and how I navigated the challenges I faced. When done right, networking propelled me into many great work experience opportunities that helped me to discover the type of legal career I wanted for myself in the future, but conversely, when done wrong, I failed to extract the necessary insight and information that’d set me apart from other candidates and improve my application forms, interviews and commercial understanding going forward.

Wondering whether a career at a City law firm is for you? We take a look at the characteristics of these firms and outline what they’re looking for in their future lawyers in this Feature.

For aspiring lawyers, building a robust professional network isn’t just beneficial – it's essential.

Why networking matters

Networking within the legal profession offers a multitude of benefits:

1. Knowledge exchange: engaging with experienced professionals provides insights that go far beyond books and education. You can learn about the latest legal trends, best practices, and practical tips that can significantly enhance your understanding and performance in law firm recruitment processes.
2. Skill development: through conversations and mentorship, you can develop key skills such as negotiation, communication and strategic thinking. Networking exposes you to different perspectives and approaches that can refine your own skill set and point out key areas for you to further develop in order to reach your goals faster than you would have if you went at it alone.
3. Career opportunities: many job openings and career advancements are discovered through networking. Connections within the industry can alert you to opportunities that aren’t advertised publicly and can also provide referrals and recommendations that’ll put you one step ahead in a process that sees hundreds, if not thousands of applicants at any one time.
4. Support and mentorship: the legal profession can be demanding and stressful. Having a network of friends, colleagues and mentors can offer emotional support, guidance, and encouragement, helping you to navigate the challenges and maintain your physical and mental wellbeing.

Read ‘LawCareers.Net’s guide to networking’ for more tips to help you make the most of these encounters.

Addressing networking challenges

Despite its importance, networking can be daunting, especially for students and recent graduates who may feel intimidated or unsure about how to approach professionals.

While events and open days are welcomed, it’s often the case that aspiring lawyers fail to maximise the opportunities by preparing adequately, building the necessary relationships and asking the right questions  – all of which will positively influence how they progress through their legal journey once the opportunity has ended.

I recognised these difficulties and developed the Legally Diverse Networking Cards to bridge this gap.

The perfect resource for aspiring lawyers

The Legally Diverse Networking Cards are a unique tool designed to facilitate meaningful conversations and build connections within the legal community. With nearly 100 questions in the colour-coded pack, they cater to interactions with professionals at all stages of their career, from trainees and associates, to partners, counsels and recruitment teams.

Here’s how they can help:

• Breaking the ice: the cards provide a range of introductory questions to help ease the initial awkwardness of networking, making it easier to start conversations.
   
• Deepening conversations: the questions are designed to delve deeper into specific areas such as career advice, industry trends, and personal experiences, allowing for richer and more informative discussions.
   
• Building confidence: having a set of prepared questions can boost your confidence, ensuring you are never at a loss for words and can engage effectively with professionals.
   
• Versatility: whether you’re at a networking event, a legal seminar, or an informal meet-up, these cards can be used in various settings to maximise your networking potential.

Making networking work for you

Networking isn’t just about expanding your professional circle; it's about building relationships to support your growth and success in the legal profession. With tools like the Legally Diverse Networking Cards and a proactive approach, you can overcome the challenges of networking and unlock the full potential of your legal career.

Don’t miss out

If you’re interested in elevating your networking experience and gaining the most out of the opportunities to come, get your networking cards now via the Legally Diverse website. Use code ‘lawcareers’ for 20% off.

Nadine Allen is the founder of Legally Diverse and a solicitor at Linklaters LLP.