The word “networking” can send a shiver down the spine of many law students. It often conjures images of forced conversations, awkward receptions, and pressure to “sell yourself” to strangers in suits. But here’s the truth: networking doesn’t have to be fake, transactional, or uncomfortable. In fact, when done right, it’s simply about building genuine professional relationships that can support you throughout your legal career.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to network authentically in law school, avoid the desperation trap, and develop connections that are both strategic and sincere.
Why Networking Matters in Law School
Many law students assume that success is all about grades, journals, and internships. While academic performance is crucial—especially in your 1L year—networking is the key that unlocks many of the opportunities you’re working so hard to qualify for.
In the legal profession, relationships often play an outsized role in hiring decisions, mentorship opportunities, and long-term career advancement, whether you're targeting BigLaw, government service, public interest, or in-house roles, who you know can be just as important as what you know.
Law Is a Relationship-Driven Industry
Unlike some fields where a resume alone can win a job, law firms, judges, and employers often rely heavily on:- Referrals from people they trust
- Recommendations from former colleagues or professors
- Informal impressions built at networking events, alumni mixers, or bar association meetings
“Every job I’ve had after law school came from someone who already knew me or someone I had built a relationship with. The application was just a formality.”
— Mid-level associate, Am Law 200 firm
Networking Adds Context to Your Credentials
Grades and bullet points don’t tell your full story. Networking provides employers with an opportunity to assess your personality, communication skills, professionalism, and cultural fit, well before an interview. In some cases, it’s the difference between a cold application and a warm recommendation.
When done right, networking can:
- Provide access to job opportunities that aren’t publicly posted
- Help you navigate OCI, clerkship interviews, and lateral transitions with insider guidance
- Introduce you to mentors who can offer feedback, encouragement, and long-term career support
- Expose you to practice areas or career paths you may not have considered
It’s Not Just About Jobs—It’s About Building Your Reputation
In law school, you’re building more than a resume—you’re building a professional identity. Every classmate, professor, alumni, or panelist you connect with becomes a potential part of your network. Over time, those connections can lead to referrals, clients, or even future business partnerships.
The legal world is surprisingly small. Attorneys frequently move between firms, agencies, and roles. That means the relationships you build now may show up again when it matters most—during a lateral move, a partnership vote, or a career pivot.
Redefine What Networking Means
When law students hear the word “networking,” they often think of awkward cocktail hours, rehearsed elevator pitches, and transactional conversations that feel more like job interviews than genuine human interaction. However, top attorneys agree that this narrow view of networking is outdated and ineffective.To build a strong, lasting professional network, you need to start by redefining what networking actually is. It’s not about schmoozing. It’s not about being extroverted. And it’s definitely not about asking people for jobs.
Networking Is About Relationships, Not Transactions
At its core, networking is about forming authentic, two-way relationships rooted in shared interests, mutual respect, and long-term engagement. It’s about getting to know people, learning from their experiences, and building trust over time.Rather than approaching someone with “What can you do for me?”, approach them with:
- “I’m interested in your path—how did you get there?”
- “What advice would you give to someone starting?”
- “What do you enjoy most about your practice area?”
“When I stopped thinking of networking as self-promotion and started seeing it as relationship-building, it became easier—and much more enjoyable.”
— Junior associate, national law firm
Networking Is a Long-Term Investment
You don’t need to “network your way into a job” in one meeting. In fact, the best networking isn’t about immediate outcomes at all. It’s about planting seeds, staying in touch, and building a reputation over time.Someone you meet as a 1L could refer you to a job five years later, or become your client ten years after that. That’s why being authentic and consistent matters more than being slick or scripted.
Make It Feel Natural
- Don’t force yourself to attend every event. Choose the ones that align with your interests or feature people you genuinely want to meet.
- Instead of worrying about “working the room,” focus on one or two quality conversations.
- Follow up with a personalized thank-you note or a LinkedIn connection request that references something specific you discussed.
- Stay in touch occasionally—with an article, update, or check-in. The goal is to maintain the relationship, not make constant requests.
