Networking In Law

In the U.S., you can grab coffee with a CEO in two weeks. In Europe, it might take two years to get that meeting. I ’ve spent years building relationships across both U.S. and European markets, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: networking looks completely different depending on where you are. The way people connect, build trust, and create opportunities is shaped by culture-and if you don’t adapt your approach, you’ll hit walls fast. So, if you're an executive expanding globally, a leader hiring across regions, or a professional trying to break into a new market-this post is for you. The U.S.: Fast, Open, and High-Volume Americans love to network. Connections are made quickly, introductions flow freely, and saying "let's grab coffee" isn’t just polite—it’s expected. - Cold outreach is normal—you can message a top executive on LinkedIn, and they just might say yes. - Speed matters. Business moves fast, so meetings, interviews, and hiring decisions happen quickly. But here’s the catch: Just because you had a great chat doesn’t mean you’ve built a deep relationship. Trust takes follow-ups, consistency, and results. I’ve seen European executives struggle with this—mistaking initial enthusiasm for long-term commitment. In the U.S., networking is about momentum—you have to keep showing up, adding value, and staying top of mind. In Europe, networking is a long game. If you don’t have an introduction, it’s much harder to get in the door. - Warm introductions matter. Cold outreach? Much tougher. Senior leaders prefer to meet through trusted referrals—someone who can vouch for you. - Fewer, deeper relationships. Once trust is built, it’s strong and lasting—but it takes time to get there. - Decisions take longer. Whether it’s hiring, partnerships, or leadership moves, things don’t happen overnight—expect a longer courtship period. I’ve seen U.S. executives enter the European market and get frustrated fast—wondering why it’s taking months (or years!) to break into leadership circles. But that’s how the market works. The key to winning in Europe? Patience, credibility, and long-term thinking. So, What Does This Mean for Global Leaders? If you’re an American executive expanding into Europe… 📌 Be patient. One meeting won’t seal the deal—you have to earn trust over time. 📌 Get introductions. A warm referral is worth more than 100 cold emails. 📌 Don’t push too hard. European business culture favors depth over speed—respect the process. If you’re a European leader entering the U.S. market… 📌 Don’t wait for permission—reach out. People expect direct outreach and initiative. 📌 Follow up fast. If you’re slow to respond, the opportunity moves on without you. 📌 Be ready to show value quickly. Americans won’t wait months to see if you’re a fit. Networking isn’t just about who you know—it’s about how you build relationships. #Networking #Leadership #ExecutiveSearch #CareerGrowth #GlobalBusiness #US #Europe

One of my favorite pieces of advice to give to early career professionals about how to maximize networking opportunities at a conference: Stand up and ask a question during a session early on in the program. You get to introduce yourself to the entire audience in one fell swoop by stating your name and company before asking your question. And ideally you ask a thoughtful and memorable question on the topic you most want to talk to people about. Now you’ve teed yourself up for the most fruitful conversations possible throughout the rest of the event. You might have to remind people “I’m so-and-so, the person who asked the question about XYZ during the session on ABC” but then you can continue on to ask what they think about the topic. It’s a great conversation starter aligned with your business objectives for the conference.

Legal firms spending budget on 'LinkedIn influencers' fundamentally misunderstand platform mechanics. Here's what 18 years of marketing experience and the Algorithm Research shows: Your own employees deliver superior reach and authenticity than any external influencer arrangement. The data is definitive. Company pages reach 2-3% of followers. Employee posts? 10-15% baseline reach that doubles with coordinated team engagement. In my training we call this the Team Boosting Strategy. Instead of outsourcing influence, activate your systematic employee advocacy framework. Have one attorney post valuable industry insight (the 'Hero Post'), while 3-5 colleagues provide substantive comments within the critical 60-minute algorithm window, engaging the 'Hero' in a conversation. This amplifies reach 300-400% while building authentic professional relationships. Your clients want insights from practicing attorneys, not hired voices. LinkedIn is a business platform for professional authority which means you need to treat it accordingly. Strategic implementation: Designate weekly hero rotation, provide comment frameworks, measure profile views and meaningful conversations. Delegate this systematically and you'll outperform any influencer investment. The military taught me that coordinated systematic execution defeats individual heroics every time. Same principle applies here.

It’s late January 2026. If networking is on your list, there’s still time to start a simple, steady habit. We all hear that networking matters. Rarely are we shown how to do it in a way that actually works. Over the past year, I challenged myself to connect with more than 75 lawyers. What I learned is simple: stay curious, be respectful, prepare, and follow up. Here’s a straightforward way to start today: 1. LinkedIn outreach I usually hesitate to share templates because your outreach should sound like you. These are just a few ideas to get you started. Feel free to use them as inspiration and make them your own in a natural, and simple way. - Hi [Name], I really enjoyed your recent post on [topic]. It made me think about [related point]. I’d be interested in hearing how you approach [specific challenge]. - Hi [Name], I’m exploring [area] and noticed your experience in [specific topic]. If you had one tip for someone just starting in this area, what would it be? - Hi [Name], I read your [article/case/post] on [topic] and found [specific insight] really interesting. I’m curious, how did you approach [specific detail]? 2. Set a clear target Pick a modest goal for the next six weeks: 10 conversations by March 15, or 2 outreaches per week. Track it simply: name, date, status, next step. Small, consistent reps beat big bursts. 3. Prepare and follow up Before a chat: 10 minutes to read two recent items and draft two questions. After: send a short thank-you note with one takeaway, one action you’ll take, and a small offer of help, if approprieat. Set a reminder to check in six weeks later. Approach every conversation as a chance to learn and give back. Start small, start today!

