Why Joining Trial Lawyer Organizations and Attending Conferences Is Worth It
A surprising number of trial lawyers still ask, “Is it really worth it?” when it comes to attending conferences and joining trial lawyer organizations. Between court dates, case prep, depositions, and client meetings, the idea of stepping away—even for a day—can feel indulgent or unnecessary.
But for lawyers who want to build a thriving practice and stay at the top of their game, these spaces are not optional. They’re essential.
Whether national or local, trial lawyer organizations offer more than CLE credits and cocktail hours. These communities are where real relationships are built, new ideas are shared, and referral pipelines are born.
National conferences expand your network beyond your ZIP code.
They connect you to thought leaders, litigation trends, and practice-changing insights you won’t find on Zoom. They also make it easier to identify co-counsel for complex litigation, stay current on evolving strategy, and build your profile on a bigger stage.
For those looking to increase their visibility and authority, attending these conferences regularly opens the door to then speaking at these conferences -- a powerful way to demonstrate expertise, share successes, and give your knowledge back to the wider plaintiff’s bar. Whether it’s a panel, CLE presentation, or case study, these moments on stage can be career-defining.
Local organizations—often overlooked—can be just as powerful.
You’ll find a community of peers who understand the quirks of your local courts, share judge-specific intel, and may be open to collaborating on cases. Especially for solo or small-firm lawyers, local trial lawyer groups offer camaraderie and support that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
And yes, referrals are real. Consistent presence in these spaces positions you as a known and trusted quantity. That translates into case referrals—sometimes big ones—and opportunities that wouldn’t land in your inbox otherwise.
Finally, these conferences and organizations connect you with others who do what you do, however niche or narrow. Whether it’s birth injury, aviation, or mass tort litigation, there’s someone else out there litigating it too—and they’re likely at the same events.
The time you spend showing up, listening, speaking, and sharing your work is not time away from your practice. It’s an investment in it.
Not sure where to start?
RebuttalPR can help identify the right conferences and organizations that align with your goals and practice areas—and help position you as a speaker when the time is right. We’ve helped firms across the country navigate the legal conference circuit strategically, and we’re happy to do the same for you.
Check out all the 2025 events RebuttalPR is attending here: https://www.rebuttalpr.com/events