In our Careers Clinic, we hand over to you, our community, to send in a question on career progression.
This month, Senior Consultant Amanda Bower gives her advice to a family solicitor looking to build their personal brand.
I’m an associate family solicitor with three years PQE and I’m keen to reach senior associate in the next few years and partner eventually. I know that to progress at my firm I’m going to need to eventually bring in work and know that nowadays a strong personal branding is a great foundation for this.
What can I do to build a personal brand and establish myself as an expert in private family law?
You’re right, in the competitive world of family law, establishing a personal brand and becoming a thought leader in your field can significantly influence your career trajectory and the opportunities that come your way. Whether you’re looking to attract potential clients, connect with other family lawyers, or position yourself as a thought leader, crafting a strong personal brand is key.
At this point in your career, the importance of demonstrating legal expertise, commercial awareness, and the unique value you bring cannot be overstated, particularly if you’re looking to make senior associate (and then partner). Here are some steps you could take to build an impressive personal brand and establish yourself as a leader in the family law sector.
1. Showcase Your Expertise Through Content Creation
Consider starting a professional blog or filming your own videos to share your expertise with others. Another great option is to contribute articles to reputable legal and business publications to establish yourself as a thought leader in your field. By doing any of these, you can showcase your depth of knowledge and share valuable insights with others.
When sharing your thoughts on legal issues, it’s best to use straightforward language that is easy for your audience to understand. This will allow you to provide them with valuable insights on recent family case law and legislative changes, and help them understand how these changes may affect them. This approach will position you as a knowledgeable and trustworthy family law advisor, who is committed to providing your clients with the best possible advice.
2. Make a Habit of Using LinkedIn
In the legal profession, professional social media platforms like LinkedIn can be incredibly effective in building your personal brand. By sharing industry news, articles you’ve written, successful case studies, and insightful commentary on legal developments, you can establish yourself as an active member of the family law community and increase your visibility.
Additionally, engaging with your network’s content by liking, commenting, and sharing can help you establish stronger relationships and demonstrate your commitment to the legal profession. It’s a great way to stay up-to-date with the latest industry news and connect with others who share your interests and passions.
3. Speak at Industry Events
One way to boost your credibility and enhance your professional reputation is by offering to speak at conferences, webinars, or workshops related to family law and the industries you serve. Speaking engagements like these provide a platform to showcase your expertise, share valuable insights, and engage directly with potential clients and industry peers. These events also offer excellent networking opportunities, allowing you to expand your professional network and increase your visibility and exposure among key members of your profession.
4. Leverage the Power of Networking
Creating a strong personal brand can be achieved through effective networking. One of the best ways to network is by attending industry events, participating in workshops and engaging in online forums where your target audience is active. By networking, you can build valuable relationships that may lead to referrals, partnerships, and opportunities to collaborate on meaningful projects or initiatives.
5. Utilise Client Testimonials and Case Studies
To build your personal brand in family law, it’s a great idea to showcase your expertise and value proposition through client testimonials and case studies. These serve as social proof, helping potential clients and partners trust your capabilities and work ethic.
By positioning yourself as an authoritative voice and engaging with your target audience, you can establish yourself as a thought leader, attract more opportunities, and make a positive difference to the families you represent. Consistency, dedication, and a strategic approach are key to developing a distinctive personal brand that sets you apart and will help propel your future family law career.