Beware of Creating the "Airport Experience" for Your Legal Team Users ✈️ Airports have lots of processes, queues, information screens, directional arrows, emails, texts, unique numbers, checks, special documents etc. On the surface, it all gives the impression of extreme organization and information sharing. But as a user, particularly if you only navigate an airport once or twice a year, the experience can be overwhelming, tense, confusing, and frustrating. 😵💫 This made me think that while processes, self-service, and information sharing are critical components of a well-run legal department, there's a danger of overdoing it. We must never forget that the average user's ability to comprehend and interact with our department can easily be compromised by overly complex systems and communication channels. I thought of these watch outs to make sure you're not turning your legal department into a bustling airport terminal: Avoid Multiple System Channels of Entry for Queries: Stick to a streamlined process with one or two clear channels for submitting queries. Having multiple systems can confuse users and lead to queries being lost or mishandled. Keep it simple, and ensure that users know exactly where to go when they need help. 🛣️ Simplify Communication: Be realistic about what your business stakeholders are going to read and digest. Focus on clear, concise, and targeted communication that gets straight to the point. Your goal should be to make information easy to digest and actionable, providing it in the place and at the time they need to consume it. ✉️ Cater to Infrequent Flyers: Even frequent users of legal team services won't fully understand or appreciate the process or what's needed as part of their request. For infrequent or first-time users, it can be even more confusing. Be prepared to tell them upfront exactly what you need from them and why, so you can get the request off to the best start. 🚦 #LegalOps #Legal #Law #Business #Efficiency #Communication

One of the most underused strategies in business development is bringing people together around a theme. Think about it. Everyone is busy. Everyone gets invited to another reception or cocktail party. Most people say no because they know the value will be surface level. But when you create something intentional, something smaller and more thoughtful, people notice. They make time. A dinner for women GCs in private equity. A roundtable of next generation dealmakers. A conversation between founders and investors who have successfully scaled. These kinds of gatherings give people the chance to connect with peers who understand their challenges. They create space for conversations that don’t happen in a big room. And here’s the part many professionals miss — when you’re the one convening, you’re not just building your own network. You’re helping others expand theirs. You become known as someone who creates opportunities. That’s memorable. It makes people want to stay close to you and your organization because being connected to you means access to something bigger. But it doesn’t end with the event. The real business development happens in what you do afterward. ✔️ If two people hit it off, follow up and connect them directly. ✔️ Share a quick recap of themes from the evening to keep the conversation alive. ✔️ Create touchpoints — an article, a coffee, an invite to the next dinner. ✔️ Build continuity with a series so people look forward to the next one. ✔️ Share high level highlights on LinkedIn to reinforce your role as the connector. Bringing people together in the right way isn’t just about networking. It’s about creating community. And the professionals who do this well strengthen relationships, build influence and grow their business in ways that feel natural. Let me know when you think of this tip and if you will try it! #BusinessDevelopment #ClientDevelopment #Networking #LegalMarketing

Acquaintances don’t become advocates by accident. (Here’s how to make it happen on purpose:) Most professionals meet someone promising. Exchange cards. Maybe grab coffee. Then the relationship stalls. Not because the fit wasn't there. But because they didn't know what to do next. Strong client relationships follow a pattern. And top performers know exactly how to climb it. Here’s the 10-step ladder from acquaintance to advocate: 1. Start With Research → Check for recent hires, launches, or shifts → Skim their LinkedIn posts to spot what they’re proud of 2. Ask About Their Priority → Try “What's keeping you up at night?” → Listen for what they mention second 3. Follow Up With Value → Send one relevant case study within 48 hours → Explain briefly why you thought of them 4. Make a Strategic Introduction → Connect them to someone who solved their problem → Brief both parties before the intro 5. Share Relevant Experience → Pick a story where the solution wasn't obvious → End with the lesson, not the sale 6. Create a Quick Win → Offer a free audit that saves them time → Make it actionable immediately 7. Become a Thought Partner → Schedule monthly strategy conversations → Bring trends and ask their perspective 8. Expand the Network → Ask who else should join the conversation → Invite colleagues to build shared context 9. Deliver an Experience → Send a handwritten note with specific details → Reference something personal they shared 10. Ask for the Partnership → Frame your proposal around their goals → Be clear and ready to hear “not yet” Here’s the truth: Most professionals stop after the first follow-up. ❌ They wait. ❌ Wonder. ❌ Hope. Top performers, on the other hand, keep climbing. The Relationship Ladder isn’t complex. But it does require intention. So—what’s your next step? ♻️Valuable? Repost to help someone in your network. 📌Follow Mo Bunnell for client-growth strategies that don’t feel like selling. P.S. Are you an LMA member looking to grow your legal practice? On October 15, Legal Marketing Association (LMA) is hosting a free session: The Best BD Strategies That Aren't Common In Law (Yet). I’ll join a cross-industry panel to reveal proven BD strategies, and show how to spark growth inside your firm. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ewD7i8T8 

