Six Essential Business Development Steps Young Attorneys Can Take to Jump-Start Their Legal Careers
In today’s competitive legal landscape, many firms are encouraging associates to begin thinking about business development earlier than in years past. Senior attorneys once told new lawyers to focus solely on legal work and perfecting their craft. Then, years later, those same lawyers were expected to suddenly build a book of business without ever having learned how. Modern firms recognize this challenge and increasingly encourage associates to develop foundational marketing habits long before reaching partnership.
Although becoming a strong practitioner remains the primary goal for any young attorney, early business development awareness can make a significant difference in long-term career growth. Not every associate will have immediate opportunities to bring in clients—particularly in high-stakes areas such as white-collar litigation—but other practice areas, like estate planning or family law, may offer earlier pathways. Regardless of specialty, there are fundamental steps every associate can take to lay a solid foundation for future success.
1. Strengthen Internal Marketing Efforts
For most associates, partners within the firm are their first and most realistic source of work. Young lawyers who treat partners as they would treat valued clients—communicating well, staying responsive, managing expectations, and demonstrating initiative—gain not only experience but also internal visibility. Writing for a practice-group newsletter, participating in client events, or sharing insights from a recent CLE can help build trust and expand opportunities.
2. Manage Relationships Like Key Assets
Contacts accumulate quickly in the legal profession, and without intentional tracking, many are forgotten. Associates are encouraged to organize their professional network early, whether through a CRM, spreadsheet, or other system. Maintaining these relationships over time will prove invaluable when future business opportunities arise.
3. Build a Personal Experience Database
Documenting case details, matters handled, and results achieved helps young lawyers articulate their credibility later. When preparing pitches or seeking certifications, detailed experience logs can set them apart by offering clear, quantifiable proof of their capabilities.
4. Become Involved in an Organization
Joining and actively participating in an outside organization—bar associations, alumni groups, nonprofit boards, industry networks, or community programs—allows associates to develop leadership skills, expand their network, and build a reputation as someone who contributes meaningfully.
5. Demonstrate Thought Leadership
Publishing an article, speaking at a firm event, collaborating on a webinar, or presenting to a bar association helps young attorneys build visibility and credibility. Even one piece of thought leadership per year strengthens professional standing.
6. Establish a Personal Professional Brand
Associates should consciously shape how they describe their practice, update their LinkedIn and firm bio regularly, and refine messaging for various audiences. A clear professional identity helps others understand what they do—and who should be referred to them.
A Long-Term Investment in Career Growth
These six strategies rarely produce immediate clients, but together they establish the groundwork young attorneys need for future business generation. Like long-term financial investments, early business development habits compound over time. The earlier associates begin, the greater their opportunities for building a thriving legal practice in the years ahead.