Greetings Readers,
The last several weeks have been tumultuous and uncertain. Please know that you do not face these times alone. Regardless of politics, I want you to know that the legal profession needs YOU - maybe even more than ever.
Today’s topic concerns networking. And while that may seem trite in the face of so much change and uncertainty, your network is an important component of your professional journey.
You may have heard the expression “your network is your net worth.” This really epitomizes the importance of networking as legal professionals.
Yes, your reputation is everything.
Yes, your hard work and tenacity helps you become the best lawyer that you can be.
And yes, there is no shortcut for success.
So how does networking fit into all this? Networking is an essential fabric that you are weaving into the tapestry of your professional journey. Simply put, you want to engage with it at every stage of your career.
What is Networking?
Let’s take a quick look at what networking is and also what it is not.
It IS:
Meeting people and engaging in authentic conversations
Developing professional relationships over time
Genuinely connecting
Finding relevant information as it relates to your contacts and updating it over time
Providing insight and assistance in return for advice and assistance that you receive
Different opportunities: mixers, professional organizations, bar associations, student organizations, etc.
Various formats: LinkedIn, informational interviews, alumni directories, etc.
And… it is NOT:
One sided
A job interview
A job offer
Collecting business cards
Name dropping
Expecting someone (other than yourself) to find you a job
Attending as many events as possible
What does this look like in real life?
I’ll keep it real right away. You are busy and don’t have a lot (if any) of free time. Like other commitments in law school such as reading your cases, outlining, and attending classes, networking is an investment. I like to think of it as an ongoing investment where your return is essentially what you put into the process.
You’ll notice that the top three bullet points above start with the words “meet,” “develop[ing], ” and “genuine.” While my lists are not exhaustive, those intentional words demonstrate what makes networking so valuable. You want to be open to new experiences and new people and interested in learning from others. Like any other good relationship, these contacts need to be developed and honed over the course of time. And finally, your best form of branding is yourself. So when connecting and asking questions, and when sharing about yourself and interests, be genuine. When done correctly, your network is an incredibly powerful, professional tool.
You may have heard that networking can lead to jobs and better opportunities. And that is correct. Next, you may be wondering how this could be true when it negates some of my advice above. At the end of the day, any contact, experience, or opportunity could possibly result in a job offer. However, that should never be your starting point or sole goal of networking. If anything, networking leads to quid pro quo or “this for that.” Your network should not be simply contacts that you expect to help you or benefit you exclusively. Rather it’s a mutually beneficial relationship, where you are open to reciprocating. While you may not be able to “pay it forward” early on in your career, never overlook those who helped you along the way – you never know where your expertise can assist in the future.
Where to Start
Whether you realize it or not, you already have contacts in your network. They may not all be connected to the legal field but you know people: Your college professors and classmates, your children’s PTA, your synagogue’s congregation. Contacts are everywhere and can aid in your future. So, before trying to completely start from scratch, take stock of your current network.
And for my first gen folks in particular, do not worry about knowing the “right” people or knowing “enough” of the right people. Your law school has an amazing array of resources for networking. From your career services office (often a great place to start for things like this), to your adviser, to your professors and classmates, there are contacts in the legal field all around you.
While the first year of law school is primarily learning how to “think like a lawyer” and taking doctrinal classes, try to attend one networking event per term. You can always dial up your efforts moving forward, but I encourage you to start making meaningful contacts from your very first term. Additionally, don’t overlook career panels, alumni talks, and other on-campus events. Often, they come with a complimentary lunch (yay for free food) and those talks give you the chance to organically connect with speakers and panelists.
Like everything else in law school, you should prepare carefully for these events. Block that time out on your calendar, research the speakers, think about what you want to get from the event, and prepare some questions.
And remember, not all networking opportunities materialize in a formal, standalone event. Always be ready with an elevator pitch (see my recent post on how to craft one!), and welcome any informal connections that come your way.
One of the best ways to follow up once you make a connection is to add them on LinkedIn and include a professional and concise message reminding your contact how they know you. If you end up having a more formal meeting, such as lunch or coffee, you may also want to write a quick thank you email or note. You will learn that a little bit of gratitude, coupled with professionalism, goes a long way. Finally, like other tools that you keep in your toolkit, keep a running list of individuals that you meet. You may want to keep short but descriptive notes as to how you met, what advice they provided, and the role they play in your professional development. These notes are for your eyes only so don’t worry about formality or whether it’s good writing.
How to Network when it Stresses You Out
As someone who self-labels as an extroverted introvert, I used to dread going to networking events. The imposter syndrome was real and I felt I knew next to nothing about the legal field when I was starting out. When I finally learned that you can go with a buddy to events, honed my own interests, and developed a short elevator pitch, things got immensely better. And like any other skill, the more I practiced, the more confident I became.
You can make networking work for you, no matter your strengths and personality. Maybe that means having quiet time just for yourself before or after an event. Perhaps you need to practice power poses in the mirror or listen to your favorite pump up jam. Maybe you feel better when you go with a friend, or you need to have a couple of stock phrases for starting conversations. Whatever works for you, keep at it. Networking isn’t just for those few who enjoy it; it can work for anyone.
Key Take-Aways
Whether you love meeting new people or dread networking functions, consider altering your narrative about networking with some of the tips from this post. Work toward goals and start slow. Give yourself grace and patience, especially if networking is something you typically don’t enjoy or haven’t done before. Think actively about your current network and where you might be able to grow.
Lastly, what is the best (or worst) piece of networking advice you have received? As part of this yearlong writing residency, I would love to connect with our readers. So if you have a particularly great tip (or an equally awful one), connect with me on LinkedIn and let me know.
Talk soon and happy networking.
Kristina Bilowus is an Assistant Director of Career Development at MSU College of Law. She is also the current Treasurer of the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan, vice president of the Hellenic Bar Association, co-chairs the DEI Committee for the Oakland County Bar Association and co-chairs the DEI Committee for the Ingham County Bar. She is also a board member for the Michigan Center for Civic Education.
