Building an Effective Reference List: What You Should Do

A strong reference list can be the deciding factor in landing your next legal opportunity. Employers rely on references to validate your experience, skills, and professional reputation—making it essential to choose the right people and prepare them effectively. A well-curated reference list not only reinforces your qualifications but also demonstrates your professionalism and attention to detail. Here’s what you need to know to build a reference list that strengthens your candidacy and leaves a lasting impression. 

Why Attorneys Want Strong References 

A strong reference can be the key to securing a job offer, particularly in the legal industry, where reputation, credibility, and professional track record matter. Employers and hiring committees rely on references to verify an attorney’s experience, legal acumen, and ability to work effectively with colleagues and clients. Unlike a resume or interview—where candidates present themselves in the best possible light—references provide third-party validation, making them a crucial component of the hiring process. 

For attorneys, references often come from former partners, supervisors, clients, or colleagues who can speak to their legal skills, ethical standards, and business development capabilities. A glowing endorsement from a respected legal professional can set a candidate apart, while a lukewarm or unprepared reference can raise concerns. 

Additionally, the legal industry is highly networked, meaning word-of-mouth recommendations carry significant weight. Even informal conversations between hiring managers and industry contacts can influence hiring decisions. This makes it essential for attorneys to not only choose references wisely but also maintain strong professional relationships throughout their careers. By curating and preparing their references effectively, attorneys can reinforce their strengths and increase their chances of landing desirable opportunities. 

Best Practices Your Reference List Should Follow 

A well-prepared reference list can make a strong impression on potential employers and reinforce your candidacy. To ensure your references work in your favor, follow these best practices: 

• Choose the Right People – Select references who can speak to your legal skills, work ethic, and professional reputation. Ideal choices include former supervisors, senior colleagues, clients, or mentors who have directly observed your work. Avoid listing personal contacts or individuals who may not provide meaningful insights into your professional abilities. 
• Ask for Permission First – Never assume someone is willing to be a reference. Before adding someone to your list, ask if they are comfortable providing a positive recommendation. This ensures they are prepared and can speak confidently about your qualifications. 
• Provide Context and Preparation – Give your references details about the role you’re applying for, the key skills you want to highlight, and any specific points that may be relevant. This helps them tailor their responses and provide the most compelling endorsement possible. 
• Keep Your List Updated – Periodically review and update your reference list to ensure it reflects your most recent roles and strongest professional relationships. Outdated references may not be as impactful, especially if they haven’t worked with you in years. 
• Format Professionally – Present your reference list in a clean and organized format. Include each reference’s name, title, organization, contact information, and a brief note on your professional relationship. Keep the document separate from your résumé unless an employer specifically requests it. 
• Have More References Than Needed – Some employers may request a mix of references, including supervisors, peers, and clients. Having a diverse and flexible list allows you to tailor your references to each opportunity. 
• Follow Up and Show Appreciation – Keep your references informed about your job search progress, and always express gratitude for their support. A thank-you email or call reinforces your professionalism and maintains strong relationships for the future. 

By following these best practices, you can ensure that your reference list strengthens your application and supports your career advancement. 

Common Mistakes for Lawyers to Avoid 

Even experienced professionals can make missteps when assembling a reference list. A poorly chosen or unprepared reference can weaken your candidacy and raise doubts about your qualifications. To ensure your references enhance—rather than hinder—your job search, avoid these common mistakes: 