Start With Who You Already Know
When students think of “networking,” they often imagine cold emails to strangers, big-name partners at firm receptions, or trying to impress someone miles ahead in their legal career. But in reality, some of the most valuable and accessible connections are already within reach.
Your network doesn’t have to begin at a bar association mixer—it starts right where you are, with the people already in your academic, social, and professional circles. These are individuals who know you, want to see you succeed, and can provide insight, encouragement, and opportunities.
Tap Into Existing Relationships
You might be surprised by how many people around you can help you grow your network:- Professors and adjuncts who’ve practiced law or remain connected to the legal community
- Classmates who interned at firms, courts, or agencies where you want to work
- Upperclassmen and recent graduates with relevant experience or career advice
- Career services advisors with contacts and knowledge about employers and alumni
- Friends, family, and former colleagues who know lawyers or work in related fields
“One of my best networking connections came from an upperclassman I met in student government. She introduced me to her summer internship supervisor, and I landed an interview the following year.”
— 3L student, Northeast Law School
How to Reach Out Authentically
When contacting someone you already know (or who’s connected to someone you know), keep your message casual, polite, and specific:- Mention how you know them or were referred
- Share a brief reason for reaching out
- Request a short meeting, phone call, or coffee chat
- Emphasize that you’re looking to learn, not ask for a job
Example message:
Hi Jordan, I’m a 2L at [Your School] and a member of the IP Law Society. I saw you spoke at last month’s panel on tech law, and I really appreciated your insights. I’m interested in this area myself and would love to hear more about your path and what day-to-day work looks like. Would you be open to a brief call sometime this month?This kind of message is respectful, intentional, and easy to accept.
Don’t Overlook Peer Networking
Some of the most underestimated contacts are your classmates. Today’s 2L sitting next to you in Con Law may be tomorrow’s associate at a firm you admire, or a clerk for a judge you want to work with. Staying connected and supporting your peers not only builds goodwill but also builds a powerful, loyal network that grows alongside you.- Share resources or job leads with others
- Collaborate in student orgs or study groups
- Stay in touch after graduation through alumni groups or LinkedIn
Keep Track of Connections
As your network grows, it helps to stay organized:
- Create a spreadsheet or contact list
- Note how you met, key takeaways, and follow-up steps
- Schedule check-ins or send occasional updates
You don’t need to start your networking journey with cold emails to high-level attorneys. Start where you are—with the people already in your world. Building on existing relationships is not only more comfortable—it’s more effective. These connections form the foundation of your legal network, and with time, they can lead to mentorship, job opportunities, and meaningful professional friendships that last your entire career.
Ask for Conversations, Not Jobs
One of the biggest mistakes law students make when networking is jumping too quickly to asking for a job. While it’s understandable to feel pressure to secure employment, especially during competitive recruiting seasons, networking is not about immediate job placement—it’s about building long-term professional relationships.
Instead of approaching someone with a request for employment, approach them with a request for insight, perspective, or advice. People are far more open—and willing—to help when they feel you’re genuinely interested in learning from them, not just using them to get hired.
Why This Approach Works
Most attorneys aren’t hiring managers, and even those who are may not have a job to offer you. But nearly all professionals:- Enjoy talking about their career journey
- Appreciate being asked for their opinion or advice
- Feel good about helping students who are respectful and curious
- May later refer you to open roles, or recommend you to others
“I connected with an attorney at a panel and asked for a coffee chat to hear more about her transition from litigation to in-house. I never asked for anything beyond that—and a few months later, she forwarded me a job posting I wouldn’t have seen otherwise.”
— 3L student, West Coast Law School
How to Structure an Informational Conversation
If you secure a short call or meeting, come prepared with thoughtful questions that show you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in their experience.Here are a few examples:
- “How did you decide on your practice area?”
- “What does a typical day look like in your role?”
- “Are there any courses or experiences in law school you found especially helpful?”
- “What trends are you seeing in your practice area that new attorneys should be aware of?”
- “Looking back, is there anything you wish you had done differently in law school?”
