Aimee B. Davis Law P.C.

Want Your Work to Feel Like Play?

{3:30 minutes to read}

Recently, a number of people have asked us, “Where do you get the majority of your referrals?” This is a difficult question to answer. However, relationship building is the key to having a successful solo practice
Referrals come from all walks of life, including professional colleagues (current and former), as well as from friends. However, in order to establish consistent referral sources, it is important that our professional relationships be built on mutual trust, respect and an understanding of our colleagues’ competencies and skill sets.
Our relationship serves as a prime example of how these affiliations develop over time. Several years ago, a senior colleague introduced us at a networking cocktail event attended by many small firms and solo practitioners. We initially clicked because we were two women in a sea of male attorneys with complimentary, but not overlapping, practice areas. (Aimee is a transactional corporate attorney; Kim practices commercial and business litigation.)
Initially, we began building trust and mutual respect for one another by discussing private legal practice in general and our respective experiences as solo practitioners. This led to co-writing a couple of blog articles together, entitled “Don’t Be Your Own Attorney, Especially if You Aren’t One” and “A Man Would Ask For More.”
Soon after, we began helping one another with drafting and consulting on various legal matters on behalf of our respective clients. Once we gained confidence in our respective skills and styles, we started exchanging a series of direct referrals to one another. We also introduced each other to a variety of business development and networking groups, leading to a further expansion of our individual networking circles.
Solo practice can become isolating. Having big firm backgrounds, we were both accustomed to an open door policy for the free exchange of ideas, resources, and camaraderie. The solo practitioner can find the equivalent through networking with other small firms and solo attorneys. Upon launching her solo practice, Aimee was astounded to learn that there are a vast array of business development groups and networking opportunities available to the solo practitioner. These groups tend to meet monthly and often focus on best practices for the small-firm attorney. They also serve as brainstorming sessions that enhance our respective practices.
We have found that the more professional and social circles in which we are engaged, the more likely we are to meet potential clients and referral sources, professional friends and colleagues, and, surprisingly enough, personal friends. In fact, when a personal friendship develops out of a professional connection, this is a Win/Win for everyone because work feels more like play.
Along the way, a personal friendship between Kim and Aimee blossomed and continues to grow to this day. Thank you, Michael Moskowitz and Wingate, Russotti, Shapiro & Halperin, LLP.

Aimee B. Davis Law P.C. is committed to advising its clients and resolving issues relating to the legal and business matters that are important to them. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at (917) 617-2243 or email aimee@aimeebdavis.com.

Aimee B. Davis Law P.C.

917-617-2243
122 Ashland Place
Brooklyn, NY 11201