9 Ways To Get Your First Client as a Legal Nurse Consultant
So, you've launched your legal nurse consulting business — fan-freaking-tastic! Seriously, I’m so happy for you! Buuut now comes the million dollar question: how do you find clients?
Whether you’re just getting started or want to expand your practice, landing clients can feel like a challenge. Don’t worry, though — there are plenty of ways to get noticed by attorneys who need your expertise. The secret is combining tried-and-true methods with modern strategies that get you in front of the right people.
Let’s dive into nine effective (and totally doable!) ways to build your client list as a legal nurse consultant.
1 | Join Associations for Legal Nurse Consultants
One of the first things you can do to establish yourself is to join professional associations, such as the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultants. These organizations offer incredible opportunities for networking, continuing education, and job leads. Being an active member not only adds credibility to your business but also connects you with other professionals who may refer clients your way!
Associations often host events, webinars, and forums that can help you learn from others who are already well-established in the field. It’s a no-brainer way to get plugged into the community, keep your finger on the pulse of the legal nurse consulting world, and find opportunities to network and market your services.
2 | Partner With Established Legal Nurse Consulting Agencies
If you're just getting started (or want to scale up your business!), partnering with a legal nurse consulting agency can be a great way to gain clients. These agencies act as a bridge between consultants and law firms, which means you won’t have to spend hours on cold outreach. 🥲 Think of it as a way to gain experience and scale your business without doing all the hard work of marketing yourself.
Agencies already have connections with law firms and can place you in cases that match your expertise. Plus, working with an agency can give you access to larger cases or projects you might not land on your own, especially in the early stages of your career.
3 | Reach Out to Law Firms Directly
Sometimes, the most effective way to get clients is simply to ask. Cold emailing or calling law firms may feel intimidating at first, but it can be a direct and effective way to introduce your services.
Law firms are always on the lookout for experts to help with their medical cases, but you need to grab their attention. A generic email won’t cut it. Instead, tailor your pitch to their needs.
Start by researching the firm’s areas of expertise and point out how your nursing knowledge and expertise can help them win their cases. You might mention how you can efficiently review medical records, spot discrepancies, or provide expert insights in a way that saves them time and strengthens their case.
Pro tip: Include examples of your work or offer to send a sample report, so they can see your capabilities in action.
4 | Attend Attorney Conferences and Legal Events
You know the saying, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” There’s nothing quite like meeting potential clients face-to-face, and attorney conferences or legal events are the perfect venues for networking. These gatherings are FILLED with lawyers looking to connect with experts in various fields, including legal nurse consultants.
Attorneys love meeting experts face-to-face because it builds trust — something you can’t always achieve over email. And by attending these events, you not only get to introduce yourself and your services, but you also get the chance to build personal relationships.
Bring business cards, stay open to conversation, and don’t just talk about what you do. Ask them questions like, "What's the most challenging medical case you’ve worked on?" or "How do you currently handle medical records for your cases?" This not only keeps the conversation flowing but positions you as a problem-solver.
Don’t underestimate the power of a handshake and a genuine conversation — it can be what sets you apart in a crowded marketplace.
5 | Network on LinkedIn
LinkedIn is one of the best platforms for professional networking. And attorneys and law firms are absolutely making use of it to search for experts like legal nurse consultants. Make sure your profile is optimized with relevant keywords like “Legal Nurse Consultant,” “Medical Record Review,” and your areas of nursing expertise.
Start by sending connection requests to attorneys, other legal nurse consultants, and law firms. Then you’ll want to be posting regularly, engaging with attorney posts, and sharing valuable content about the intersections of law and medicine.
The trick is: show up consistently. Even though attorneys may not always comment on your posts, they’re often watching! If your content adds value, they’ll take notice and may reach out when they need help on a case.
6 | Leverage Testimonials and Referrals
Once you land your first few clients, leverage those wins to get more work. Attorneys trust their peers, and word-of-mouth referrals are incredibly powerful in the legal world. After successfully completing a case, don’t be shy about asking for a testimonial! Something as simple as a short paragraph on how you helped them save time or win a case can go a looong way in building your credibility.
And don’t hesitate to ask your satisfied clients to refer you to their colleagues. You’d be surprised at how often lawyers recommend legal nurse consultants to one another, especially when they’ve had a positive experience. A solid referral can be just the nudge a new client needs to trust you with their cases.
7 | Build a Professional Website
Having a well-designed, professional website is often underestimated but a huge disadvantage if you don’t have one. So if you don’t already have a professional website for your legal nurse consulting business, now is the time to create one.
During an in-depth conversation with Abigail Stanley, an expert legal nurse consultant who has built a thriving legal nurse consulting business with multiple 7-figure annual revenue years, she explained that even though attorneys may not find you through Google searches, they all expect businesses to have websites. In fact, attorneys will often use your website as a way to legitimize your business and verify that you’re the real deal.
So, your website isn’t just a digital business card or “placeholder” — it’s your online headquarters where attorneys will go to learn more about you, see your services, and determine if they want to hire you. First impressions matter, and an outdated or unclear website can make you lose a client before you even speak to them.
Your website should be clean, easy to navigate, and packed with essential elements:
A clear list of the services you offer
Case studies or examples of how you’ve helped other attorneys
Client testimonials
A contact form that makes it easy for potential clients to get in touch
An “About” page that shares your nursing background and why you’re uniquely qualified to consult on legal cases
A well-designed website can position you as a professional and give attorneys the confidence that you’re the right person for their case — and if you’re ready to get legit, contact me here about creating a kick ass website for your business. 🥳
8 | Offer Free Educational Content
Offering free educational content is an excellent way to demonstrate your expertise and attract potential clients. This could be in the form of blog posts, webinars, or downloadable guides related to legal nurse consulting, such as tips on medical record review or expert witness preparation.
By giving valuable information upfront, you establish yourself as an authority in the field and build trust with attorneys. They’ll be more likely to hire you when they see how much knowledge you bring to the table. Plus, it’s a great way to engage with your audience and keep them coming back to your website or LinkedIn profile.
9 | Run Ads (Digital and Physical)
A little paid advertising can go a long way in reaching your target audience. You can run digital ads on Google or LinkedIn, targeting specific keywords related to legal nurse consulting. This helps ensure your services appear when attorneys are searching for legal nurse consultants online.
On the other hand, don’t underestimate the power of physical ads in legal publications, like legal industry journals, magazines, or newsletters. These publications often reach a highly targeted audience, and a well-placed ad can help you get noticed by the right people.
Closing the Deal
Building a successful legal nurse consulting business is no small feat, but you already have the foundation — the nursing expertise and critical thinking skills that attorneys are searching for. Now, it’s about putting yourself out there strategically, making the right connections, and positioning yourself as the go-to legal nurse consultant attorneys can trust.
Each time you help an attorney win a case, streamline their process, or make their job easier, you’re cementing your reputation in the legal community. This is a relationship-driven business, and trust is at the core of every successful client relationship.
Remember, every step you take matters (even when they’re baby steps). Whether you’re attending your first attorney conference, setting up a professional website, or sending that very first email to a law firm, each action builds momentum. Take pride in the value you bring, and know that the clients will follow as you continue to show up, build connections, and demonstrate your knowledge.
Your skills are needed, your expertise is valuable, and with determination and the right approach, you'll carve out your own space in the world of legal nurse consulting.