What Not to Do
Avoid turning a conversation into a pitch. Don’t:- Ask outright for a job, internship, or referral
- Dominate the conversation with your resume or ambitions
- Send your materials unless they ask for them
- Put them on the spot (“Can you pass my resume to HR?”)
Keep It Brief, Clear, and Courteous
When requesting a conversation:
- Keep your email short and respectful
- Be flexible with scheduling
- Express gratitude, both before and after the meeting
- Follow up with a thank-you note referencing something specific you learned
Example follow-up:
Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me today. I really appreciated your insight on transitioning from law firm life to the nonprofit sector, especially your advice about staying open to unexpected paths. I’ll keep your suggestions in mind as I continue exploring my options.Networking is not about asking for favors—it’s about building trust. When you lead with curiosity and respect, conversations often evolve into genuine connections, and those connections can naturally lead to opportunities. So stop worrying about landing a job from every interaction—and focus instead on learning, listening, and laying the groundwork for your future.
Attend Events with Intention (Not Pressure)
But that mindset can backfire. Putting pressure on yourself to turn every event into a job opportunity can lead to anxiety, inauthenticity, and exhaustion. Instead, top attorneys recommend a more strategic and sustainable approach: attend events with intention, not pressure. Focus on meaningful interactions, not maximum quantity.
Redefining Success at Events
You don’t need to meet everyone in the room or collect a stack of business cards. In fact, the most impactful networking happens when you:- Have one or two genuine conversations
- Ask thoughtful questions
- Make a memorable impression by being authentic
- Follow up afterward to continue the dialogue
— 2L student, Midwest law school
How to Prepare for Networking Events
1. Do Your HomeworkKnow who will be at the event. Research the firms, speakers, and organizations that will be attending. Come with a few talking points or questions tailored to their background or practice areas.
2. Set Manageable Goals
Instead of trying to meet 10 people, aim to connect meaningfully with 1–3. Quality > quantity. Think about what you want to learn, not just who you want to impress.
3. Prepare a Personal Introduction
Have a concise way to introduce yourself that sounds natural, not rehearsed:
“Hi, I’m Alex. I’m a 2L at [School], and I’m exploring litigation and regulatory work. I really appreciated your comments on healthcare enforcement trends.”
What to Say at the Event
You don’t need a perfect script. Good networking questions are open-ended and show interest:
- “What drew you to your firm or practice area?”
- “How did your law school experience shape your career path?”
- “What do you enjoy most (or least) about your current role?”
- “Are there any experiences you’d recommend for someone just starting?”
Follow Up Thoughtfully
After the event, send a brief thank-you email or LinkedIn message to anyone you spoke with. Refer to something you previously discussed and express your appreciation. This keeps the connection alive and lays the groundwork for future interactions.
Example follow-up:
Hi Taylor, it was great meeting you at the litigation panel last night. I appreciated your advice on managing stress as a junior associate, especially your point about finding mentors early. Thanks again for sharing your experience!You don’t need to walk into every networking event with a master plan or leave with a job offer. Show up with curiosity, confidence, and a willingness to connect. By attending with intention—rather than pressure—you’ll build real relationships, expand your comfort zone, and start developing the kind of professional network that grows naturally over time.
Follow Up the Right Way
A great conversation at a networking event or informational interview means little if you don’t follow up. In fact, the follow-up is where most law students miss the biggest opportunity. It’s the bridge between a one-time interaction and a lasting professional connection.
Following up the right way shows maturity, respect, and genuine interest. It reinforces a positive impression and opens the door to continued dialogue, future mentorship, and—potentially—career opportunities down the line.
Why Following Up Matters
Lawyers and professionals meet dozens of students, especially during recruiting seasons. Even if your conversation went well, it can quickly get lost in the shuffle unless you take the initiative to follow up and reconnect. A well-crafted follow-up:- Keeps you top of mind
- Shows professionalism and courtesy
- Demonstrates strong communication skills
- Lays the groundwork for future interactions or opportunities
— 2L student, Southeast Law School
What a Good Follow-Up Looks Like
Whether it’s after a coffee chat, a phone call, or a networking event, keep your follow-up short, warm, and personalized.Basic template:
Hi [Name],Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me [yesterday/last week] about your work at [Firm/Organization]. I especially appreciated your insights on [specific topic]. Your advice gave me a lot to think about as I continue exploring [practice area or goal].
