Business Development for Women Lawyers

Developing successful, authentic, out-of-the-box business development strategies in a largely male-dominated profession.

Research suggests that there are gender differences in business development. Regardless of industry, women tend to develop relationships for the intrinsic value of those relationships, while men do so for the potential yield those relationships may bring. Men approach prospects with the goal of obtaining business, whilst women's goal is to build ties. A gross generalization? Maybe. But the fact is, there are still far more men in partnership and leadership roles than women, and business development - the people you know, your order book, and your ranking within an organization - is key to that. The book features multiple contributions from women across the globe, looking at the skills and techniques, experiences and talents that female lawyers use to develop their practices and grow their order books, acting as both inspiration and motivation to its readers. Developing successful, authentic, out-of-the-box business development strategies in a largely male-dominated profession is a challenge for many women lawyers. Where many senior partners have developed business by playing golf or taking their clients for cigars and steaks, women need to find a different way to develop business based upon their own personal interests and strengths.

Executive summary About the authors Chapter 1: Steps to build your practice and be a successful rainmaker By Susan Duncan, founder and president, Rainmaking Oasis Chapter 2: Feeling lawyers - how to harness the power of empathy in your legal practice By Nika Kabiri, VP, Lux Insights Chapter 3: Advancement and empowerment of women lawyers - taking the credit By Natasha Innocenti, partner, MLegal Group Chapter 4: Female-friendly networking - the power of social media By Belinda Lester, Lionshead Law Chapter 5: Building reputation and relationships By Patricia Gillette Chapter 6: Strategic networking - learning to identify, connect, and benefit your network By Debbie Epstein Henry, founder, DEH Consulting, Speaking, Writing; and co-founder, Bliss Lawyer Chapter 7: Helping women lawyers overcome their blocks about marketing By Rachel Brushfi eld, The Talent Liberator, Energise Legal Chapter 8: Case study - building a boutique law firm By Pam Loch, managing director, Loch Associates Chapter 9: Technology - an underrepresented fi eld for women? By Joanne Frears, Poise Legal Chapter 10: Developing successful, authentic, out-of-the-box business development strategies By Audra A. Dial, managing partner, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP