Referrals from other attorneys can be one of the most powerful sources of new cases for law firms. They often come pre-qualified, carry built-in trust, and may involve practice areas you don’t handle directly. But how do you grow that referral pipeline if you’re not already well-known or don’t want to spend your time cold-calling colleagues?
The good news is that many lawyers are looking for reliable attorneys to refer cases to — especially outside their niche or jurisdiction. The key is to position yourself to be visible, credible, and easy to refer.
Here are some practical, low-pressure ways to attract more lawyer-to-lawyer referrals — no awkward outreach required.
1. Show Up Where Other Lawyers Are Looking
Many referrals come from attorneys doing a quick Google search or checking a legal directory when they don’t already know someone in your area or practice.
To make yourself discoverable:
Claim your free profile on attorneyselect.com — you’ll appear under your city and practice area
Ensure your bar association profile links to your website
Be listed on directories like Avvo, Justia, and Martindale
Optimize your Google Business Profile
Make sure your profiles include:
Your jurisdiction(s)
Your practice area focus
A note like “Accepting referrals” or “Co-counsel opportunities welcome”
2. Publish Content That Signals Your Knowledge
When lawyers need to refer a case, they want to feel confident the other attorney knows what they’re doing. Publishing short blog posts, FAQs, or legal explainers may help build that trust — especially when linked to your name and practice area.
You don’t need to blog weekly. Even one or two helpful posts like:
“What to Do After a Truck Accident in Dallas”
“Can Heirs Fight Over Life Insurance in Florida?”
“When a Slip and Fall Case Turns Into a Brain Injury Claim”
…can show colleagues that you’re actively engaged in your area of law.
Bonus: You can post articles on attorneyselect.com if you don’t want to maintain your own blog.
3. Make It Clear You Accept Referrals
Many attorneys never say it — and as a result, other lawyers don’t think to refer them cases.
Add language to your:
Website
LinkedIn bio
Directory profiles
Attorney bio on Attorney Select
Sample line:
“We welcome referrals and co-counsel opportunities in complex injury and life insurance dispute cases throughout Florida.”
4. Connect Across Practice Areas
Think about who might regularly need to refer out your type of work:
A criminal defense attorney whose client has a civil rights claim
A family lawyer whose client needs estate planning
A corporate lawyer whose client has a personal injury issue
You can build your name in these circles without selling yourself — just by being visible, professional, and active on platforms where they’re already looking.
5. Be Easy to Contact and Clear About Your Process
If another lawyer is considering sending a case your way, make the process simple:
List your direct email and phone number
Offer a form for referral submissions
Briefly explain how referral fees or co-counsel arrangements may work (if applicable)
Being responsive and professional with referring attorneys can lead to repeat referrals over time.
Want to Make Your Practice Easier to Refer?
Claim your profile on attorneyselect.com. You’ll get:
A dofollow backlink to your website
A profile categorized by city and practice area
The ability to publish blog posts under your name
A platform that makes it easier for lawyers (and clients) to find you
There’s no cost to claim your profile, and it may help you show up when another attorney is searching for someone they trust to handle a case.
