by Joe Wilhelm Jr.
Staff Writer
The first meeting of the new year for the Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association didn’t have one speaker, it had about 30.
The monthly meeting featured “speed networking,” which was an exercise to help members get to know each other and the areas they practice in.
“Our goal for the year is to support and empower women lawyers,” said Anita Pryor, Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association President. “We hope that events like this help us do that. Women, historically, haven’t been the greatest networkers. Men do real well with networking, they have ‘The Old Boys Club.’ We hope to empower women lawyers by bringing them together so that we can develop something similar.”
Attendees were given about three minutes to find out about their neighbor sitting next to them at their table. Everyone at each table was given a chance to talk to each other.
“If your business depends on referrals, then this is a way to expand your business,” said Pryor.
At the end of the lunch the best networker was crowned. She was the person who could remember the full names of each person at her table and their areas of practice. Amanda Griffin, an attorney from Fleming Island, was able to complete the task and won a $50 Visa gift card.
“This was a very helpful exercise,” said Griffin. “I came from Fleming Island, so it was good way to get to know everyone.”
The next meeting of the JWLA is Feb. 11 and will feature Diann Catlin, who will talk about business etiquette.
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