Mastering networking: Why you should care & How we can help

Strong networking skills are more than a valuable asset – they’re a must-have in the legal profession. Effective networking promotes professional growth and opens doors to new opportunities.

Networking requires a considerable investment of time and effort, from meeting new people to nurturing your social connections. It can feel like a full-time job alongside your legal profession. We value the power of networking and dedicate significant effort to cultivating and expanding our connections. Read on to discover how we can assist you with your networking needs and save you valuable time.

So, how does networking help you advance your career?

Broaden your (legal) knowledge

Whether it’s attending conferences, participating in workshops, or joining informal after-work events, networking provides access to a wealth of information. Through these interactions, you expose yourself to:

The latest developments and precedents
Trends and best practices in the legal sector
Diverse scholarly opinions and perspectives
Niche expertise
And much more

This knowledge enables you to provide more comprehensive and up-to-date advice to your clients as a lawyer, enhance your service offerings as a freelance legal advisor, and be better prepared for sector-specific legal challenges as legal counsel.

Learn about new opportunities

Many opportunities for career advancement are discovered through personal connections and referrals. Active participation in networking events increases your chances of hearing about new job openings, client leads, legal interim missions, significant legal projects, and other networking opportunities.

This can result in significant career moves, whether it’s landing a prestigious position at a top law firm, securing high-profile clients as a freelancer, or advancing within your current organisation.

Enhance your personal brand

If you want to stand out in the legal profession, you need a strong personal brand, and networking is a key component to achieving it. Maintaining an active presence in legal circles, contributing to professional discussions, and showcasing your unique skills and expertise to a broader audience establishes you as a knowledgeable and reliable professional.

In Belgium’s tight-knit legal community, a well-recognised personal brand leads to increased trust and credibility, making you the go-to person for legal advice and services, thereby accelerating your career growth.

Build quality connections

Quality connections and lasting relationships are invaluable for career growth. As a lawyer, you can find a mentor to guide you on your journey or become one yourself, connecting with young, aspiring professionals. As a freelance legal counsel, you can rely on your network to find clients, receive recommendations, and exchange knowledge about emerging trends.

A strong network offers guidance and invaluable support during challenging times, providing diverse perspectives on complex issues. Ultimately, these connections will be the cornerstone of your professional success.

Do you know how to network?

Set goals: Determine what you want to achieve through networking, whether it’s taking on new clients, working in different sectors, or finding a mentor. Your networking strategy and depends on it.
Prepare your pitch: Engage in conversations that go beyond legal topics to get to know the person. Prepare an elevator pitch – a clear 60-second explanation of who you are—to introduce yourself effectively.
Share your contact details: Keep your business card with you at all times, especially if you are looking for new opportunities. Exchange LinkedIn profiles to stay connected digitally.
Follow up: Make sure to follow up with new contacts. Sending a brief email or text to express how much you appreciated their company leaves a lasting impression.

How we help you thrive

Networking can feel like a full-time job, but with our support, you can benefit from our expansive, well-cultivated network.

We provide valuable market insights and information, helping you stay ahead of industry trends.
Through our extensive network, you’ll have access to exclusive events and workshops, giving you direct connections to industry leaders and potential mentors.

Moreover, our recruiters, who are former lawyers themselves, are experts in networking and offer guidance on building connections more effectively, ensuring you make the most of every opportunity.