Network, Network, Network

I did not network outside of the law school during law school.

This was a mistake.

I regularly see, first hand, the leg up students who network have.

For example, if you make an impression on me at an event, during a 1:1, or elsewhere, I will likely send your name to our recruiting team--put you on a "watch list," if you will.

Now: you still have to do the work. Your grades still have to qualify for my firm's interviews. Your resume must indicate a willingness to be more than just a student (a leader, a worker, a volunteer, you name it).

But, if all else is equal, or a close call, having someone to vouch for you or speak highly of an interaction they had with you can, really and truly, make a difference.

So, get out there, reach out, and follow up.

If you want a mentor, own the relationship and be the one to schedule and coordinate the regular meetings.

You'll feel awkward. You'll worry about bothering people. But: that will mostly drop with time--the more you do it, the less scary and anxiety-inducing it'll be.

And yes: some people will ignore your inquiries (you will be ghosted). That's fine. You make an impression even by reaching out. And, you just need 1-2 people to take you up on the request for time. Those 1-2 people are most likely connected to others willing to give the time, and so your network grows.

A note if you're an associate looking to lateral: The same concepts apply. We may not have any openings--or an office in your location--but, I can try to connect you with others. I can coach you on interviewing. I can mentor you and encourage you throughout the process.

When I was ready to jump from my clerkship to private practice, it was the connections I had made, the network I had built, that got my foot in the door at two of Milwaukee's top firms.

When I looked to lateral, it was a connection I made through a pro bono event years earlier that got my foot in the door at Husch.

Don't hesitate. Worry less about bothering others. Be selfish--it is your career and you can control some of the destiny.

🔥❤️✌🏻