As a newly minted Pennsylvania attorney, one of the most daunting aspects of starting your law career is the prospect of breaking out of your shell and networking in the legal community. Many young attorneys avoid networking like the bubonic plague due to the stress of their jobs and the anxiety of having to interact with older, more polished attorneys that have a better grasp of the legal community. However, young attorneys quickly learn that networking is a necessity to developing professional relationships and referrals for prospective business, thereby helping both their careers and their firms.

Looking back on law school, numerous opportunities for networking presented themselves. These opportunities normally related to specific areas of law or organizations and helped students develop relationships to gain employment. Furthermore, law school networking opportunities were more informational and educational, rather than geared toward creating a name for yourself in the legal community and generating business.

New lawyers find that law school networking is far different from networking as a professional attorney. Rather than focusing on landing that first job or learning about an attorney's or organization's practice area, young attorneys should now be focused on propelling their careers forward as a member of the bar, instead of as a prospective member.

For starters, get out to some bar association meetings and, of course, be active on LinkedIn. These platforms are great places to get your feet wet and meet other attorneys. At the bar association meetings I have attended, I met other attorneys with decades of experience in my practice area. Often, I learn from these more experienced attorneys about their strategies for success and the difficulties facing our area of law. It also fascinates me to hear about the development of their practice area over the years and how they have navigated changing laws to adapt and remain successful. Having relationships with these seasoned professionals can help you avoid the pitfalls they have already experienced.

While I believe bar association meetings and being active on LinkedIn are important, these networking platforms are not the be-all, end-all. There are several things to keep in mind for generating new professional relationships and referrals.

The most beneficial referrals I have received are from friends, family and neighbors. It might seem obvious, but make sure your friends and family understand your area of law and their potential for helping you develop business. Recruit your loved ones and friends to help. They can be your biggest marketing tool. I always make sure my fiancée, closest friends and family have a healthy supply of my business cards at their disposal.

Developing relationships with attorneys at other firms is also extremely important for professional development. As a young attorney, be cognizant of where you focus your attention. For instance, a young real estate attorney should be attending networking events, happy hours and CLEs at firms that specialize in environmental law, commercial law or family law, in addition to real estate law. These practice areas interconnect, sharing common subjects and clients.

At the same time, do not discriminate, as the entire spectrum of law is interconnected. I frequently receive calls from friends regarding niche areas of law I am unfamiliar with but can help them find an attorney who can help.

Another thought to keep in mind is to always act cordially when you are in public, as everyone is a potential client or referral source. Be sociable—and not just at bar association meetings and events. Simple conversations with individuals you meet in passing can lead to referrals. I have given out free advice to unrepresented individuals at hearing offices and even a Starbucks barista hobbling around with a crutch and a cam boot. Before you know it, they are asking for your business card and calling you the next business day.

Furthermore, get involved in your local community. If you're in real estate law, attend your neighborhood HOA meeting every now and then. If your practice area is workers' compensation or Social Security disability, coordinate with your firm to speak at a local union meeting. The possibilities are endless for sources that generate business.

Lastly, do not think of networking and referrals as an aggressive tactic for gaining business. I always think of it as beneficial for both parties. For instance, the Starbucks barista had no idea she was entitled to workers' compensation after falling on ice at work. Keep in mind that you're helping individuals understand their rights and legal options. That is the primary goal of networking and generating business in the long run.

Chris Armstrong is an associate with Pond Lehocky Stern Giordano and focuses his practice on Social Security disability law and workers' compensation.