You know what they say – do the right thing and the money will soon follow. And in the saturated and often cutthroat world of law, it’s never been more relevant. You’re probably still reveling in the success of your high grades, passing the bar with flying colors and of course having interned in all the right places. Your CV might be well and truly glittering, but to make it as a successful lawyer, you’re going to need more than the information on your resumé.
Whether you’re training to be a Toronto disability lawyer, or a New York family law expert, your reputation is everything and it’s something you need to have been working on from the moment you stepped foot in law school. So, how do you go about building your reputation? Read on for some simple tips and helpful advice.
Treat your clients well
Being a lawyer might be a career you’ve had your heart set on since you were young and getting to where you want to be in the law world is of course important to you. But to your clients, you’re so much more than someone they’re paying by the hour. You’re the person who can get them out of a jam, who is there to offer knowledge and comfort, someone who can provide clarity in a jargon filled world and someone who can make them feel like their version of events matters.
Treating your clients well doesn’t just mean getting them the results they want (although that certainly helps) you have to treat them with respect and as if they’re the most important clients in the world. Do this well, and with every case you take on and you’ll soon build a reputation not just for getting results but for treating every client like gold as you do.
Keep your word
If you say you’re going to do something – do it and quicker then you said you would. Following through on promises is essential to building good working relationships and in turn, a good reputation. Keep confidentiality high on your priority list and your integrity and dedication to your clients will shine through.
Beware of social media
Social media – although a great addition to any business, can also have a negative impact on anyone trying to build a reputation for professionalism and expertise. We probably all cringe at our old social media posts from years gone by. Which means it’s a good idea to go through your accounts and delete anything that no longer reflects your views or opinions. Unprofessional photos and inappropriate memes etc should also be removed. Remember, the first thing a prospective employer might look at are your social media accounts, so make sure they reflect the professional person you are today.
Protect your business from cyber attacks
When the structure and stability of your business is exposed by a cyber-attack, it means your reputation will soon follow. A reputation for poor security and dubious confidentiality can destroy a business’s reputation within minutes. So, take the steps needed to ensure every device is protected with the latest software.
