A quick intro about AIJA
AIJA stands as the only global association solely devoted to lawyers and in-house counsels aged 45 and under. Since its foundation in 1962, AIJA has offered exceptional international opportunities for young legal professionals to network, enhance their knowledge, and develop essential skills. With a thriving community of over 6,000 young lawyers across 100+ countries, AIJA brings together a vibrant mix of legal practitioners from varied backgrounds and firms of all sizes.
In addition to my role at Lydian, where I am a partner in the Employment, Pensions & Benefits practice, I am honoured to serve as the current President of AIJA (International Association of Young Lawyers).
The Benefits of Networking and Joining Associations Like AIJA for Young Lawyers
Choosing to pursue a career in law is both a privilege and a formidable challenge.
Being a lawyer is one of the most beautiful professions in the world, but it requires sharp critical thinking, adaptability, and an unwavering ability to perform under pressure. For young lawyers stepping into this demanding field, it is vital to prioritize mental health, build resilience, and cultivate a strong support system. Joining an international association and participating in networking events are powerful ways to achieve this balance.
According to my experience, here’s why joining associations like AIJA can be transformative for a young lawyer:
- Sharing experiences and support: Connecting with like-minded peers facing similar challenges allows young lawyers to support and motivate one another.
- Finding a diverse professional exchange: Engaging with professionals from around the globe provides young lawyers unique insights and opportunities to share expertise on relevant topics.
- Building an international network: Establishing a wide-reaching network can lead to lifelong connections that evolve into trusted colleagues and friends.
- Developing your skills: Association activities help young lawyers enhancing crucial skills such as public speaking, business development, and the ability to navigate complex cross-border legal issues. When developed early, these skills become second nature, empowering legal professionals throughout their careers.
- Adopting a global mindset: Participating in an international association helps learning to think globally and to approach the legal profession with a nuanced understanding of challenges that transcend borders, such as climate change, human rights, and technological developments. At AIJA, for example, we enable our members to bridge cultural and economic divides, navigate intergovernmental relations, and build collective knowledge to create fair solutions to complex cross-border legal scenarios.
Pitching the Value of Associations to Your Firm’s Partnership
When advocating for your participation in an international association to your firm’s leadership, it is very important to emphasize the strategic benefits to the partners of the firm you are working for. Among them, I would stress the following ones:
- Expanding referral networks: Associations’ activities help lawyers broadening the firm’s reach by connecting with new law firms and strengthening existing relationships with the next generation of lawyers.
- Skill enhancement: Lawyers can engage in opportunities that sharpen their public speaking, negotiation, and pitching skills, including speaking in different languages (which is key for global client interactions).
- Broader expertise: Through the association, professionals can deepen their knowledge of legal systems worldwide and refine their ability to address cross-border legal challenges.
- Strategic business development: Gaining insights into managing law firms and expanding business on a global scale may adding value to firm’s operations and growth strategy.
Conclusion: Give Without Counting
In the legal field, where success is often measured by billable hours, it is easy to overlook the importance of investing time in non-billable activities such as networking. However, this investment is invaluable in the long run. Remember: “Do more than what you are paid to do, and soon you will be paid for more than what you do.” By embracing opportunities to connect, share, and grow, young lawyers can pave the way for a fulfilling and successful career.
Joining international associations like AIJA is more than just a career move, it’s an opportunity to enrich your professional and personal journey. Step beyond the confines of the billable hour and immerse yourself in the global legal community. You won’t regret it!
