The Secret to Networking Successfully (as a Law Student).

Too often in the the world, we are boxed into different sections of life, seemingly being ordered to do what we are told to do. Go to school, get good grades, get a job and start earning money. This is the reality we are currently faced with, and while such a movement isn't necessarily wrong, it doesn't fully optimise our greatest asset...

Networking.

We have often heard from our senior counterparts about the importance of networking, how it goes beyond social barriers and creates active avenues for perpetuating endless routes to success. The truth of the matter is, this concept should not be taken lightly as it often plays a deciding factor in the type of career that you will met out in the future. It is often stated that your "network is your net worth", and this is true especially for lawyers, law students, or any person out there.

However, the question that I usually come across from students in universities and that I used to routinely ask myself in class was, "How do I network successfully?"

My journey to finding the answer was a confusing yet exhilarating one. I remember getting my first number from a senior advocate in the Kisumu Judiciary while I was on my attachment who promised me that we would catch up and talk about the wonderful things that we would do together. However, the question that was pondering in my head was, what would I talk about when I called? Would I ask him for favours? Or even a spot at his law firm?

Your probably guessing I called.

I didnt.

I wasn't prepared as I didn't even have a framework for what we would even discuss. The only thing I had been told was to get the number and opportunities would arise. Little did I know that I had to actively participate for those opportunities.

The word network itself is defined as a, "group or system of interconnected people or things." Lets take the example of a spider which constructs a complex network of several different kinds of threads. It actively weaves the threads in order to catch its prize, the insect, and works day at night at the web until it finally succeeds in catching its prey. In the same way, the key to success in networking is actively ensuring that what you do is combining your strengths with that of the person you're connecting with in order to form something new.

A certain Managing Partner lamented to me that the opportunities are plentiful, if only they would be approached with an open mindset. I'll attempt to provide a simple framework for how to successfully network.

(This may be aimed towards a legal oriented crowd, but if you can pick up any information from this and your in another field, then do so)

Some key strategies for networking as a lawyer in Kenya include attending legal conferences and events, joining professional associations and organizations, and building relationships with colleagues and clients through communication and collaboration.

Additionally, it's important to maintain a strong online presence through professional social media and networking platforms such as LinkedIn. Building a reputation as a knowledgeable and trustworthy lawyer/ law student through your work, and by being an active member of the legal community, can also help to increase your network.

Networking as a lawyer in Kenya can also involve volunteering for pro Bono work or community service, as this can help you to connect with other legal professionals and gain valuable experience. Additionally, it can be beneficial to seek out mentorship opportunities and to actively seek out guidance and advice from more experienced lawyers.

Another important aspect of networking as a lawyer in Kenya is building a strong reputation and brand. This can be accomplished by consistently providing high-quality legal services to clients, staying up to date on the latest legal developments and trends, and being active in the legal community. By being seen as a respected and knowledgeable lawyer, other legal professionals and potential clients will be more likely to seek out your services and recommend you to others.

In addition to networking events and professional associations, networking can be done through social media platforms, online legal forums and online legal directories. This allows you to connect with other legal professionals, stay informed about the latest legal developments, and promote your services to potential clients.

Even for those students who are just starting out in school and have limited avenues to network, you can network with your teachers as they are also windows to your career fields and not just people out to ruin your academic grades as some of you may think.

There are many examples of lawyers in Kenya who have successfully built their careers through networking. One example is Ahmednasir Abdullahi, who is widely considered one of the most successful and influential lawyers in Kenya.

He has built a large network of contacts and clients through his work as a senior counsel and has also been active in the legal community, serving as the President of the Law Society of Kenya, a member of the Judicial Service Commission, and as a member of the Taskforce on the Reform of the Judiciary and the Legal System.

However, it's important to remember that networking is an ongoing process, and building a strong network takes time and effort. The most important thing to remember is to start with the contacts you have, and be social, for that is the way you'll discover what you are capable of. It's important to be consistent in your networking efforts and to always be looking for new opportunities to connect with other legal professionals.

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