The legal profession is one of the most competitive industries globally. Each year, thousands of law school graduates enter the market with the hope of “making it” and creating a name for themselves in the field.

With the competition already so stiff, cutting it will require that you position yourself as an expert in your area of legal practice. Achieving this requires an intentional and strategic application of various strategies. In this article, we discuss some of the practical ways in which you can position yourself as a legal expert in a competitive market.

Consistent Professional Branding

The power of branding cannot be understated. Every lawyer has passed their bar exams and generally possesses common legal skills. To stand out, you need to create a professional brand that defines who you are as a lawyer.

It may take some time to determine the exact kind of brand you want to create for yourself, but having a clear vision is essential. What are your areas of expertise or focus? Who are your target clients? What are your achievements so far? Setting these up in your profile is essential.

When building a brand as a modern-day lawyer, technology cannot be ignored. In this increasingly digitized world, many clients and professionals alike are interacting virtually, even before meeting in person. Therefore, you must utilize social media tools like LinkedIn to increase your visibility. This will help you create visibility.

However, most importantly, remember that the image you portray online must be consistent with your professional practice in real life too.

Build a Strong Professional Network

Networking is a powerful tool for positioning yourself as a legal expert when done skillfully. Strategically establish relationships with other professionals, especially in your area of expertise.

This also enhances your visibility in the legal field and opens you up to critical opportunities to sharpen your skills and demonstrate your knowledge. As you do so, referrals will be easier to come your way from your seniors or even peers. Consider the following:

Joining legal associations, such as the International Bar Association.
Joining global legal networks like Global Legal Experts. These are great platforms for interacting with and learning from legal professionals from other jurisdictions, as well as establishing an international presence.
Attending conferences, workshops and seminars relevant to your area of expertise.

Speak at Conferences, Workshops, Seminars: Market Your Skill

As you attend such networking events, find opportunities to speak in panels or make presentations in your area of expertise. They are suitable platforms to showcase your knowledge and expertise. You also get to offer value to your audience, who may include prospective clients.

Establish a Strong Work Ethic

People notice your work ethic, always. If you are going to establish yourself as a legal expert in such a competitive market, you need to stand out in your manner of work. A strong work ethic has a significant impact on both the quality of your work and your reputation.

Psychologically, people perceive beyond results; they also notice “how” you package your practice. You might be good at what you do, but looking disorganized and always burnt out reflects poorly on your professional standing. Learn how to prioritise high-value tasks, when and what to delegate, as well as other relevant factors that speak to developing a strong work ethic.

Complement Your Legal Knowledge with Practical Skills

Setting yourself apart in a competitive field will require more than just your legal knowledge. Developing practical skills, such as problem-solving, effective communication and interpersonal skills, will put you ahead in your practice.

Some legal problems will require you to go beyond the text and think innovatively. Being able to solve complex legal needs creatively establishes you as a true expert in your field.

Publish Quality Content in Your Area of Expertise

An effective strategy for positioning yourself as a legal expert in today’s highly digitised world is by sharing knowledge in your field of expertise. You can achieve this by publishing blog articles, posting thought leadership content and commenting on legal issues on various social media platforms.

This way, you build your credibility as a highly experienced professional in your area of practice and position yourself as a leader in your field.

Keep Up With Legal Trends and Industry Shifts

You cannot afford to stay out of the loop in the ever-evolving global economy. Beyond the legal field, significant shifts in technology and other industries are impacting the legal profession. To remain competitive, you must stay updated on how these developments impact your legal expertise and practice, and how you can improve your skills to stay relevant.

For instance, AI has taken the world by storm, and the legal industry is already adapting to its application. Lawyers are leveraging AI to enhance their efficiency and improve the client experience. Keeping up with this and adapting quickly to economic shifts will ensure you are better equipped to respond to emerging interconnected legal issues.

Carve Out Your Niche

There is a significant advantage to specialisation, especially in a crowded and competitive market, such as the law. General practitioners will have a hard time gaining visibility, but once you take up a specific niche and get good at it, your chances of getting noticed increase significantly.

Having a key area of expertise does not mean you are limiting your future possibilities. Instead, it helps you build credibility in that focused area and makes it easier to attract clients who will seek your particular skill or expertise.

Always Offer Value

To position yourself as a legal expert, you need to offer value. You can only go so far with branding and networking if you are unable to provide value in the long run. Clients want to know that you can effectively address their diverse legal needs.

This goes beyond your legal services for your clients at the office. Demonstrate value to your other prospective clients and even other legal professionals by sharing knowledge in your field of expertise, speaking at conferences, and the like.

Final Thoughts

Establishing yourself as an expert in the competitive legal market is critical to building your career. In addition to your legal skills and knowledge, applying these strategies to your advantage will put you ahead and help you stay in the game.

References:

Global Law Experts

Legal Reader

Thomson Reuters