Lawyers hate networking, maybe because it’s so amorphous or maybe because lawyers generally don’t like selling themselves. Here are 4 easy things to do, each taking 5 minutes or less but paying big dividends:

1. Ask friends who have great jobs (and are happy there) to think of you when they get cold called for a job. Instead of ignoring the recruiter call, they can pass on your name and contact info. This way you get a passive stream of opportunities and market data!
2. Add a picture to your LinkedIn profile. If you have one posted already, check if you’re wearing a suit or looking aggressive — in either of those cases, put a better picture up, ideally one where you look approachable and professional. Outdoor and non-suit (but business casual) is fine! The goal is to look friendly and competent, someone that people will come to with their problems, not someone to avoid.
3. Before any professional event, identify whom you want to meet and what you can say to them. At check-in, look at the name tags on the table so you are ready with an interesting sound bite when you meet.
4. Whenever you read the news and see something noteworthy happen to a friend (e.g., they got promoted or their company had a blow-out quarter), shoot them a note. Don’t just click “like” on LinkedIn, but compose a little email wishing them well. You’d be surprised how few people bother to do that, so you will stand out in a good way.