Gearing Up For The Second Semester Professionally – Networking
There is no reason to wait to begin networking simply because you are in your first year of law school. Many law students believe networking starts after law school. However, networking begins in law school and continues well into your legal career. Many believe that networking is easiest when a student is still in law school.
The first important point to remember is that networking occurs everywhere at any time. Even your fellow students sitting next to you in class are potential networking partners whether they work in private practice, for the government, or a non-profit organization.
Networking events offered by the state bar, non-profit organizations, and other entities are available and should not be ignored simply because you just entered law school. For example, it is never too soon to become involved with your state bar. This is a mistake made by more than a few law students who believe there is nothing the state bar can do for them because they are not yet admitted to the bar.
This could not be more untrue. Most state bars host regular networking events primarily aimed at helping law students. Also, most state bars allow law students to register with specialty sections which enable students an excellent opportunity to meet legal stalwarts in a specific field of law.
Alumni who are deeply involved with your law school may provide networking opportunities. The California Desert Trial Academy (CDTA) places great emphasis on the role, contribution, and importance of alumni and mentors. The CDTA encourages all law students to actively seek a mentor.
Networking involves gathering information and creating a network of individuals in the legal community who know and respect your character and knowledge. In turn, they will want to inform you of job opportunities when they are available. To this end, you will need to be a good listener who asks intelligent questions when the opportunity presents itself.
At this time, you must be prepared to answer the following questions articulately and genuinely:
- Tell me about yourself?
- Why are you interested in this field of law?
It is important to remember that networking is a process and will not lead to a job overnight. Most networking experiences will not lead to a job but will introduce you to new people while helping you gain valuable experience and knowledge. Over time, you should find yourself improving your networking skill, which will prove valuable throughout your legal career. It only takes one encounter to create an opportunity.
Like traditional law schools, California Desert Trial Academy’s curriculum is designed to teach students the substantive law of core subject areas. Unlike traditional law schools, CDTA emphasizes training and developing students to be capable advocates in any courtroom. The California Desert Trial Academy (CDTA) is a 21st Century law school that moves students toward a successful legal career on the first day of class. We believe that practical experience in tandem with legal knowledge is the best road to a successful, rewarding, and prosperous legal career. Call us today at (760) 342-0900 or find out more online here.