I hope we can stay in touch, and I truly appreciate your willingness to share your experience.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Key Elements of an Effective Follow-Up
- Timeliness: Send your message within 24–48 hours of your conversation or event.
- Specificity: Mention something you talked about to show you were engaged and appreciative.
- Sincerity: Avoid copy-paste language. Be genuine and professional.
- Tone: Polished but friendly. You're aiming for respectful confidence, not formality for formality's sake.
Ongoing Communication: Stay on the Radar
Don’t just follow up once and disappear. You don’t need to check in constantly, but a few thoughtful touchpoints throughout the year can keep the connection warm:- Share a relevant article they might find interesting
- Let them know how their advice helped you in a job search or class
- Congratulate them on professional milestones (e.g., promotion, published article, speaking engagement)
- Send a short holiday or end-of-semester note wishing them well
Mistakes to Avoid
- Being overly formal or robotic
- Reaching out only when you need something
- Forgetting to say thank you after someone has offered their time
- Failing to personalize your message, especially if they meet many students
Following up isn’t just a polite formality—it’s your chance to turn a single conversation into a professional relationship. By doing it the right way, you show that you’re not just another student looking for a job—you’re someone who values connection, takes initiative, and treats others with respect. Those qualities will make you memorable—and open doors for years to come.
Play the Long Game
In law school, it’s easy to fall into the mindset that networking is all about getting something now—a summer job, a clerkship lead, a firm callback. But the most successful attorneys will tell you: the real power of networking lies in the long game.
True networking is not about immediate results—it’s about planting seeds that will grow into relationships, referrals, opportunities, and collaborations over time. Your legal career will span decades. The connections you build today may benefit you five, ten, even twenty years from now in ways you can’t yet imagine.
Networking Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
A single conversation won’t land you your dream job. But that conversation might:- Lead to a follow-up coffee
- Turn into a mentor relationship
- Result in a referral years down the line
- Become the foundation for a professional friendship that lasts your entire career
“The recruiter I met briefly at a 1L panel ended up being the person who brought me in for a lateral interview six years later. I had followed up back then with a thank-you note, and she remembered me.”
— Senior associate, Am Law 100 firm
Focus on Building Trust, Not Just Gaining Contacts
It’s not about how many people you meet. It’s about how well you stay connected to the right people. Show up consistently, offer value whenever possible, and nurture relationships with sincerity and patience.Ask yourself:
- Am I showing up as someone others want to help and refer?
- Am I building a reputation for being reliable, curious, and professional?
- Am I investing in relationships without expecting instant returns?
Let Relationships Develop Organically
You don’t need to force things or chase every connection in pursuit of a specific outcome. Some people may naturally become mentors or sponsors. Others may just be friendly professionals who support you when you need a recommendation, a referral, or career advice.Give relationships time to develop. Sometimes, a casual check-in, a shared article, or a brief thank-you note is all it takes to keep a connection alive—and ready to support you when you need it most.
Real networking isn't about short-term wins—it's about building a reputation, earning trust, and staying connected over time. If you focus on creating meaningful, lasting relationships rather than chasing immediate results, you’ll have a network that not only supports your job search but sustains your entire legal career. So be patient, be consistent, and play the long game. It’s worth it.
Be Yourself (Seriously)
You don’t have to be perfect to make a strong impression—you just have to be genuine. Networking isn’t about pretending to have it all figured out or delivering a rehearsed pitch. It’s about building real connections by showing curiosity, professionalism, and authenticity.
Be honest about your interests, ask real questions, and let your personality come through. People remember those who are sincere and relatable, not robotic or overly polished.
Bottom line: Be respectful, be prepared, but most importantly, be yourself. That’s what builds trust and lasting relationships.
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