Tomorrow is officially the 13th “blogiversary” for Zen & the Art of Legal Networking. At times, it’s difficult to believe that I’ve been writing in this corner of the blogosphere for so long and at other times, it’s flown by. This year in particular has been a lot and it’s hard to find the words to share with you all.

Traditionally, I use this post to either reflect on where we’ve been or what I’ve learned and I appreciate the opportunity to do that each year. It’s not often that we’re able to slow down and take a look back. Continue Reading Happy 13th Blogiversary to Zen & the Art of Legal Networking!

If you’ve been here a while, you know that I like to look back to find out whether the predictions that we made in the past ever came true – we know that the legal market likes to move slowly, but how slowly? Is the industry that we imagined ten or fifteen years ago where we really are today?

It’s hard to believe that the great recession was 13/14 years ago already, but it’s true. And that means that in the years following the recession, we were all making big promises for change and a “new normal.” (I know, I know, we’re entering yet another “new normal” following the pandemic, which of course only reminds us that the only constant is change.) Continue Reading Did We Ever Adjust to that “New Normal”?

It’s the middle of February. In many places, it’s cold and dreary and it’s a wee bit hard to feel motivated. You may recall that a couple of weeks ago, we talked about resolving to throw out your business development plan so that you could start fresh and see what is truly working and what isn’t – now it’s time for phase two.

Resolve to try something new. 

Another area where it’s easy to get stuck when planning is the temptation to just alter or continue what you’ve been doing all along. Continue Reading Resolve to Try Something New

Today, we’re bringing you a special guest post, from one of the ILN’s marketing professionals! Alina Crisu is the PR & Communication Associate with LLPO Law Firm in Cyprus and she’s got some great advice on optimizing your website to give you a competitive edge in your market.

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Crowded markets are plentiful with potential clients and competitors to learn from. But how to run a remarkable business in such a crowded place? And how to make a potential client choose to pay attention to your business and services? Continue Reading Optimisation – the key to success in a crowded market

What better way to celebrate International Networking Week with a throwback to a post I wrote about international networking (updated for these modern times)?

With virtual platforms bringing us even closer together these days, the ability for us to connect with counterparts from across borders is easier than ever. But that means we can’t forget that everyone doesn’t do business in the same way that we do. That’s incredibly fun because it means we get to learn about other people and cultures, but there can also be a few pitfalls. Entrepreneur shared this great article back in 2014 on the keys to success for navigating networking internationally and I added a fifth suggestion based on my own experience – these five tips hold true today. Continue Reading 5 Ways to Be Intentional About Your International Networking

Jussi Laakkonen is a partner and CEO with Fenno Attorneys at Law, the ILN’s Finnish law firm. In this episode, Lindsay and Jussi discuss the challenges of lawyer wellbeing as the world opens up post-pandemic, how mentorship has impacted both him and his firm, and his hopes for the future law firm.

You can listen to the podcast here, or we’ve provided a transcript of the highlights below.

Continue Reading Law Firm ILN-telligence Podcast | Jussi Laakkonen | Fenno Attorneys at Law

I’m not big on resolutions.

Some years, I have some, other years I don’t, but they’re generally things I’d like to add more of to my life (like the year I decided I would try to learn how to knit – I’ve been crocheting since I was about five – yes, these are two different things).

Do I always have a business development plan? Yes.

So what am I advocating here? Sheer anarchy??

Uh, no. Don’t worry. Continue Reading Resolve to Throw Out Your Business Development Plan Today

Peter Altieri has recently retired from partnership with Epstein Becker & Green, a US law firm with 14 offices and a member of the ILN. Peter is a previous Chairman of the ILN and in this episode, he and Lindsay cover the importance of mentorship throughout a lawyer’s career, how the ILN impacted him as a lawyer, and the rapidly changing legal profession.

You can listen to the podcast here, or we’ve provided a transcript of the highlights below. Continue Reading Law Firm ILN-telligence Podcast | Peter Altieri | Epstein Becker & Green

TGS Baltic is a leading law firm with offices in Vilnius (Lithuania), Riga (Latvia), Tallinn, and Tartu (Estonia). Currently, TGS Baltic unites 31 partners and 11 associate partners in the three Baltic States. According to the results of the survey of client satisfaction with law firms in the Baltic States, Prospera Law Firm Review 2021, TGS Baltic has received the highest rating from the clients in Lithuania and has been ranked as the most recommended law firm in the Baltic States. Continue Reading ILN Firm of the Month – TGS Baltic!

Here we are, another year.

Do you feel differently? Fresher? Begun again?

2021 was a challenging year for me, and for a lot of people. I lost my dog, who was my heart, after a long and challenging illness that meant we didn’t sleep a lot. My best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer at 36, which means I don’t sleep a lot. There is still a pandemic. I had some chest pains (which, fortunately, turned out to be anxiety – see the part about not sleeping). Betty White DIED. Continue Reading New Year, New You? Lessons for the Beleaguered Legal Professional