Tips that lawyers can use to improve their visibility on LinkedIn: Optimise Your Profile: Professional Headshot: Use a clear, professional profile picture. Compelling Headline: Instead of just listing your job title, use the headline space to showcase your speciality or value proposition. Detailed Summary: Write a summary highlighting your expertise, experience, and the unique perspective you bring to your field. Keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords related to your practice areas in your profile to improve searchability. Publish and Share Content: Articles and Posts: Regularly publish articles and posts on topics related to your legal expertise. This showcases your knowledge and keeps you top of mind with your network. Engage with Others: Comment on and share posts from other legal professionals and industry leaders. Grow Your Network: Connect with Colleagues: Regularly add colleagues, classmates, and other professionals you meet to keep expanding your network. Participate in Groups: Join and actively participate in LinkedIn groups related to law and your areas of speciality. Recommendations and Endorsements: Seek Recommendations: Request recommendations from clients and colleagues to build credibility. Endorse Skills: Endorse the skills of your connections, and they are likely to return the favour. Showcase Your Achievements: Case Studies: If possible, discuss case studies where you’ve had significant wins or have made a substantial impact (keeping client confidentiality in mind). Awards and Honors: List any awards or honours you have received in your field. Utilize LinkedIn Features: LinkedIn Articles: Use LinkedIn’s publishing platform to write about your insights on legal trends. LinkedIn Stories: Share short, casual updates or professional tips through LinkedIn Stories to engage with your connections in a more personal way. Consistency is Key: Regular Activity: Stay active on LinkedIn, whether it's posting updates, sharing content, or engaging with others. Regular activity increases your visibility. Advertising and Promotion: Sponsored Content: Consider using LinkedIn’s paid features to promote your content or profile to a wider audience, especially if you want to grow your client base. Remember, the key to LinkedIn visibility is to be active, engaging, and genuine in your interactions. By providing value to your network, you naturally increase your visibility and establish yourself as a thought leader in your field.

Ever left a conference with plenty of new numbers or names but zero real connections? When I was first learning about legal tech, it started with conversations with those working in the space. Those discussions established my first legal tech blog, which largely consisted of interviews based on those discussions. That experience taught me something fundamental: the most valuable professional moments don't happen during scheduled networking hours in crowded exhibition halls. They happen when we slow down and genuinely connect. Here's what I've learned about building meaningful professional relationships: 🤝 Choose depth over width: Three genuine conversations beat 30 elevator pitches 💬 Listen first, pitch never: Ask about their challenges before sharing your solutions ☕ Create intimate moments: Suggest coffee meetings or small group dinners at large events 📱 Follow through meaningfully: Send that article they mentioned, not just a LinkedIn request. 🎯 Be selective: Attend fewer events but engage more deeply when you do At the heart of everything I do is helping people. Technology should enhance our ability to connect, not replace it. #legaltech #innovation #law #business #learning

The most effective networkers understand a fundamental principle that distinguishes meaningful professional relationships from transactional interactions: they prioritize contributing value before seeking assistance.   Effective networking strategies focus on mutual benefit:   Pre-Event Research: Identifying attendees and understanding their professional challenges, recent achievements, or industry focus areas where you might offer insights or connections.   Value-Forward Conversations: Initiating discussions around industry trends, sharing relevant resources, or offering introductions to valuable contacts rather than immediately discussing personal career needs.   Strategic Follow-Up: Connecting post-event with thoughtful resources, articles, or introductions that address specific challenges discussed, rather than generic LinkedIn requests.   Long-Term Relationship Building: Maintaining consistent, value-driven contact with your network through sharing relevant opportunities, insights, or connections throughout the year.   This approach transforms networking from a series of favor requests into genuine relationship building that creates reciprocal value over time.   Professionals who consistently offer value before seeking assistance develop networks that actively support their career advancement because those relationships are built on mutual benefit rather than one-sided need.   The strongest professional networks emerge when individuals position themselves as resources for others' success rather than solely focusing on their own advancement needs.   What strategies have you found most effective for creating mutually beneficial professional relationships?   Sign up to my newsletter for more corporate insights and truths here: https://lnkd.in/ei_uQjju   #deepalivyas #eliterecruiter #recruiter #recruitment #jobsearch #corporate #networking #professionalnetworking #relationshipbuilding #careerstrategist