Build Your Law Career Prospects

Jay Kamlet presents to DU Law Students “Build Your Career Prospects: The Business Side of Private Practice”

On November 2, 2021, LawBank co-founder Jay Kamlet presented a program to DU Law students on the business side of private practice. The presentation was sponsored by LawBank and was offered by the Office of Career Development and Opportunities at the DU Sturm College of Law. Jay is an entrepreneur and has had an award-winning real estate practice for over thirty years. His presentation covered tips on starting a firm, how to network, and business development techniques for young lawyers.

Jay began by sharing his journey as a lawyer, including his time at Big Law firms and how he started his firm, eventually leading to him opening LawBank in 2013. He shared the LawBank vision and how it has grown to over ninety lawyers, four locations, and over ninety practices areas served. Jay then shared his tips on starting a firm or practice. 

His first tip was, “Mind on my money, money on my mind.” He explained that it is important to know where you stand, but also have a vision and a plan, and make time to work towards that vision. 

Jay’s second tip was, “Absorb everything around you.” He shared the importance of being open to new ideas, finding a mentor, asking questions, and having a genuine interest in others. 

The third tip was, “Strengthen your skillset.” Jay advises being of service to others, utilizing technology, and taking advantage of training solutions. 

His fourth tip was, “Keep it simple.” He suggests picking one area of law to become an expert in, joining groups and organizations in that area, and writing and publishing in that area. 

Jay’s final tip was, “Learn to lead.” He recommends doing this by giving and asking for honest feedback, leading by example, and remaining humble.

Jay then transitioned to sharing networking tips for young lawyers. He shared ways to make a good impression, including being on time, learning names, and making eye contact. Jay also suggested joining groups such as bar associations, alumni associations, chambers of commerce, and business development groups. His final advice around networking was to remember that the legal community is small. He suggests valuing relationships with first-year associates as much as managing partners. Jay shared his “Four Fast Ways to Bring People Together,” which include: (1) offering to help first, (2) asking questions and engaging in conversations, (3) showing up for others, and (4) following up with articles or information that may be helpful to your connections or their clients.

Jay’s final topic for the student audience was business development for young lawyers. He advised them to treat your law practice like your own business. Ways to do this include having basic knowledge of how law firms make money and remaining aware of business trends and industry changes. He also suggests being deliberate with your time and putting a business development plan into writing. Jay shared his recommendation for a weekly business development checklist. The checklist included the following tasks to be completed each week:

  • Send an email to a law school colleague
  • Review news alerts on subjects that matter in your network, then email articles to your connections
  • Post at least twice on LinkedIn
  • Like and share colleagues’ posts on LinkedIn
  • Send at least one handwritten thank you note
  • Make an off-the-clock call to a client to see how they are
  • Update online bios
  • Draft an article that supports your practice area
  • Check into upcoming awards for your practice

The presentation concluded with Jay hosting a question-and-answer session. He addressed questions from the student audience on topics such as balancing business responsibilities and responsibilities as a lawyer with your own firm. 

If you are interested in participating in future presentations, visit the events page to view upcoming programs hosted by LawBank.  

ABOUT LAWBANK

LawBank is the first coworking space of its kind —it caters to independent lawyers, offering a collaborative community with four central locations in Denver and Las Vegas. Solo and small law firm members of LawBank can take advantage of their benefits, including CLE, wellness, and business development programming. In addition to LawBank’s collegial, referral-rich community, members have access to a variety of workspaces, conference rooms, and support staff, including a receptionist in each location. If you are seeking a move-in-ready solution where your independent law firm can grow and thrive, contact LawBank to schedule a virtual or in-person tour.