Part IV in Series: A Junior Associate's Networking Plan

Today's post in the series I've named "A Junior Associate's Networking Plan" is Community Involvement.  See here for the start of this series.

Part III in Series: A Junior Associate's Networking Plan

Okay, so now to Part III: Law School Network and Alumni Groups.

I have found that the typical advice, both formal and informal, to a junior associate trying to start building her professional network is that she should start with keeping in touch with law school classmates.  Therefore, I have built that into my networking plan.

Part I in Series: A Junior Associate's Networking Plan

This is the first part of a multi-part series where I will lay out my creatively-titled "Junior Associate Networking Plan" for your information, criticism and suggestions. I am writing this series because I have found the task of figuring out what a junior associate can and should be doing to build her professional network to be a little daunting and that is perhaps because there is no way to know how much effort one should put into it or where one should dedicate that effort.  I do not claim to have the right answers or be implementing the perfect plan.  Instead, I hope to share my plan with Ms. JD readers with explanations and pros & cons and then hear from others on what they are doing and/or what I should be doing.

A little background to set the stage for this series.  As you may know from my earlier posts, I am a junior associate in the corporate department of a large national law firm, where I have my sights set on making partner some day.  I have little "free time" on my hands.  I am a little compulsive about making the most of the time that I do have.  Some may say that I am overly goal-oriented and/or too ambitious.

Allison Wolf Gives Advice on Rainmaking for Young Women Attorneys

Allison Wolf wrote an interesting piece on how to become a rainmaker as a young woman lawyer, even if you don’t view yourself as the conventional rainmaker. Wolf describes the stereotypical rainmaker as an extroverted man who “likes to talk” and is “a bit egotistical but keeps it in check” and "always out and about networking, attending events, and talking business.” Women who consider themselves for a rainmaking role, Wolf asserts, “determine ‘that’s not me’” based on the following reflections: “I’m not a grandstander.” “I don’t like to talk about my achievements.” “I don’t like networking events; I never know what to say.” and “I don’t want to come across as salesy.” Wolf claims these turn-offs don’t accurately reflect what rainmaking entails and that “it is important that young women lawyers adopt a business development mindset early on.”

What does building such a mindset require? Wolf states that “the way to develop business is through building trusting relationships with your colleagues, clients, and contacts.” Since it can take several years to build the kinds of relationships that will lead to new business, “the time to start building relationships is in the first years of your practice.” Basically, you need “to invest early to reap the greatest benefit later on.”

In terms of practical tips, Wolf suggests making “a list of the people most important to your success,” which will include “your clients, contacts, and partners at the firm” as well as your legal secretary and other support staff. Then ask yourself, “How are you nurturing these important relationships? Who is missing that could make a difference? Do you have a mentor? Do you need to build up your network of contacts in certain strategic areas?”

Wolf also recommends a “Connect With list,” which keeps track of the people you intend to contact over the next week, perhaps to arrange a coffee date or to send an article link or clipping that the other person might find interesting. Being busy is no excuse to neglect this relationship building: “the purpose of planning and action lists is to ensure that the time you do invest is wisely spent. You are busy. That means you have to be strategic. It doesn’t mean you should opt out.”