0L Networking Adventures
Posted: Thu May 20, 2010 12:03 am
Three months to kill before I begin 1L at a T30, and I have 2 priorities this summer:
1) Have Fun
2) Learn to network
This will probably be my last stress-free summer of freedom, so I will be getting many things out of my system. Also, with the legal market shot, I figure it's a smart idea to learn how to build relationships now rather than later. Ideally, I would love to be in the top 10% of my class, but I am definitely not banking on it.
With that said, I will document my networking endeavors in order to track my own growth and progress. I am hoping to build a resourceful network that will guide me through law school and ultimately help me find a decent job. Every contact is a potential lead.
I am 100 pages into the book 'Never Eat Alone' by Keith Ferazzi. I'm applying many of his concepts into my everyday conversations with strangers and have seen great results. One of the contacts I've met who I'll call Jim, personally knows a managing partner of the biggest law firm in my city. Jim made a phone call and set me up with the biglaw partner's wife (also an attorney), who promised to introduce me into her circle of attorney contacts. I am very grateful for this contact.
Tomorrow I will attempt to attend the the ABA's 98th annual meeting in my city in hopes of meeting other attorney's that may provide some insight into their line of work. I think you have to RSVP and be a member to attend, but I will call the person in charge and ask for special permission to attend.
1) Have Fun
2) Learn to network
This will probably be my last stress-free summer of freedom, so I will be getting many things out of my system. Also, with the legal market shot, I figure it's a smart idea to learn how to build relationships now rather than later. Ideally, I would love to be in the top 10% of my class, but I am definitely not banking on it.
With that said, I will document my networking endeavors in order to track my own growth and progress. I am hoping to build a resourceful network that will guide me through law school and ultimately help me find a decent job. Every contact is a potential lead.
I am 100 pages into the book 'Never Eat Alone' by Keith Ferazzi. I'm applying many of his concepts into my everyday conversations with strangers and have seen great results. One of the contacts I've met who I'll call Jim, personally knows a managing partner of the biggest law firm in my city. Jim made a phone call and set me up with the biglaw partner's wife (also an attorney), who promised to introduce me into her circle of attorney contacts. I am very grateful for this contact.
Tomorrow I will attempt to attend the the ABA's 98th annual meeting in my city in hopes of meeting other attorney's that may provide some insight into their line of work. I think you have to RSVP and be a member to attend, but I will call the person in charge and ask for special permission to attend.