If you are interested in networking with attorneys, cold outreach can be a great place to start.
A lot of students feel awkward reaching out to attorneys they do not know. That is understandable. But many attorneys are happy to talk to students, especially if your email is short, polite and specific. Here is our best advice on how to do that.
Who should you reach out to?
If you are interested in learning more about a firm, practice area or legal career path, consider reaching out to an attorney at the firm. Ideally, you would find an attorney who has something in common with you or who works in an area you are interested in. For example, consider:
- What location you are interested in practicing in
- What practice area you are interested in
- Whether any attorneys are alumni of your college or law school
- Whether the attorney has a career path that interests you
Ideally, you would find an attorney who is an alum of your college or law school, works in a location you are interested in and practices in an area that matches your interests.
You may not find someone who meets all of these criteria, and that is okay. If that is the case, prioritize location and practice area.
What should you say?
In your email, communicate the following:
- Your name
- Who you are, such as a prelaw student, law student or recent graduate
- Why you are reaching out
- That you are interested in learning more about their work, practice area, firm or career path
- That you would be grateful for a short conversation
Ask for a 20-minute call. This is long enough to have a meaningful conversation, but short enough that it does not feel like a huge burden.
Also, keep your availability open. Remember, the attorney is doing you a favor, so offer to work around their schedule.
Sample cold outreach email
Subject: Law Student Interested in Litigation
Dear Ms. Smith,
My name is [Name] and I am enrolled in [Law School]. I saw that you practice litigation at [Firm Name], and I am interested in learning more about this practice area.
I would be very grateful for the chance to hear about your work, your path and any advice you may have for someone interested in litigation.
Would you be open to a 20-minute Zoom call sometime in the next few weeks? I would be happy to work around your schedule.
Thank you for considering it.
Best,
[Name]
What if you cannot find their email address?
If you cannot find an attorney’s email address, you can also reach out on LinkedIn. Keep the message even shorter.
What if they do not respond?
If they do not respond, do not take it personally. Attorneys are busy. Emails get buried. It usually has nothing to do with you.
It is okay to send one polite follow-up email after about a week.
For example:
Dear Ms. Smith,
I wanted to follow up on my email below. I know you are very busy, but I would be grateful for the chance to speak with you for 20 minutes if you have time in the coming weeks.
Thank you again for considering it.
Best,
[Name]
After that, move on and try reaching out to someone else.
What happens if they say yes?
Congratulations! That is the goal. If the attorney agrees to meet with you, make sure you are prepared.
For your meeting, do the following:
- Keep it to 20 minutes, or however long you asked for
- Dress professionally, even if the meeting is over Zoom
- Come with a list of questions
- Be engaged and interested
- Respect the attorney’s time
Do not dominate the conversation. Do not ask questions that can easily be answered on the firm’s website. And do not immediately ask for a job, an interview, a referral or a resume review. You are there to learn.
Questions you can ask
Here are some good questions to ask during the meeting:
- How did you choose your practice area?
- What does a typical day look like in your practice?
- What do you like most about your work?
- What do you wish you had known as a law student?
- What traits make attorneys successful at your firm?
- Are there classes, clinics, internships or experiences you recommend for someone interested in this area?
- Do you have any advice for someone hoping to practice in this city or practice area?
You do not need to ask all of these. Pick a few that genuinely interest you.
What should you do after the meeting?
Once the meeting is over, you are not done.
Always send a brief thank-you email. If the conversation was helpful, be specific about what you found helpful.
Keep track of who you talk to
Keep a simple list of attorneys you speak with. Include their name, firm, practice area, date you spoke and anything helpful you learned.
If you later apply to the firm, you can mention in your cover letter or application that you spoke with that attorney. This makes you appear genuinely interested in the firm and shows that you have taken the time to learn more.
Cold outreach can feel intimidating at first. But if you keep your email short, polite and specific, it can be a great way to learn more about the legal profession and build meaningful professional connections.