• Selecting References Who Are Unprepared or Unenthusiastic – A reference who is caught off guard or provides vague, lukewarm feedback can do more harm than good. Always ask permission and confirm that your references are willing and able to speak positively about your work. 
• Listing the Wrong People – Avoid choosing references solely based on title or prestige. While a well-known attorney may seem impressive, they won’t be helpful if they haven’t worked closely with you. Instead, prioritize individuals who can speak to your legal skills, casework, and work ethic. 
• Failing to Provide Context – If your references don’t know what role you’re applying for or what skills you want to highlight, they may struggle to provide a compelling recommendation. Always brief them on the position, key responsibilities, and any relevant accomplishments you’d like them to mention. 
• Using Outdated or Inaccurate Contact Information – Employers may become frustrated if they struggle to reach your references. Ensure that names, phone numbers, and email addresses are current and correct. 
• Submitting References Too Early – Don’t include references on your résumé unless specifically requested. Providing them too soon can lead to unnecessary reference checks before you’re a serious contender for the position. Instead, prepare a separate reference list to share when the time is right. 
• Not Verifying What a Reference Will Say – A reference may have a different recollection of your work than you expect. Before listing them, have a conversation to ensure they will provide a strong and consistent recommendation. 
• Using the Same References for Every Job – Different positions may require different strengths. Consider tailoring your reference list based on the skills and experience most relevant to each opportunity. 
• Neglecting to Thank Your References – Failing to show appreciation can damage long-term professional relationships. Always follow up with a thank-you message and keep your references updated on your job search progress. 

How to Create a Strong Reference List 

Building a strong reference list requires strategic planning and thoughtful selection. The right references can reinforce your qualifications, highlight your strengths, and provide the final push that convinces an employer to extend an offer. To ensure your reference list is as effective as possible, follow these key steps: 

• Select references who know your work well – Choose individuals who can speak directly to your skills, work ethic, and contributions.
  • For example: If you’re applying for an in-house counsel role that requires extensive contract negotiation experience, select a reference who has firsthand knowledge of your ability to draft, review, and negotiate contracts—such as a supervising partner, senior colleague, or even a client you worked closely with. Or, if leadership is a key aspect of the job, consider a reference who can attest to your ability to manage junior associates or lead client teams. 
• Secure permission and prepare your references – Always ask before listing someone as a reference and provide them with details about the position and key points to emphasize.
  • For example: Reach out to your reference via email or phone and say, “I’m applying for a general counsel position at XYZ Corporation, and I’d love for you to be a reference. They are looking for someone with strong compliance experience, and I know we worked together extensively on regulatory matters. Would you feel comfortable speaking to that?” Or, provide a copy of your résumé and the job description to each reference, along with a reminder of the key projects or cases you worked on together. This ensures they have specific examples to share when contacted. 
• Format your list professionally – Present your references in a clear, organized manner with up-to-date contact information. 
  • For example: Create a dedicated reference document separate from your résumé with a format like the below: 

John Doe, Esq.
Senior Partner, ABC Law Firm
johndoe@abclaw.com | (123) 456-7890
Former supervising partner; oversaw my work on complex commercial litigation cases for Fortune 500 clients. 

• Tailor your references when needed – Different roles may benefit from different references. Consider adjusting your list based on the specific job opportunity. 
• • For example: If you are applying for an in-house position that requires strong collaboration with business teams, highlight references who can speak to your cross-functional work, such as a corporate client or an executive you advised. Or, if you are interviewing for a law firm partnership role, prioritize references who can vouch for your ability to generate business and manage client relationships, such as a former mentor or co-counsel on high-profile cases. 
• Maintain strong relationships – Keep in touch with your references and express gratitude for their support. 
  • For example: After a reference speaks on your behalf, send a follow-up email thanking them. A simple message like, “I really appreciate you taking the time to speak with XYZ Company about my candidacy. Your support means a lot, and I’ll keep you posted on how things go!” can go a long way. Additionally, stay connected with your references even when you’re not actively job searching. Send a periodic update on your career progress, congratulate them on their achievements, or offer to be a reference in return. Strong professional relationships can benefit both parties in the long run. 

If you’re preparing for your next career move and want expert guidance on every aspect of your job search—including crafting the strongest possible reference list—Momentum Search Partners is here to help. Our team specializes in matching legal professionals with top opportunities and ensuring you’re positioned for success. Contact Momentum Search Partners today to take the next step in your career.