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letsgodeacs99

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Golf?

Post by letsgodeacs99 » Thu Jul 19, 2018 4:56 pm

Slightly random question:

Is knowing how to golf of any importance in the legal field, especially in terms of networking? A lot of people I know have suggested that "a lot of deals are made on the golf course" and I was wondering if there was any truth to this statement.

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Mullens

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Re: Golf?

Post by Mullens » Thu Jul 19, 2018 6:10 pm

Deals might be made by the clients but the lawyers aren’t out there papering them.

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Mokosc

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Re: Golf?

Post by Mokosc » Sat Jul 28, 2018 7:25 am

letsgodeacs99 wrote:Slightly random question:

Is knowing how to golf of any importance in the legal field, especially in terms of networking? A lot of people I know have suggested that "a lot of deals are made on the golf course" and I was wondering if there was any truth to this statement.
The statement is accurate but that shouldnt be all the motivation. Golf is a fun :D

diatribe

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Re: Golf?

Post by diatribe » Sat Jul 28, 2018 2:02 pm

To best answer this question, consider these two questions:

(1) what kinds of people like golf?
(2) what kinds of people have been traditionally successful and wealthy?

The answer to both questions is "white males".

Obviously there are a lot of successful women now, just as there are a lot of successful minorities, but still look at biglaw and it's not quite yet a melting pot.

To answer your question, golf is not required. What is required is being good at networking and socializing generally. If you and your clients like golf, yes you play golf. If you and your clients like going to dinner, you go to dinner. Golf is only traditionally important in the same way white men have traditionally dominated success. The more that changes, the more the type of schmoozing will change.

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HenryHankPalmer

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Re: Golf?

Post by HenryHankPalmer » Mon Jul 30, 2018 10:45 am

letsgodeacs99 wrote:Slightly random question:

Is knowing how to golf of any importance in the legal field, especially in terms of networking? A lot of people I know have suggested that "a lot of deals are made on the golf course" and I was wondering if there was any truth to this statement.
Honest question, who has time to play golf as a business function anymore? It is a limited sample size, but even the most golf crazed lawyers I know consider themselves lucky to fit in one round a month with friends. The only attorneys I know that golf regularly are retired or semi-retired. I'm not saying it doesn't happen on occasion, but I don't think that a lack of golf proficiency will hold you back in any way.

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minnbills

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Re: Golf?

Post by minnbills » Mon Jul 30, 2018 11:45 am

FWIW an attorney I know credits her lack of golfing ability as part of why she didn't make partner. She said golfing was an important part of client development that she couldn't take part in.

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nealric

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Re: Golf?

Post by nealric » Mon Jul 30, 2018 4:57 pm

I've been practicing for almost 10 years and have never played a round of non put-put golf in my life, nor has golf ever been suggested by or to me as a client or outside counsel.

That being said, I'm sure there are certain clients and certain lawyers who have bonded on the golf course. My impression is that the more hectic pace today and emphasis on the billable hour has caused golf meetings to take less importance than they used to. Few lawyers have the luxury of hours-long networking activities during the day.

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Hippononymous

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Re: Golf?

Post by Hippononymous » Tue Nov 20, 2018 12:06 pm

FWIW, depending on the area you go into, a lot of your clients may have non-profit foundations, and a lot of those foundations will have golf outings as fundraisers. Your firm will likely buy a table at said outing, and then will likely seek to fill it as a way to kiss client ass. As a junior/mid-level associate, your client isn't the firm's client, your client is the partner. Going to their client's golf outing with them is a great way to network with said partner.

You don't have to be good, but I'd recommend getting a set of clubs and taking a few lessons so you're not missing opportunities. Hell, if nothing else, it's fun and it's usually free golf and beer at nicer courses.

acr

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Re: Golf?

Post by acr » Tue Nov 20, 2018 2:21 pm

Your attitude on the golf course is far more important than your actual abilities.

If you are fun to play with, then no one gives a shit if you're a train wreck.

r6_philly

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Re: Golf?

Post by r6_philly » Tue Nov 20, 2018 7:34 pm

nealric wrote:I've been practicing for almost 10 years and have never played a round of non put-put golf in my life, nor has golf ever been suggested by or to me as a client or outside counsel.

That being said, I'm sure there are certain clients and certain lawyers who have bonded on the golf course. My impression is that the more hectic pace today and emphasis on the billable hour has caused golf meetings to take less importance than they used to. Few lawyers have the luxury of hours-long networking activities during the day.
I found golf (or any other leisure activity) very important for client development. But you are correct most lawyers who depend on billables don't have the luxury to do so. I actually spend a good amount of time going to lunches, happy hours, golf, and receptions to keep clients happy (facetime) and generate new business. That does come at the expense of doing actual work.

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