Our latest newsletter covers how to use LinkedIn for better networking, how culture underpins DEI strategy, and details of our new LinkedIn masterclasses. Find out about our women’s network and we’re calling for contributors to our new international growth guide book.
Why LinkedIn is your secret weapon before conference season kicks off
I know the sun has just come out and summer is just beginning, but that means conference season is coming – from the IBA annual conference in Toronto to Legal Geek London, and a whole host of regional summits in between, the legal and professional services world is gearing up to make the most of their time and their budgets.
Whether you’re speaking on a panel, attending to build your profile, or scouting for collaboration opportunities, LinkedIn gives you a head start. It’s where you warm up your visibility, reconnect with past contacts, and start conversations that make your time on the ground actually count.
The standout finding from our LinkedIn masterclass surveys is that more lawyers are embracing the platform. Especially now that authenticity and personality outperform polish. It’s no longer about perfection; it’s about showing up as yourself.
I use the platform to build meaningful connections before, during and after events including the IBA Annual Conference, a highlight of the global legal calendar. And that’s what we show people how to do in our masterclasses. Throughout the summer we are running mixed law firm classes, so you can join with others from around the world for a small investment.
I’ll be in Toronto in November for the IBA conference alongside some of our team. If you’d like help making the most of your time there or want an intro to someone on your list, just drop me a line.
—-
DEI – not just for breakfast
Our latest thought leadership, exclusive, invite-only breakfast at the Club at the Ivy tackled DEI and workplace culture, exploring how culture underpins DEI strategies across society and borders. These events are roundtable discussions on a hot topic, over breakfast, with a peer group – the opportunity to build connections, share experiences, successes and pitfalls, and learn from others.
Our guests, a mix of leaders at leading top-100 UK and international law firms, discussed global perspectives on adapting DEI in response to shifting international policies – and reminded us what’s at risk if culture doesn’t guide action.
If you or someone in your leadership team would like to be considered to take part in one of our Ivy Breakfasts, please get in touch.
—-
Women’s network
Last month I had the joy of hosting a brilliant women’s networking event at White City House with the fabulous Becky Holmes, author of Keanu Reeves Is Not in Love with You. With her signature wit and razor-sharp insights, Becky took us on a whistle-stop tour of catfishing, online scammers, and the curious psychology of modern romance (and deception). It was hilarious, eye-opening, and full of those “surely that didn’t actually happen?!” moments – but above all, it sparked powerful conversations about identity, vulnerability and how women support each other through the weirdness of the digital world. Huge thanks to everyone who came – and no, sadly, Keanu didn’t make an appearance. If you would like to be considered to join our women’s network, please drop me a line. We are planning a female leaders invite-only retreat in the autumn, so again let me know if you’d like to be considered.
—-
Contribute to our new guide book
We’re creating a practical guide to international growth, built on the real-world experiences of independent law firms. If you’ve led or supported international expansion, successfully or otherwise, we’d love to hear your story. If you’d like to be interviewed or provide a quote, please get in touch.
—-
LinkedIn training
We are running a series of masterclasses throughout the summer and into the Autumn for anyone interested in amplifying their profile and boosting their personal brand. We are offering a range of training options, from basic to intermediate, and also tailored for individual coaching with leaders and new partners or BD teams or junior associates. We cover how to post, what to post about, how the algorithm works, how to build your network and much more. We’d love to see you in one of our sessions, either by joining our mixed law firm course or we can tailor training to your law firm or individual needs. Let us know where you’re looking to improve.
—-
New courses
MD Communications Partner and former ad agency boss, James Hayhurst will deliver his Organic Growth course for law firms, built around the proven principles of How Brands Grow, from the autumn. There is a waiting list but do get in touch if you’d like to find out more. It’s a fresh, practical take on business development – rooted in behavioural science and brand strategy. Designed to help lawyers grow profile and instructions without resorting to hard sell.
——-
Legal 5k results
An amazing 500+ runners tackled our fun and inclusive race in Regent’s Park, raising thousands for Skylarks, a special needs charity close to our hearts. In the race to find the fastest law team in the land, Slaughter and May once again triumphed, with Burges Salmon in second place and Farrer & Co in third.
Fastest man and woman overall were taken by David Ives and Deirdre Healy, both Slaughter and May, and fastest Managing Partner was Steven McGuigan from VWV.
And for those of you that follow our LNER train journeys with our disabled daughter Jessica, we will be heading back up north to Darlington next week for a few days, so watch this space.
Best wishes,
Melissa
Latest news and blogs
Marketing teams & LinkedIn
The new LinkedIn algorithm report contains a wealth of information on every aspect of the platform. Digital Director Emma Maule considers what in-house law firm marketing teams can learn, how they can present firms in the best light, and provides top tips. Read the blog
Walking for access to justice
We took part in the London Legal Walk on 17 June, joining 19,000 legal professionals to raise vital funds for free legal advice centers. See our posts here and here
The office goes back to the future
In a hybrid world, 94% of legal professionals still value physical office spaces. CEO Melissa Davis explores how the legal workplace is transforming from where work gets done to where people gather, learn and collaborate. Read the blog
To find out more about any of our services, please explore our website or get in touch.
