In the legal profession, networking often decides who gets noticed and who gets left behind. It’s not just about knowing the rules — it’s about knowing the right people. But as a woman in this profession, I’ve seen how different the networking experience is for us. While male lawyers casually connect over late dinners, golf games, or firm events, women often find themselves on the outside, looking in. It’s not just about being invited; it’s about feeling like you truly belong.AdvertisementI’ve been lucky to have seniors who supported me, gave me chances, and respected my work. Their trust helped me grow. But I also know many women who still feel like outsiders in this profession — not because they lack skills, but because the environment doesn’t always feel open or welcoming.Let’s be honest, legal networking doesn’t always happen on official platforms. Real connections are often built in informal settings — chamber talks, birthday parties, or weekend cricket matches. These moments might seem casual, but they often lead to case referrals, important insights, or strategic alliances. And yet, many women miss out — not by choice, but because they are not invited or don’t feel comfortable being there.The exclusion may not always be deliberate. Sometimes it’s just old habits or comfort zones. But when women aren’t present in these spaces, they are also missing out on key opportunities.AdvertisementThen there’s the unconscious bias. A male junior who chats freely with seniors might be called dynamic. A female junior doing the same? She might be labelled over-confident. Clients sometimes assume men are more aggressive or suited for tough cases. That’s not always fair, and definitely not always true.Women also walk a tightrope in terms of how they are perceived. If you speak too much, you are an attention seeker. Stay quiet and you lack initiative. It’s a no-win. Juggling professional and family life adds another layer of difficulty. Late-night calls, weekend events — these are often not practical for women managing home responsibilities.But here’s the good news — things are changing, and we can help make that change faster. There are ways women lawyers can network on their own terms.Start with women-centric groups — WhatsApp groups, book clubs, or just regular coffee catch-ups. These may seem small, but they create a space where you can talk freely, support each other, and even share referrals and advice.Digital platforms are a great leveller. LinkedIn, Twitter/X, and online legal forums let you showcase your work, share your thoughts, and connect with professionals across geographies. When people see your voice and your insights, they begin to recognise your value — beyond your office or court presence.Mentors also matter. A good mentor won’t just guide you legally, they’ll teach you how to hold your ground in court, how to talk to clients, and when to say no. We need to seek those mentors—and also be willing to mentor others when the time comes.Join panels, committees, awareness drives — any platform that gives you visibility. Even if you feel hesitant, showing up consistently builds your presence and lets others know you are serious about your work.Also, set your boundaries clearly. Being friendly and being firm can go hand in hand. A simple line like, “Let’s discuss this during work hours” helps set the tone without being rude. It builds respect.And let’s not forget our male allies. There are many men in this profession who believe in fairness and genuinely support their women colleagues. When a senior male lawyer says, “She’s the best person for this case,” it sends a strong message. It’s about collaboration, not competition.most readPersonally, I believe we are moving in the right direction. I have had the privilege of working with seniors who stood by me. But I also see talented women who hesitate to take that extra step — not because they doubt themselves, but because they are still navigating an uneven playing field.Networking should not feel like a closed club. Let’s make it more open, more inclusive, and truly merit-based. Because we are not asking for shortcuts — we are building our own way forward.The writer is an advocate at the Rajasthan High Court, Jodhpur National Editor Shalini Langer curates the fortnightly ‘She Said’ column