Attorneys should view networking as an essential part of their job, one that pays off by helping them learn about other people, connect with them and develop relationships.

That was the consensus of panelists Monday in a session at the Women Influence and Power in Law Conference titled “How to Build and Keep a Network That Fosters You Through Your Career.” The panel, which was moderated by Heather Nevitt, editor-in-chief of Corporate Counsel and Global Leaders in Law, opened the conference, which runs through Wednesday in Washington, D.C.