Social networks are picking up, and lawyers are noticing.

The Legal Marketing Association published a paper recently emphasized that junior associates involved in social networking might be bringing a large client base with them.

When you hire someone, you hire his or her network.

One of the more popular business networks is LinkedIn.  The Wisconsin Law Journal describes a few lawyers that have used it effectively.

In my experience, LinkedIn has been a very effective and efficient network-building tool, and it can be very useful for attorneys. But it does require some effort on your part, because you have to be actively engaged in it to make the most out of it.

Since I started blogging on this site, I’ve had several dozen requests from readers to be added to their network (you can find me here).

They also describe law students who have created student groups on the network.  I’m tapped into several social networks, and participate in almost all of the largest ones.

On LinkedIn I created a general Law Student group and an Alumni group for my school, and it has already attracted some attention.  But the number of law students in Canada on LinkedIn is still pitiful.

Yesterday I covered a new social network site, specifically designed for lawyers outside of the U.S. seeking American clients.  Specialized niche sites will continue to offer a unique advantage to those that participate.

Lawyers and law firms that completely ignore social media, the web, and technological developments entirely, will likely lose their competitive advantage in the long-term.

h/t Mitch Kowalsky of Financial Post