Attending conferences can fill some individuals with dread. You’re stuck in a large room with people you don’t know and aren’t even sure you like. Then there are the boring meetings that rarely impart new information.
In a nutshell, you typically consider conferences to be a waste of time and money. However, sometimes the benefits of attending legal conferences outweigh the potential downsides. If you’re still not sure if you should attend the next legal conference, here are a few things to consider.
Reasons To Consider Attending A Legal Conference
You don’t need to plan on attending every legal conference that pops up. You don’t even have to travel out of state. Chances are, legal conventions are happening at least a couple of times a year in your area.
Even if the thought of not having to travel long distances isn’t enough to convince you to reserve a spot at the next legal conference, these potential benefits may help change your mind.
Meet Your Continuing Education Requirements
Yes, you graduated from law school and passed the bar exam. You have your license to practice in the state. You may even be allowed to practice law in multiple states. Congratulations on meeting these requirements. However, you’re not finished with your legal education.
The American Bar Association (ABA) requires all licensed attorneys to continue their legal education throughout their careers. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean going back to school. You also aren’t going to need to sit through the bar exam again.
However, you will need to prove you’re continuing your legal education, which means you need access to approved programs. By the way, continuing your legal education is a requirement in all 50 states. In other words, it doesn’t matter if you’re a practicing attorney in Ohio or Alaska, you must meet these educational requirements.
So, what does this have to do with a legal conference? Some legal conferences offer CLE (continuing legal education) courses that meet the ABA’s requirements. You can get out of the office, meet fellow attorneys, and satisfy your educational requirements.
Meet and Consult with Experts
Chances are you’re going to have a case that defies most legal norms. This can apply to any attorney, regardless of their legal field. Maybe you’re trying to get around the statute of limitations for a personal injury case or have a client who’s trying to mount a novel defense. Whatever the reason, you’re searching for some advice to help your client.
Legal conferences are typically filled with experts across various fields. Along with informative lectures, you also have a meet-and-greet period. These meet and greet sessions aren’t only held at the beginning of the conference. You also have a few minutes to meet experts after a lecture or seminar.
Take this opportunity to discuss your particular case with an expert—but remember, don’t go into any case specifics. Attorney-client privilege still applies at a legal conference, even if you’re talking to another practicing attorney.
You can get some advice on how to proceed with your case. You may even learn a few legal tricks that may improve your skills as an attorney.
Build Your Network
You may be competing with other attorneys for clients but this doesn’t mean you don’t want to build a network. Maybe your schedule is booked and you can’t accept any new clients. You don’t want it going around you can’t help.
To prevent this issue that can damage your brand’s reputation, a better option is to refer the client to another attorney. If you have a professional network that includes other lawyers in your area, you can still help a client even if you’re not taking their case. This can also work in reverse; other attorneys can send clients your way.
Building your professional network can also help boost your brand recognition, which can be essential when you’re trying to attract clients. Sometimes networking can also lead to mutually beneficial partnerships. However, building a network often means attending legal conferences.
Stay Current on the Latest Legal News
Laws are constantly being updated, and this applies to all legal professions, whether you’re a personal injury or criminal defense attorney.
Even the laws governing wills and probate estates can change when the state’s legislative body is in session. Yes, you probably receive mailings and online updates every time the law changes, but it can be hard to stay current.
Attending a legal conference is a great way of ensuring you’re aware of any changes to current laws. There’s usually at least one seminar offered at a conference addressing these changes.
A legal convention is also a great way to introduce yourself to the latest technology. Even the American Bar Association notes that the legal profession is becoming more reliant on technology. An example is using SEO practices to promote your law firm.
At the convention, you have the opportunity to meet vendors and others who can help ensure your legal practice is taking advantage of these advancements.
Boost Brand Recognition
You may not run into clients at a legal conference but this doesn’t mean you can’t promote your brand to your colleagues. Whether this is entering into a partnership with another law firm or simply agreeing to share advertising costs, a legal conference can present some unique opportunities.
You may even want to consider becoming a conference sponsor. This way the name of your law firm is scattered throughout the conference. You may not leave the conference holding a list of new clients, but you’ve opened the door.
Whether it’s agreeing to send referrals to each other’s law firms or going in on joint advertising, you’re taking steps to promote your brand and legal services.
Don’t Skip The Next Legal Conference
Legal conferences may not be your favorite thing to do, but there are reasons to attend at least once a year. Along with ensuring you’re meeting your continuing educational requirements, you can also connect with experts and build your professional network.
Oh, and don’t forget about the potential boost to your brand. Sometimes the added exposure is reason enough to sign up for the next legal conference in your area.
