Your law community will support better law firm growth, connectivity and balance

If you have followed our blog for any length of time, you know we place a bigger emphasis on quality than on quantity. Yes, you need paying clients and cases to sustain a law firm, but we believe you need a better law community in order to find meaning and satisfaction in your work as an independent lawyer.

Who belongs in your law community?

Whether you have recently graduated law school or have left Big Law in the rear view, you likely realize that you need to rely on your network to move forward. You may have already let go of some people who served as nothing more than placeholders in your contacts list. Harsh, but often true.

So, now what? Who deserves your time and energy in terms of professional relationship development?

Keep these criteria in mind as you answer that question:

  • Does this person share and/or respect my core values?
  • Am I willing to give as much as I get with this person and vice versa?
  • Do I respect this person?
  • Will this person offer unique perspective and support?
  • Do we have complementary law practices or business strategies?
  • Are we committed to helping each other grow and thrive?

Asking yourself these questions should help you make a better game plan when you invest precious time in networking and business development efforts.

Strategic networking for small law firm growth

The questions above hint at some important elements in truly worthwhile, mutually beneficial business relationships. When you have a clear sense of who makes a good fit for your network, you can choose the right networking opportunities.

Entrepreneur magazine offers this advice:

“There are many elements involved in growing a successful business, and getting connected to the right people is a big part of it. Building relationships can help you find new opportunities and accelerate your business growth in a way that you couldn’t have otherwise, especially if you find the right people to surround yourself with.”

That article lists several great networking groups for small business owners. For lawyers, local bar associations and industry groups offer other options.

You don’t need to chase every networking opportunity. Choose wisely. The National Association for the Self-Employed counsels:

“It’s imperative to put yourself in the right place. Networking opportunities are often determined by the people you encounter. Seek gatherings that attract the best and the brightest. 

Consider enrolling in executive education seminars or appropriate webinars to connect with other entrepreneurs.”

Selectivity will help you reserve your time and energy for the opportunities that will have the biggest impact.

Running a successful law firm requires balance

Many small firm lawyers have sought out independent practice as a way to build flexibility, autonomy and balance into both their professional and personal lives. Finding a community of like-minded professionals can help you stay on track with that goal.

Unfortunately, too many small business owners fall into the trap of overwork and isolation while that goal of balance remains elusive. In order to set yourself up for success, find places where you can connect with people who prioritize both sustainable business growth and a thriving personal life.

Consider these opportunities to connect with like-minded professionals:

  • Coworking communities and shared offices. Work alongside business owners with similar goals and outlooks. Some communities even offer industry-specific coworking options.
  • Communities of practice. Beyond traditional networking, communities of practice offer professionals an opportunity to dive deeper into learning, practice, referral sharing and more.
  • Community and social causes / volunteering. If it matters to you on a personal level, you will likely find people there with whom you connect. Volunteer your time around values-based causes and make an effort to get to know people on an authentic level.
  • Local development and service groups. From chambers of commerce to local advisory committees, these groups allow you to get to know your neighbors and the issues that matter on a local level.

Think carefully about where you would spend time naturally and start there. If a group or opportunity aligns with your regular routines and preferences, you will be more likely to stick with it. That said, stretch yourself a bit if you feel too stuck in a rut.

People power in an AI landscape

Technology continues to play a huge role in small law firm competitiveness, and generative AI has taken on a larger role in the past year. While many business sources focus on these necessary tools that support your firm’s efficiency and reach, at the end of the day, clients choose to do business with people they trust.

At the heart of that trust lies authentic relationship-building. You can automate every client communication and use AI to manage your social media and billing, but people will take notice when you show up and connect on a human level. Small law firm lawyers who keep people at the center of their firms’ strategy will have a competitive advantage over those who focus solely on tech.

Ready to find a supportive and motivated community of peers who can help you grow your law practice? Reach out to tour our coworking community for lawyers in Denver.