It’s no secret that law school grades are important. They can help open doors that lead to your dream job.
Grades alone aren’t everything, however. Your network can also have a major effect on your career. The legal world is a small one, and the connections you make during law school will become great resources down the road.
If you’re wondering how to build a network in law school, here are some tips for getting started.
Build relationships
Make sure you have the right mindset when it comes to building a network in law school. If you view networking as purely transactional, think again. Networking is about building relationships that will last through law school and beyond — not just about obtaining a specific, short-term result.
If you’re not sure where to begin, start with your peers. They’ll be your colleagues for years to come.
When you’re ready to start reaching out to new people, it helps to create a wish list of people you’d like to connect with.
If this sounds daunting, start “local” with professors, peers and alumni from your school. Don’t worry if your list is small at first; add as you go.
Consider joining a law student organization. They are great places to meet like-minded people with similar interests.
Don’t think about your networking meetings as one-offs. Instead, think of them as branches in your networking tree.
At the end of a meeting, ask your connection if they have any recommendations for someone else you might reach out to.
And just like an actual tree, you should cultivate your network by maintaining your relationships and checking back in when appropriate.
Use school resources
Most law schools offer tons of networking resources for students, including career fairs, alumni databases and lunch presentations by professionals. Make sure to take advantage of these opportunities. They are great ways to meet people with similar interests and learn more about legal jobs.
The best networking tip for law students? Put yourself out there.
If you’re up for it, attend the events alone. This way, you are more likely to step outside your comfort zone and strike up a conversation. But if going with a friend helps you feel more at ease, that’s OK.
Listen first
Ask the right kinds of questions at a networking event. This will help you have genuine, respectful conversations with the attorneys you meet.
Consider the following: How did you choose your practice area? Did you always know you wanted to be an attorney? What advice do you have for law students who are looking to practice in this area of law? Remember networking is a two-way street. Make sure you share information about yourself and your goals. You’re not aiming to immediately land a job but to build relationships.
Leave the resume at home
Once you make a connection, consider asking for contact information to continue the conversation. Unless the networking event specifies otherwise, leave your resume at home.
Once at home, add the person you connected with on LinkedIn. This is a great way to stay in touch.
Send a short, polite email with a brief reminder of how you met. Express your interest in their work and ask to meet again. Maybe invite them to join you for coffee, a virtual meeting or a phone call.
If the person responds that they’re too busy, don’t take it personally. If you don’t get a response, you may want to politely follow up after a week or so.
Don’t be shy
If you’re an introvert, here’s an important thing to remember about networking: Most people want to help.
Don’t be afraid to cold email an alumnus who has your dream job or invite a professor to coffee to chat about career possibilities. The attorneys you’re looking to connect with all went to law school and searched for jobs too. They remember how hard it was and are generally happy to share their wisdom.
If someone tells you they’re not hiring at the moment, don’t let it get you down. If you make a positive impression now, that person may keep you in mind for a future opportunity.
It’s a small word
The legal world is tiny, and careers are long. A connection you make during law school may be the one who helps you find the perfect job 20 years from now.
Memories are long too, so you should always treat your peers and colleagues with kindness and respect. Not only is that the professional thing to do but you also never know what path your career will take and where you might run into them again.
