“It’s not just what you know — it’s who you know.” This timeless phrase rings especially true in the legal profession, where technical skill, while essential, is only part of the equation. The early years of a legal career are formative — not just in terms of practice but in how you begin to shape your identity, reputation, and relationships in a demanding and interconnected profession.
To succeed in law, you must cultivate more than knowledge. You must build a network, live by a strong ethical code, and approach your career with strategic intent. This article explores how young attorneys can position themselves for long-term success through relationships, reputation-building, and intentional career planning.
No one succeeds in law alone. A sustainable legal career depends on your ability to surround yourself with individuals who are invested in your growth, your personal board of directors. These individuals can come from various stages of their own careers and serve different, equally important roles in your professional life. Some may be law school classmates or current colleagues, but some must be from different backgrounds and have had unique experiences to offer a wide range of perspective.
Importantly, these relationships must be mutual. The phrase “need a friend, be a friend” applies here. Don’t view mentorship or networking as one-sided. When you invest in others, the return is often exponential.
Also, consider leveraging existing affiliations, such as undergraduate alumni groups, high school connections, or fraternal/sorority organizations. Volunteer or engage in these organizations to expand your reach. Relationships don’t need to be transactional to be valuable.
Law is a relationship business, and successful relationships, personal or professional, require authenticity.
You are a counselor at law. Clients, colleagues, shareholders, and even adversaries trust those who demonstrate genuine investment, not just in outcomes, but in people. If you want to provide meaningful counsel, you must be appropriately engaged in your work and community.
Authenticity cannot be manufactured. People will sense insincerity quickly, and trust, once broken, is difficult to rebuild.
Your network is built over time, not in bursts, but through consistent, thoughtful engagement.
Practical Steps:
If you are targeting a specific connection, use mutual contacts to make a warm introduction instead of sending a cold email.
Especially in the early years, your ethical reputation is everything. Your legal knowledge will grow, but your reputation begins developing on day one and follows you throughout your career.
You may not love every job you take in your first decade of practice. It happens. But every role is an opportunity to learn, build credibility, show commitment, and leave on good terms (i.e. with references and work that makes you proud).
When I was a young prosecutor, I defined my moral compass using three core principles:
These are not just abstract values, they are professional tools. Define your own moral code early, and ensure your actions consistently align with it. Doing the right thing, even when inconvenient or challenging is what distinguishes true professionals from the rest.
Whether you’re aware of it or not, you are building a personal brand. In law, your reputation is often as important as your résumé.
Start by crafting a professional elevator pitch. Early on, it can be general. As your experience grows, it should evolve to reflect your experience, strengths, and aspirations.
Ask Yourself:
Be mindful that in this profession, you are always “on.” Your online presence, behavior at events, even your body language in meetings, all contribute to how others perceive you.
If you were hiring an attorney, how would you want them to behave? What level of professionalism, discretion, and empathy would you expect? Practice being that person consistently.
There’s a clear distinction between doing your job and building your career. A job might end, but your career continues.
You may work in two, three, or even four different places in your first ten years of practice. That’s not failure, it’s growth and more common these days. What matters is how you perform, how you leave, how you maintain the relationships built along the way.
Don’t “quiet quit.” Don’t burn bridges. And don’t disappear after a matter closes. Stay in touch with those you’ve worked with. Reaching out during meaningful times: birthdays, anniversaries, promotions, keeps your network active and authentic.
No one excels at everything, and you don’t need to. Identify what you do well and build your practice around those strengths.
If you’re a strong writer but an average networker, write articles, blogs, or practice guides. If you’re a great communicator, seek speaking opportunities, such as presenting at a seminar or an internal training. Leveraging your strengths is more effective and often more fulfilling than obsessively trying to “fix” your weaknesses.
Over time, surround yourself with colleagues whose strengths complement yours. The best teams are built with diversity of skill, not uniformity.
Your firm or organization is just one part of the legal or business ecosystem. The broader legal community can provide mentorship, visibility, and opportunity beyond your current role.
Consider:
These relationships are invaluable when you’re looking to transition, expand your practice, or deepen your expertise.
A sustainable legal career isn’t built overnight. It’s the product of strategic thinking, ethical consistency, and a willingness to invest in others. You and your career are worth it.
Build your internal board of directors. Define your values and live by them. Develop your brand with purpose. Stay focused on your career, not just your current job.
Above all, remember: Law is a relationship business. The earlier you embrace that, the more fulfilling and successful your career will be.
Kate Christoff serves as the Director of Legal Talent for Keating Muething & Klelamp PLL. In her role, she oversees law student and attorney hiring, manages the firm’s professional development programs, and administers the Associate Mentor program, Retention & Advancement, Culture & Opportunity, and Associates Committees. Kate previously served as a Career Counselor in the Center for Professional Development at the University of Cincinnati College of Law.