Networking

Networking is one of the most effective ways to find a job in the legal industry—and it’s something you will do throughout your legal career. Many legal jobs are never publicly posted; instead, they’re filled through the “hidden job market,” where attorneys hire through personal connections or word-of-mouth. By meeting attorneys and building relationships, you increase your chances of hearing about and being considered for these opportunities.

Networking is also essential for long-term career growth. It’s how attorneys build professional reputations, gain clients, and develop a book of business.

For some, networking feels natural. For others, the idea can be intimidating. The good news is that networking isn’t one-size-fits-all—you can approach it in a way that suits your personality and comfort level. It doesn’t have to mean mingling at large cocktail parties. You might prefer attending smaller events where you can have deeper conversations or setting up one-on-one informational interviews.

Here are some specific examples of ways you can start networking:

  1. Join national, state, and local bar organizations. Often bar organizations offer networking events and the opportunity to attend Continuing Legal Education (CLE) courses at reduced or no cost for law students. Ask OCPD about specific ways to join these organizations.
  2. Attend OCPD events. Nothing makes a networking email easier than saying, "I attended a Pizza with Professionals event at UW Law where you were a panelist… " Additionally, OCPD offers various networking trips to Chicago, Minneapolis, Madison, and Milwaukee and Out of State Job Search calls across the country. These structured conversations bring attorneys to you – all you must do is follow up. You can sign up for these events throughout the year in 12Twenty.
  3. Schedule informational interviews. Identify people you want to meet one-on-one. You can tap into your personal network or use resources to find attorneys. Below are some sources for expanding your network:

How to ask for an informational interview

You may be comfortable with the idea of sitting down with a lawyer and talking about their practice area, but the idea of requesting that meeting may cause you anxiety. When you ask a lawyer to get coffee or have lunch, keep in mind that most lawyers love to talk to law students. Lawyers want to help you and like to talk about their days and practice. That said, you want to be respectful of an individual’s time. Suggest several dates and times to meet. Offer to meet somewhere close to their office. Below are examples of how to ask for an informational interview:

Example 1

Dear Attorney Danielson:

I hope you are having a wonderful spring and enjoying the weather! I am a first-year student at the University of Wisconsin Law School. I see that you are a 2009 alum practicing criminal law in St. Louis. I am from St. Louis and eager to return after graduation. Additionally, I would like to practice criminal law after graduation. 

I will be visiting St. Louis over Spring Break and was wondering if you had availability to meet for coffee to discuss your work and career path. Please let me know if there is a convenient time for you during the week of March 30-April 3. Thank you in advance.

Sincerely,
Law Student

Example 2

Dear Attorney Smith: 

I am a first-year student at the University of Wisconsin Law School. As a Wisconsin native, I plan to stay in the area after graduation. I came to law school with an interest in environmental law and would like to learn more about your practice in Milwaukee.  

Would you be available for thirty minutes on April 3 at 10:00 a.m., April 7 at 3:00 p.m., or April 8 at noon to talk on Zoom? Thank you for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Law Student

Example 3

Dear Attorney Vue:

I am a third-year law student at UW Law School looking to practice in disability rights. I had lunch with David Johnson yesterday to speak about their work, and they suggested I contact you given your experience at the Oregon Center for Disability Rights.

I went to law school to be an advocate for those with disabilities. When I was nine, my mother became paralyzed in a car accident. Watching her navigate society as a person living with a disability is a motivator for me. While in Law School, I worked at Disability Rights Wisconsin where I advised multiple organizations and businesses regarding the ADA and worked with clients living with disabilities.

I am moving to Oregon in December and taking the bar exam in February. I will be visiting next month (October 7-11) and would appreciate the chance to meet for coffee to hear about your organization and ADA work happening in Oregon. I realize you have a busy schedule, please let me know if there is a time that would be convenient for you. I’d be happy to meet at Java Joe’s near your office.

Best,
Law Student

Questions to drive the conversation during informational interviews

An informational interview is a chance to establish a meaningful connection. Accordingly, you should do most of the listening. You may be interested in finding out more about an attorney’s typical workday. You may be interested in determining whether a certain practice area is for you. You may just want to know about an individual’s career path. These are all are great discussion topics for the informational interview.

An informational interview is not a chance to ask for a job. It may lead to opportunities in the future, but the interviewer should focus on learning, establishing a meaningful connection, and practicing active listening. It almost always feels like a normal conversation – however, it is wise to go into it with 3-4 questions you would like to ask. Think through your questions so they focus on things you want to know. Here are some examples:

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