For the past few months, Yasmin and I have attended networking events hosted by organisations such as Leeds Junior Lawyers Division (JLD), Leeds Young Professionals (LYP), After Work Club and Leeds Law School, as well as Barrister’s Chambers.

A common theme amongst these events, it must be said, is the provision of food and drinks! Whether that be a cheese and wine night, a breakfast networking event or themed cocktails from Park Square Barristers!

We have really enjoyed attending these events as it enables us to meet our peers, and at some point in the future, opposition on cases! We have met a number of people ranging from fellow trainee solicitors, newly qualified solicitors and more experienced solicitors, alongside non-legal professionals. It really goes to show the number of young professionals in Leeds!

Recently, Yasmin and I organised the Leeds Legal Walk 10k in support of The Access to Justice Foundation, for colleagues of R&H to attend. This was a great evening, spending time with people from the different offices and putting names to faces, whilst getting in some steps!

As individuals relatively new to the world of networking, we have put together some “top tips”, which we hope are useful.

Top tips:

1. Go with a friend if you feel nervous
2. Try to attend a variety of different events e.g., speed networking/lectures/talks/activities
3. Listen and ask questions (it doesn’t always have to be work related)
4. If you have business cards, make sure to take these with you and hand out
5. Follow up on any connections you make, after the event and try to keep in touch regularly
6. Make the most of LinkedIn – everyone, if not the vast majority of people you meet, will have a Linked In account for you to connect on

We will continue to network around Leeds picking up contacts and friends along the way. And who knows, if ever one of your contacts needs to refer a client on…!

Laura Hamilton – Paralegal