Besides learning to practice law, it is important for attorneys to also focus on building relationships. It doesn’t matter whether you belong to a big firm, or a smaller one that’s just starting out. The relationships that you’ve cultivated can determine whether your practice will continue to thrive in the industry.

Attorney Eric Bass from Bass, Dunklin, McCullough and Smith talks about relationships as an important aspect of business development in law in this episode of The 26th. He emphasizes the importance of figuring out who your target clients are, particularly for new lawyers. And once you know who they are, find ways where you can interact, mingle and create connections with them, that can eventually turn into long-term business relationships.

He encourages joining groups and networking events, where you can not only expand your social circle, but get to know them and their needs too. Find out which ones you’ll be attending based on your target clients and potential referral sources too. Attorney Bass also stresses that besides enriching your personal relationships, it would be a great idea to also try and be a bridge between people who may need each other’s services. Be a hub that connects different people, and you will be remembered for it.

Additionally, it would be to your advantage to seek mentoring from more seasoned attorneys. If your firm doesn’t have a program in place, then you can ask for help! Most of the time, lawyers are willing to extend a helping hand.

For Attorney Bass, you should be concentrating on the right clients and you have the option of letting go of the wrong ones. Time is important especially in the industry, so make sure that you are being efficient with your time as a lawyer.

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