THE IMPORTANCE OF A NETWORK
THE IMPORTANCE OF A NETWORK
ZACK PELHAM ABA State Delegate
What does it mean for lawyers to network? I try to start at the source when researching a topic. I usually first go to the statute and look for how the legislature has defined the situation( after all, courts are supposed to follow what the legislature says). Oddly, but tellingly, neither my pocket nor full edition of Black’ s Law Dictionary defines“ network”( though“ net worth” was deemed worthy of inclusion). But before discussing“ net worth,” it would seem to me that we lawyers must develop and foster our network. Why? Because our network can deliver the next case, provide new insight on our practice areas, and provide fellow lawyers who can be a resource to us. While I am a private practice civil attorney, I believe all lawyers benefit by developing a network. Fortunately, Webster’ s Dictionary defines“ network” as“ a usually informally interconnected group or association of persons( such as friends or professional colleagues).”
First, a word to my fellow introverts. Yes, you, too, can succeed at networking. In fact, it is more important for you to come out of your shell and not only join, but participate in, a service organization, professional association, or community organization. Indeed, this gives us the best opportunity to have conversations, ideally meaningful, with other human beings. And if you are thinking of all the reasons why you simply don’ t have time to do what I’ m suggesting, there is no time like the present.
There are countless organizations available to lawyers of all practices to develop a network. A plethora of alphabet soup of organizations exist: ABA, DRI, IADC, ALI, AAJ, ACC, and NACDL, just to name a handful. And within most of these national organizations, they support a thriving state specific affiliation. We have state affiliates for North Dakota: Association for Justice, Defense Lawyers Association( civil), Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, to name some.
What do all these distinct organizations have in common? They exist to place lawyers in an environment to allow them to learn more about the subject area of law from other lawyers who practice in that area while gaining not only knowledge, but confidence. The network that is being advanced fosters connections with others and development of our practices. Not just for financial gain, though it often is a byproduct( and for some, the reason to join), but for developing a lawyer’ s knowledge of the practice area so when an unfamiliar topic comes up, there are resources available.
Every person’ s path is their own. For me, my path started in the legal networking basement. I often had to qualify that I was from the state of Michigan, not Michigan, North Dakota. I will forever be grateful to the attorneys who introduced me to the Bismarck community. Though, when it came down to it, it was a choice I made to engage and to continue to engage. Not only in the local community, but state and national. If you’ re an experienced lawyer, it does not take much to encourage a less experienced lawyer to engage in a community. And for the less experienced lawyer who is presented with an opportunity, it then becomes your responsibility to engage and foster your network.
For the young lawyer that is frustrated and becoming disillusioned with the practice of law, take heart. There is“ gold in them thar hills” – maybe not literally, but certainly figuratively. The development of your practice is tied to the experience you gain by every case( newsflash: this continues throughout your practice). The next time you are tempted to pass on an invitation to an event you have some interest in, resist and attend. And if it is not for you, it is not for you. But find something that is and build your network. Because it won’ t build itself.
For its part, the American Bar Association’ s( ABA) greatest strength is the network of lawyers it has in numerous practice-specific member groups, from administrative law to health law to young lawyer groups. The ABA has more than 35 member groups. There are numerous CLEs and resources that are free to ABA members.
We are all incredibly busy. But we all prioritize our time. If developing your network to achieve a goal is a priority, you have time. If you have a developed network and are an experienced lawyer, consider taking time away from lamenting how“ young lawyers today just don’ t get it” and taking the time to do something about it. It may be as simple as inviting them to your service club or legal association. As we prioritize the limited and priceless time we have, developing and fostering a professional and layperson network makes us better lawyers and people.
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