Client, Networking

Why Small Talk is Important & 4 Easy Ways to Do It!

  • On June 4, 2017
The words “small talk” and “networking” often strike fear in the hearts of lawyers, who are used to diving straight into substance. But lawyers first need to build trust and be approachable before they can advise clients effectively, so think of small talk and networking as the gateway to real discussions. Below are some tips […]
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Networking

5 Elements of a Cold Email

  • On April 30, 2017
Why would you ever need to email someone you don’t know? This kind of networking can get you needed information (like about a company, manager, or compensation), an introduction, or even a job.  I like thisarticle that breaks down the elements of an effective cold email. It describes the LinkedIn message that prompted the CEO of The […]
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Networking

Lawyers, Learn to Pitch!

  • On March 26, 2017
Law is a services profession, so lawyers must learn how to pitch themselves (the horror)! I like this article on how to introduce yourself perfectly. Here are 5 takeaways: You have 8 seconds or less to do it. Get to the point in an interesting way! Speak plainly. The author used to say: “I can […]
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Career Management, Networking, Presentation

How Lawyers Should Pitch Themselves to Clients

  • On October 9, 2016
While lawyers easily advocate for clients, they often have a hard time selling their own services. A leading rainmaker, James Gilliland of Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton, breaks down how to market yourself. These tips apply to not only firm lawyers building books but also in-house lawyers who also need to build relationships: Listen to your clients so […]
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Career Management, Interview, Networking

What Does Senior Management Want?

  • On August 16, 2016
Understanding what senior management wants is key to moving ahead. I like this New York Times interview with Liz Rodbell, the president of a major retailer, because she shares these insights:  Show appreciation. An early leadership lesson she learned was to thank people: “The behavior seems so simple, but it’s the importance of saying ‘thank you,’ and taking the […]
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Networking

5 Painless Ways to Network

  • On August 15, 2016
Networking is no one’s idea of fun, but here are 5 things you can easily do without feeling like a fake: Write an article or post on an interesting development in your area of expertise. It doesn’t have to go into a client alert or formal publication. You can post it on LinkedIn, for example, […]
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Networking, Presentation

Demystifying Executive Presence

  • On June 13, 2016
The role of a lawyer to is to advise clients. To win them over, you need not only technical but also social skills to build your executive presence. Here are 5 ways to do it: Understand the business. Don’t be the department of no. Show instead that you understand the context and significance of the issues presented. […]
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Networking, Presentation

5 Tips to Project Self-Confidence

  • On March 20, 2016
So many things about your career you cannot change, like where you went to law school, what your GPA was, and where you first trained. But what is squarely within your control and easy to fix is body language. When presenting to clients or interviewers, you need to project self-confidence. Here are 5 ways from Professor Amy Cuddy’s […]
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Networking

Graceful Ways to Network

  • On February 21, 2016
After you have identified whom to reach out in a job search (see my post “7 Circles to Contact in a Job Search”), don’t get stuck on the approach. Here are easy ways to touch base:  Review legal papers like The Recorder and Law360 each day. These publications have free trial and digital subscriptions, so […]
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Interview, Networking

Key First Impressions

  • On January 24, 2016
People form their first impressions of you in seconds. Professor Amy Cuddy (of the power pose fame) found that the first two traits assessed upon meeting are warmth/trustworthiness and then competence. The order of these traits matters. People must first like you; otherwise they won’t bother to find out how good you are. Remember this when you are interviewing or wooing […]
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