Why Networking is So Important in Law School

Networking is often an unsavory word, especially when it pertains to pyramid schemes and marketing themes most of us are extremely wary of—and most of us have been sucked into at one time or another; however, as a law student, networking is an invaluable way to begin securing your position in the community as a professional.

To begin, you may want to participate in an internship. Many of the larger firms doling out the more attractive internships may not take on law students until after the first year when they have gained enough knowledge to be useful to them, but in most cases if you want to find an internship as early as the first year, it is possible. If you are planning to work or do an internship while school is in session, you may need permission—along with taking serious time to consider how you will fit in any other activities besides going to class and studying.

Networking for an internship, in whatever year you hope to participate in one, can begin with other students (especially older ones who may have already secured enticing internships and know of other positions open) as well as alumni. Basically, use your social skills to get to know everyone possible, discuss your interests, and doors will inevitably begin to open.

Let’s face it though, you may not be a super extraverted people person—although as a trial attorney this could serve you well as enjoying the spotlight and using strong interpersonal skills can be critical. If you are enthusiastic about law school though, the future, and what you would like to specialize in, however, that should carry over into your networking skills, which may progress like a domino effect. You may network to get into an internship, do more networking while you there each day, and then begin examining your options for where you would like to work.

Once you are out ‘in the real world’ working for a firm or hanging out your own shingle, networking will be key to bringing in good cases and developing a rapport with clients you may see more than once throughout your career—along with paralegals, opposing counsel, and judges. If you do enjoy talking to others and getting to know them, networking will be a joy—and landing that primo internship or new job will be a real triumph.

Our mission at CDTA College of Law is to educate, train, and develop extraordinary legal advocates. Your legal education will be comprised of bar-tested academic subjects, skills training, and values reinforcement. Upon completion of your four-year course of study you will be fully qualified to take and pass the California Bar examination. Call us today at (760) 342-0900 or find out more online here.