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Lawyers are being encouraged to step away from the office and attend events to network and learn about the legal profession.
For early-career lawyers, attending professional events such as legal breakfasts can provide valuable opportunities to build connections, gain practical insights, and learn from experienced practitioners.
Beyond networking, these events can foster mentorship, strengthen collegiality, and help young lawyers feel more supported and connected within the profession.
Divorce Legal principal Selena Nikolouadakis and solicitor Liberty Papas were recently interviewed by Lawyers Weekly, where they shared their insights into the importance of attending law events, particularly for less experienced lawyers looking to kickstart their careers.
Papas highlighted that the firm’s objective is to create initiatives whereby more experienced law professionals can speak at events where younger lawyers are able to listen, gain knowledge, and network with those who are later in their law careers.
“One of our goals is to bring together senior members of the profession from a range of practice areas so that early-career lawyers, like myself, can hear directly from people with different experiences, perspectives, and career paths,” Papas said.
“Exposure to that breadth of knowledge is so valuable, particularly for young lawyers who are still exploring where they want their careers to take them.”
Nikoloudakis, the firm’s principal with almost two decades of experience, noted the disparity between the connections of younger lawyers and those of more experienced lawyers.
“As a senior lawyer, I have become increasingly conscious of the fact that many early-career practitioners don’t always have access to the guidance, respect and support of their supervisors or superiors that previous generations have benefited from,” Nikolouadakis said.
“I have also seen a decline in collegiality across parts of the profession, and while I know this initiative alone isn’t going to solve that in its entirety, I believe we all have a role to play in helping restore it.”
Experienced lawyers have identified that a networking gap has been created for junior lawyers, leaving many feeling isolated and potentially limiting their career development and access to mentorship opportunities.
To overcome this intimidation, industry professionals such as Papas have suggested shifting focus towards more casual settings.
“Networking can often feel intimidating for junior lawyers, especially in more formal settings,” Papas said.
“By bringing smaller groups of people together in a more relaxed environment, these breakfasts make it easier to start conversations, ask questions, and build genuine professional relationships.
“Engaging in conversations with more experienced practitioners affords us the opportunity to develop ongoing mentor/mentee relationships.”
Nikoloudakis echoed this sentiment, emphasising how vital strong mentorship was to her own professional growth.
“When I reflect on my own career, I recognise how fortunate I was to have exceptional mentors who challenged me, supported me and helped shape the lawyer I have become,” she said.
“Unfortunately, not everyone has the same opportunities; that is one of the key reasons these breakfasts are so important to me.
“I want to help create the kinds of connections that can make a real difference to someone’s career and wellbeing.”
Papas indicated that the legal industry is most successful when leaders pass on their experience to those just commencing their journey.
“The profession is at its strongest when experienced practitioners are willing to share their knowledge and invest in those coming through,” Papas said.
“If we can create an environment where learning, connection, and mentorship happen naturally, we will be helping to build a more supportive, collaborative and resilient legal profession for the future; something I look forward to being a part of.”
