Networking is one of the less visible skills we develop as junior lawyers, and it is often only in hindsight that we recognise its importance. Observing how frequently senior colleagues are tasked with building and maintaining relationships with clients, peers, chambers, experts and referral sources, shows just how central it is to a successful career. Learning to network early helps open doors, shape professional opportunities and connect us to the wider profession beyond the work on our desks.

Beyond business cards

Networking is often framed as collecting contacts at events, but in reality, it’s about creating connections that matter. Speaking with colleagues helps you understand shared goals and challenges, which is the foundation of professional collaboration.

Building these relationships allows you to identify opportunities for cross-referrals, whether within a firm, across chambers or between practice areas. By understanding where your expertise or interests intersect with those of others, you can make your network mutually beneficial rather than one-sided.

Actively engaging, whether through writing, panel discussions or LinkedIn, helps to reinforce these connections. It is also about knowing when to listen and when to contribute. Finding common ground creates trust, and trust is what turns a network from a list of names into a resource you can rely on and grow.

Role of authenticity and its limits

There is no denying that authenticity helps networks grow. Articles grounded in lived experience draw more engagement than generic advice. However, it is important to recognise that being ‘your authentic self’ is not equally possible for everyone. Workplace culture, background and privilege shape what feels safe to share. We need to be mindful that the freedom to speak openly is not evenly distributed across the profession.

When one person speaks openly, it encourages others to reflect on and discuss their own experiences. This takes the right steps towards fostering positive working environments and allows internal networks to grow. For juniors, that means finding support and solidarity; for senior lawyers, it offers a candid look at what the next generation is experiencing. Both are essential for a healthier profession.

Taking opportunities where they arise

Finding time for networking as a junior lawyer can be challenging, especially when billable work is the priority. Yet it is worth remembering that we will likely be progressing through the ranks with many of the people we meet in the early days of our careers.

Networking does not always mean travelling to conferences, client offices, or chambers. Online events, webinars and virtual panels now make it easier to hear from and engage with other junior and senior colleagues across the profession. Mentoring schemes and following up after these events are practical ways to turn brief interactions into meaningful professional relationships.

At the same time, in-person interactions remain valuable. A coffee, lunch, or short conversation in the office can help build rapport, provide insight into different practice areas and sometimes lead to unexpected opportunities. Engaging with your local or the National Junior Lawyers Division provides new connections too.

The most effective networking combines both approaches: taking advantage of new online options, while making time for personal contact wherever possible. The key is to be intentional, treating networking as an essential part of developing your career rather than something to squeeze in when convenient. This is a skill that feeds into business development and creating sources of work.

Why now?

For junior lawyers, networks are not just about future job prospects. They are also a source of knowledge sharing, where peers can help demystify opaque processes like pupillage and the Solicitors Qualifying Examination. They provide support, offering understanding and perspective from others who know the pressures of the role. And they give visibility, since contributing thoughtfully to discussions demonstrates that juniors can shape the profession, not just follow it.

Looking ahead

Building and maintaining a network as a junior lawyer is not simply about advancing our own careers; it is about becoming part of a professional community that is supportive, collaborative and open to new ideas. The connections we make early on often grow with us as we progress. By being intentional in how we engage, seeking out opportunities, and recognising the role of authenticity, we can create relationships that are both professionally valuable and personally meaningful.

Topics