To Build a Book of Business, Attorneys Need to Focus on Client Service

For many, the path to rainmaking starts with technical excellence. But technical legal skills can't build your legal career alone. They need to be combined with outstanding client service (which is one of the reasons many attorneys get into law in the first place--to help people).

D.C. Bar Association president and Sidley Austin partner Tim Webster's "From the President" column in Washington Lawyer called "It's the Clients, Stupid" gives nine great this on how lawyers can excel in client relations. (You can also use these tips to help you write your client-focused legal resume, cover letter, and LinkedIn profile summary.) One of my favorites, which I hear from general counsel and other in-house lawyers frequently when discussing how they hire outside counsel or partner with internal clients, is: