“Networking” One of the most important yet frightening words to many pre-law and law students. Finding the perfect words, fighting through awkward conversations and awkward silences, all too familiar feelings in networking spaces.

But what if I told you that networking doesn’t have to be scary and is actually one of the keys to success.

As a first generation law student, networking has opened doors and opportunities for me that I never knew existed. I want all prelaw students to understand its power and really tap into cultivating their networking skills.

Networking is about making significant professional connections. You don’t network to just find a job, although a job could result from networking. You network to make meaningful connections in this profession. You network to gain access to knowledge, new opportunities and support. These connections could open new doors for you, provide guidance in the legal profession, create lasting relationships and even build your confidence!

Networking can oftentimes become an intimidating and scary experience. But through these tips, and much practice I hope it can become a less scary thing to do.

The first step to becoming more comfortable and confident with networking is to reframe your mindset. Don’t look at networking as a chore, or a transactional experience. Approach networking as a way to learn. During law school, especially as a 1L I would often email attorneys to set up coffee chats in practice areas that I was interested in. I wanted to learn more about the work they did, their career path and what they enjoyed the most about their jobs. From there, the pressure of asking the right questions, coming up with what to say next and being frightened faded away. Although it is important to come prepared to any networking event, whether a reception or a coffee chat, reframing your mindset to focus on learning about the attorney and their career, rather than trying to “get a job” or impress them, helps take the pressure off being perfect and allows the conversation to feel more natural and human.

The key to networking is to stay in touch. This is often one of the hardest parts for students. One essential habit is to always collect contact information or add new connections on Linkedin. Always send a follow up email, expressing your gratitude for their time (yes attorneys are very busy).

From there keeping the connection seems to always be the most difficult part. Many pre-law or law students are unsure how to maintain professional connections. Even worse, some students mistakenly believe that reaching out to people they have connected with would be bothersome. Many attorneys do not find students annoying and in reality would love for students to stay in touch with them. Some great ways that I’ve found helpful in keeping touch with contacts are to (1) email or text them when you see something that reminds you of them. For example, during your initial chat with them if you had a common interest in sports, or spoke about a current hot topic in the legal industry and you come upon an article that discusses your similarities, share it with them. They will appreciate that you are thinking about them. (2) Keep your contact updated on your accomplishments. For example, during the pre law stage, if you receive an acceptance into law school, this is great news to share with your network! As a law student, some accomplishments you may want to share with your network may be joining a skills board, doing well in a difficult class or even joining a leadership position! Many attorneys would be thrilled to congratulate you. Another common misconception many students have is that they are “bragging” about themselves or that their network could care less about their achievements. That is absolutely false! Attorneys love to hear about the wonderful things you are doing and are even happier if you reach out to tell them! Another easy way to stay in touch with your network is to (3) wish them a happy holiday. A simple “happy holidays or Happy New Year” goes a long way.

With these tips, I hope networking won’t seem as daunting. Networking is the key to success and will open so many doors for you. Networking will help you grow professionally and is something you can get better at! See below for sample communication templates, for you to use when networking.

Growing up as a first generation law student, I often felt confused and lost in the process. I knew little to nothing about law school exams, outlining and the rigorous summer internship hunt. I always heard that law school wasn’t about what you know but who you know. That led me to attend networking receptions but I would leave feeling overwhelmed and anxious with a bunch of business cards in my hand but no way to leverage those connections or keep in touch. Attending these events started to feel like a waste of my time. Until one day I sat with a mentor who gave me some amazing advice.

Before attending these events I began to write questions down so I could feel prepared to have questions on top of my head, if I got stuck or if the conversation became awkward. I started sending emails after meeting different attorneys to continue the connection and stayed in touch with updates about my path. I began adding them on Linkedin and as someone who started law school with about 40-50 connections, I now have over 500! Networking began to feel so much easier and not like a daunting transactional task. Now, as a graduating 3L, networking has helped me so much. I have received job interviews from amazing mentors and now I know many attorneys in different fields.

A specific example of how powerful networking is one day I attended an event on campus where several attorneys came to speak to law students at my school. After the event, I took down one attorney's email and thanked him for speaking with me and my classmates. After the email, I kept in touch with him about my interests in the firm he worked at and updated him on my law school experience. From there he helped me get an interview with his firm, all from keeping in contact with him.

Another example from the many examples that I have include one day where I decided to attend a virtual panel of attorneys who spoke about their experiences in the field. From the panel, one specific panelist really stood out to me and inspired me with her resilience and journey. After the panel I sent her an email to have a coffee chat. A couple of weeks later we went out for coffee and had a great conversation about my interest. She did not practice the area of law I was interested in and connected me to her co-worker. I got on a call with her co-worker who was very helpful in my journey and gave me practical advice. To this day, I still keep in touch with her and the advice that both attorneys provided me are still instrumental. These are the kind of experiences that I want all prelaw and law students to have and continue to leverage their network.

• Prepare for the event/ coffee chat by looking the person up (look for what they do what common interest you may have)
• Write questions you may want to ask them
• Be yourself
• Follow up with a Thank you email
• Stay connected- through checking up on them on holidays, sharing recent accomplishments or sending them articles that make you think of them

Pre Law Students:

Hi (Insert Contact’s Name) my name is Christine Acquah and I am a current pre law student at Montclair State University. I am currently studying for the LSAT and interested in pursuing a career in the law and I would love to ask you some questions about your pre law journey and how you got to where you are today. If you have availability I would love to schedule a 20 minute call with you within the next couple of weeks.

Law Students:

Hi (Insert Contact Name) my name is Christine Acquah and I am a current
I hope all is well! My name is Christine Acquah and I am a rising 2L at GW Law school. I see that you have extensive experience with labor and employment matters, which is an area of interest to me and I am eager to learn more about it. I would greatly appreciate the opportunity to discuss Employment Law at (place of interest name) and learn more about your experiences and insights. If you are available, could we schedule a 15-20 minute Zoom call at your convenience?
Thank you so much and I look forward to hearing from you.
.
Hi (Insert Contact Naame)! My name is Christine Acquah and I am a rising 2L at GW Law. I met (...) at GW’s PRH BLSA event back in April. I mentioned to her that I was interested in labor and employment law and learning more about it and she mentioned that you would be a great person to speak to. If possible if you had 15-20 minutes I would love to schedule a zoom or phone chat with you to learn more about labor and employment law. Thank you.
Be yourself, you got this!