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I often thought about myself or my law firm when it came to attending networking events. After attending my fourth Young Lawyers Seminar last week in Denver, I realized that there is much more to networking and socializing than the obvious benefit of establishing relationships that will one day generate business.
In the past year or so, I found myself in a position to refer several pharmaceutical defense cases to local counsel around the country: one in Virginia; one in Oregon; others here and there. I immediately went to the DRI member directory to find DRI members who practice in those jurisdictions. I also asked my fellow Young Lawyers Committee members who they knew in certain jurisdictions. I came away with several referrals, and was able to place the matters after clearing conflicts checks. Simple enough, right? There's more.
In Denver this past week, I saw one of the Young Lawyers who was able to accept one of these referrals. She's doing a phenomenal job representing our client. This was my lightbulb moment. Networking and building referral sources isn't always about our own book of business; it's about being part of an organization that fosters skill, experience, and professionalism. It's about being part of an organization in which our clients are benefitted by our contacts and friendships. Our clients reap the rewards by being referred to the best defense attorneys and law firms in the world. So the next time you approach a networking opportunity, consider all that your clients can benefit by your membership in DRI. They will thank you.
Previously published on dritoday
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