How to Make the Most of Attending Legal Conferences

Legal conferences aren’t just about racking up CLE hours or collecting another branded tote bag. They’re golden opportunities to connect, learn, market, and grow, both professionally and personally. But just like anything else, you only get out what you put in.

At Cartography, we work with lawyers and law firms to maximize their visibility, impact, and business development. That includes helping you use professional events strategically. Whether you’re headed to a bar association meeting, a national attorney conference, or a local CLE event, here’s how to make the most of your time:

1. Go with a Goal

Don’t just show up. Show up with purpose.

Ask yourself:

• Do you want to meet potential referral sources?

• Are you looking for practice-specific insights or new tech tools?

• Are you attending to build your reputation?

Set 2-3 objectives and use them to guide how you spend your time and whom you seek out at legal conferences.

2. Network with Intention (and Authenticity)

These events are prime time for relationship-building, not sales-pitching. Be curious, not transactional.

Have a few talking points ready:

• A recent case or trend you're following

• Something specific you appreciated about a session or speaker

• A genuine question for someone you’d like to know better

Pro tip: Connect on LinkedIn before you leave the conference, not three weeks later when the momentum’s gone.

3. Elevate Your Firm’s Brand Presence

Even if you’re not a sponsor or speaker, you represent your firm. Your badge and how you introduce yourself are part of your brand.

Make sure:

• Your firm bio and headshot are up to date online (attendees will Google you)

• Your business cards (yes, they still matter) reflect your current branding

• If you're active on social media, post during the event to share takeaways and tag others

4. Strategically Select Sessions

Yes, it’s tempting to pick the sessions with the coziest chairs or best snacks.

But try to mix:

• Core content for your practice area

• Topics that stretch you (AI, law firm management, legal ethics, etc.)

• Opportunities to hear from thought leaders or future collaborators

If you’re attending with colleagues, divide and conquer, then regroup to share notes.

5. Follow Up Like a Pro

The real value of an attorney conference often happens after the event. Reach out to people you met with a short, personalized message. Mention something you discussed, or offer to introduce them to someone in your network. Don’t wait too long. It’s easy for those connections to fade.

6. Debrief and Implement

When you’re back in the office, don’t just toss the notebook on a shelf.

Block 30 minutes to:

• Review your notes

• Share key takeaways with your team

• Identify 1-2 ideas to implement immediately (a new tool, strategy, or habit)

Whether it’s a bar association meeting across town or a national CLE event, these gatherings are more than a break from the office. Legal conferences offer you an opportunity to sharpen your skills, grow your network, and build your brand. Treat them as part of your marketing and strategic planning, and they’ll pay dividends far beyond the hours you logged.

Need help turning conference contacts into clients, or making your brand stand out while you're there? Cartography can help. And, we may even see you there!