Elder Attorney's
I recently started my own practice as a private patient advocate. After research i learned that Elder Attorneys are the main source for referrals. With that said how do I establish relationships with them. I am on linkedIn and tried to connect.
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This is a great question, and one that often comes up when advocates are building a practice.
In my experience, relationships with elder law attorneys develop much the same way they do with physicians — through professional trust over time, rather than through direct outreach or referral requests. Most attorneys already have established networks and tend to refer within circles where they know the other professional and feel confident in their work.
What I’ve found most effective is approaching the relationship from a collaboration perspective rather than a referral perspective. Take time to understand the types of situations their clients face — complex medical decisions, hospitalizations, long-term care transitions, and family dynamics.
When attorneys see that a patient advocate can help families navigate the healthcare system — communication with providers, care coordination, and stabilizing complicated situations — the role of the advocate becomes much clearer, and the relationship develops naturally.
As with most professional partnerships, referrals tend to follow once the relationship and trust are established.
In my own experience, the strongest professional relationships tend to grow from shared commitment to supporting families through some of their most complex and vulnerable moments.
If you have a know someone who works at a law firm you want to approach, take them to coffee or lunch and ask what the firm needs most? Listen to what pain points they have that you can help fix and begin there.
Having worked in law firms, I tried to imagine what would happen if someone come into the office seeking referrals. The only thing I could envision is if you have a professional brochure of your services (you know the kind you can put in a little display) that you may be able to set that in a waiting room area where one of their clients may pick it up and reach out to you. But only after you have shown the firm — it will help the firm.
Many lawyers are hesitant to make referrals...period. (But they love receiving them.)
Not meaning to sound negative, but until you can show them how you can help them, there is little reason to have a relationship.
A good relationship will lead to good referrals. Best wishes.