How to Network
Introduction
The first thing you need to do is expand your current definition of “networking”
past those events that are organized by your law school. A great place to meet
new people is right at the law school – think: professors! This is important
because you will need a reference from at least one professor at your law school
when you’re applying for articling, clerkships and summer jobs. You will also
probably need to write a major and minor paper during the course of your time at
the law school – wouldn’t you rather write a paper for a professor you feel
comfortable collaborating with?
In addition, don’t overlook the importance of participating in some type of
volunteer work at the law school. Taking on a pro bono project, help with your
school’s legal clinic or join a school committee. You will not only provide a
valuable service to your law school, but you will also increase your networking
circle.
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What are the major networking events?
Law School Career Fairs
Career fairs and wine and cheese receptions give you the opportunity to meet a
large portion of the legal community.
Canadian Bar Association (CBA) Events
Personally, I found the CBA to be an invaluable networking tool during my first
two years at law school. The CBA is always hosting “wine and cheese/meet and
greet” events that students are invited to – this is a great way to meet the legal
community without the pressure of knowing that the event was organized solely
for you to find a job.
The CBA also puts on a legal conference each year (the conference usually
rotates among the major provincial centers – therefore, it should be in your at
least one of the years you are in law). The association is very kind to students –
for example, they usually provide a discounted registration fee (around $25).
Your Local Trial Lawyers Association
These groups are usually made up of fantastic, committed lawyers.
They usually welcome student members and offer reduced rates.
Your local trial lawyers association may also put conference. Since there are not
always very many student lawyers, this might be very helpful for law students
(i.e., the organizers are likely to remember the 5 or 6 students who attended the
conference).
Firms’ Wine and Cheese Receptions
Many major firms put on a “wine and cheese” evening in order to meet students
who are interested in working for their firm. I would encourage you to go to as
many of these events as possible – it is important for you to get a feel for the
atmosphere and work environment of the different firms.
Some things to think about:
o Who from the firm is at the event? Only the partners? Or are some
junior associates and articling students also in attendance?
o What is the office like? Do you feel comfortable there?
o How friendly are the lawyers at the firm?
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How do I network?
There are a number of tips and tricks to making networking more enjoyable:
Dress appropriately
Always find out what the dress code is for each event you are attending.
Typically, most CBA, lawyers association and law school events require business
dress (i.e., don your suit!). Also, you should wear a suit to all of the firm “wine
and cheese” events.
A note to the women: you may want to think about what purse you choose to
take to each event. I found that the wine and cheese events are usually held in a
smaller location where there is not a lot of room to move around (and you are
usually holding a glass of wine and a plate of food). Therefore, it is best to take a
small purse, or no purse at all.
Bring a friend
Although it is not a good idea to stick with a large group of law school friends at
these events, you might find it more comfortable to walk around in pairs. I usually
arrive at an event with another law school friend and walk around together for the
first few minutes – I always find it more comfortable to have someone else to
make conversation with.
Drink in moderation
It almost feels ridiculous even putting this tip down; however, it seems as though
each year someone could have benefited from this advice. If you do not like
alcohol, most events usually also provide non-alcoholic punch. I usually get a
quarter of a glass of wine when I walk in the door and then sip on it for the
remainder of the evening. Enough said about that!
Be yourself
Ironically, it is not always a padded resume that will land you a summer job or
articling position. Although a basic level of skill is always required, most firms are
just looking to hire people that they LIKE. Therefore, make an effort to engage in
non-law-related conversation: sports, vacations, literature, TV, music . . . This
shows the firm that you are a well-rounded individual.
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Don’t be afraid to ask questions
If you have a question about the firm, do not be afraid to ask. It is probably a
good idea to quickly peruse the firm’s website before attending the event. Most
partners love to talk about their firm, so a question about the articling rotation, or
exciting cases/clients that the firm is working on will help to get the conversation
flowing.
Distinguish yourself
A great way to distinguish yourself from the crowd is to write a thank you note to
the firm following their event.
In addition, if you are particularly interested in one firm, you should make contact
with that firm at each event if possible. Reintroduce yourself, and let the
representative from the firm know that you “have applied/will be applying/already
interviewed” with the firm. Greet them with a firm handshake and look the person
in the eye when you are speaking to them. Also, make sure you take the time to
introduce any law school colleagues standing with you.
Hope these tips are helpful! Above all, try to attend as many events as possible
– you do not have to stay the entire time (showing up for even a half an hour is
good enough).
The CLCDN would like to a law student at the University of Saskatchewan
College of Law for the information contained in this guide.
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