Dear 1L: Networking to Build a Book of Business in BigLaw

If you work your way up through the BigLaw associate ranks like I did, eventually you face a time of reckoning. The only question becomes:

⁉️ Do you have a book of business? ⁉️

You may even awake one cold day to the stark reality that even though you’ve done a superlative job as an associate, there is only up, out, or, in select cases, on indefinite “hold.”

—You know, when you’re diverted into one of those long-term, placeholder jobs, like “Senior Counsel,” “Special Counsel,” or some other, made-up role.

As I personally know those roles well, I am the LAST person to advise you about how to develop a book of business in BigLaw. It is not an area where I made true investment or sufficient headway.

👉 BUT, I do know two things.

1️⃣ The business that I did bring in had ZERO to do with “what” I knew. It came exclusively from “who” I knew.

2️⃣ Since starting my own business, ALL of my clients have come from “who” I know, and beyond a few from real life, all are from social media (primarily LinkedIn).

And so I ask you:

What are you doing to meet more people and develop true relationships, both IRL and through LinkedIn?

It costs nothing.

Please start.

Why not start today?

Fondly,
💌 Amanda

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P.S. Special thanks to Dena Lefkowitz, Esq., PCC ★ for the inspiration sparking today’s post.

If you don’t know Dena, she’s not only absolutely lovely to talk to, but she’s also a highly-experienced coach who helps lawyers with business development, communication skills, and career development.