Legal careers are built on relationships. No matter how strong your grades or resume, networking is essential for landing jobs, finding mentors, and building a fulfilling career. But networking doesn't come naturally to everyone. Here's how to build genuine connections that lead to opportunities.
Why Networking Matters in Law
1. Most jobs aren't advertised
Many legal positions are filled through referrals and personal connections, not job postings.
2. Relationships open doors
A single coffee chat can lead to an internship, clerkship, or job offer.
3. Mentorship accelerates growth
Experienced lawyers can provide advice, feedback, and introductions that shape your career.
4. Information advantage
Networking helps you learn about firms, practice areas, and career paths before committing.
Types of Networking
Informational Interviews
One-on-one conversations to learn about someone's career path and seek advice.
Not a job interview—the goal is to learn, not to ask for a job.
Alumni Connections
Law school alumni are often willing to help fellow graduates.
Your school's alumni database is gold—use it.
Professional Events
Bar association meetings, CLE events, firm receptions, and panels.
Opportunity to meet lawyers in specific practice areas.
Social Networking (LinkedIn)
Digital networking is powerful when done thoughtfully.
Don't just collect connections—engage meaningfully.
Preparing for Networking
Identify Your Goals
What do you want to learn? Which practice areas or firms interest you?
Be specific: "I want to learn about antitrust litigation at mid-size firms" is better than "I want to learn about law."
Research
Before reaching out, research the person:
- Current role and practice area
- Law school and graduation year
- Recent work (cases, deals, publications)
- Common interests or connections
Tools: LinkedIn, firm websites, legal directories (Martindale, Chambers)
Craft Your Elevator Pitch
Prepare a 30-second introduction:
- Who you are (name, law school, year)
- What you're interested in
- Why you're reaching out
Example:
"Hi, I'm Sarah, a 2L at Georgetown. I'm interested in environmental law and saw that you work on climate litigation at Earthjustice. I'd love to hear about your path into public interest environmental work."
Reaching Out: The Informational Interview
Finding People to Contact
1. Alumni database
Most law schools have searchable databases. Filter by practice area, location, or employer.
2. LinkedIn
Search for "[Practice Area] lawyer [City]" or use alumni filters.
3. Firm websites
Browse attorney profiles at firms you're interested in.
4. Professional associations
Bar associations, practice area groups (e.g., ABA sections).
The Email Template
Subject: [Law School] Student Seeking Career Advice
Body:
``
Dear [Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I'm a [year] at [Law School]. I'm reaching out because I'm very interested in [practice area/field], and I noticed that you [specific detail about their career].
I'd be grateful for the opportunity to speak with you for 15-20 minutes about your experience in [practice area] and any advice you might have for a student interested in this field. I'm happy to work around your schedule, and I can meet by phone, Zoom, or in person if you're in [city].
Thank you for considering my request. I look forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Contact info]
`
Key elements:
- Personalized (mention something specific about them)
- Respectful of their time (15-20 minutes, flexible)
- Clear ask (advice, not a job)
- Professional but warm
Response Rates
Expect 30-50% response rate. Don't be discouraged by silence—follow up once after a week, then move on.
Conducting the Informational Interview
Prepare Questions
Have 5-7 thoughtful questions ready.
Good questions:
- "What does a typical day/week look like for you?"
- "How did you decide to focus on [practice area]?"
- "What do you wish you'd known before entering this field?"
- "What skills are most important for success in [practice area]?"
- "Are there any resources (books, organizations, courses) you'd recommend?"
- "How did you build your network when starting out?"
Avoid:
- Questions answered by a quick Google search
- "Can you get me a job?" (too direct, too soon)
During the Conversation
Listen more than you talk: You're there to learn, not impress.
Take notes: Shows you value their insights.
Be genuine: People can tell when you're faking interest.
Watch the time: Respect the time they agreed to (15-20 minutes). If they want to talk longer, great, but don't overstay.
End with gratitude and next steps: "Thank you so much for your time. This was incredibly helpful. Would it be okay if I followed up with you in a few months as I continue exploring this field?"
Follow-Up
Within 24 hours: Send a thank-you email.
Template:
`
Dear [Name],
Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with me yesterday. I really appreciated your insights on [specific topic discussed], and your advice about [specific advice] was particularly helpful.
I'm excited to [specific next step you discussed or plan to take based on the conversation]. I'll keep you updated on my progress, and I hope to stay in touch.
Thanks again for your generosity.
Best,
[Your Name]
``
Stay in touch: Send occasional updates (every 3-6 months) about your progress. Don't only reach out when you need something.
Networking at Events
Before the Event
- Research attendees and speakers
- Prepare your elevator pitch
- Set a goal (e.g., "I'll introduce myself to 3 people")
During the Event
Arrive early: Easier to strike up conversations before the room fills up.
Approach small groups or individuals: Don't interrupt a deep conversation, but people standing alone are usually open to chatting.
Opening lines:
- "Hi, I'm [Name]. What brings you to this event?"
- "Have you been to this event before? Any tips for a first-timer?"
- "I saw you're at [Firm/Organization]. What kind of work do you do there?"
Exchange business cards or LinkedIn info: Don't wait until the end—you might lose track of people.
Follow up within 48 hours: Reference something specific from your conversation.
What Not to Do
- Don't monopolize one person's time
- Don't pitch yourself aggressively ("I'm looking for a job and thought you could help")
- Don't drink too much (yes, there's often alcohol—stay professional)
Building Your LinkedIn Presence
Optimize Your Profile
- Professional photo: Headshot, business casual
- Headline: More than "Law Student at X"—add interests (e.g., "Law Student | Interested in Intellectual Property and Tech Law")
- Summary: Brief paragraph about your interests and goals
- Experience: Include internships, research, and relevant undergrad work
Engaging on LinkedIn
Connect strategically: When sending connection requests, add a personal note.
Engage with content: Comment thoughtfully on posts by lawyers in your field.
Share selectively: Post about legal topics you care about, but don't overdo it.
Networking for Introverts
Good news: You don't need to be extroverted to network well.
Strategies:
- Focus on one-on-one conversations (informational interviews) rather than large events
- Prepare questions in advance to reduce anxiety
- Set small, achievable goals ("I'll talk to 2 people today")
- Follow up in writing (email allows you to be thoughtful and deliberate)
Quality > quantity: A few deep connections matter more than dozens of superficial ones.
Common Networking Mistakes
1. Only networking when you need something
Start building relationships before you need a job.
2. Treating networking as transactional
People can tell when you're only interested in what they can do for you. Build genuine relationships.
3. Not following up
The initial conversation is just the start. Staying in touch is what builds lasting relationships.
4. Being too passive
"Let me know if you ever need anything" puts the burden on them. Be proactive: "I'd love to check in with you in a few months—would that be okay?"
5. Faking interest
If you're not genuinely interested in someone's work, don't pretend. Find people whose work does interest you.
Maintaining Your Network
Stay in touch:
- Send updates every 3-6 months
- Share articles or news relevant to their work
- Congratulate them on achievements (promotions, publications, etc.)
Offer value:
- Introduce people in your network who should know each other
- Share insights or resources they might find useful
Be patient:
Networking is a long-term investment. Some connections won't pay off immediately, and that's okay.
Final Thoughts
Networking isn't about collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections. It's about building authentic relationships with people who can teach you, support you, and open doors.
Key principles:
- Be curious and genuine
- Offer value, not just requests
- Follow up and stay in touch
- Play the long game
The lawyers you meet today could be colleagues, mentors, or referral sources for decades to come. Invest in those relationships, and they'll pay dividends throughout your career.
