Page 10 - Networking Receptions - Networking for Law Students Series_1 (1)

10
• Do have good posture and a confident stance. Body language does say a lot
about you. Walking into a networking reception, I could probably immediately
spot every single 1L even before speaking with them. 1Ls tend to close
themselves off and appear small when they get nervous; having their hands
clasped and folded together and their feet are too close to each other. It seems
as though if one just blew in their direction they’d fall because they’re standing
with their feet barely an inch apart and their hands are folded in front of them or
one hand is stroking the other soothingly behind their backs. Your stance should
indicate that you are confident in your ability. Don’t be afraid to own your space.
Stand like you’re in charge- your feet should be no less than six inches apart
from each other and no more than 11 inches apart.

• What to do if there is someone you wish to speak to, but they have been
otherwise occupied throughout the reception– make your way to the door, not to
leave, but network all the way to the door with others, particularly if it is
approaching the end of the event. Eventually, that person will find their way
close to the door and you can have an opportunity to speak with them there; it
will hopefully seem like a casual happenstance. Use this tactic wisely and
sparingly. I’ve personally received job leads from individuals I met casually
when I was waiting for the elevator after exiting the event.

• Do take the time and listen to the law “war stories” of those attorneys that have
been in practice whether it be for one year or for decades. They are taking the
time to impart knowledge to you. Although many attorneys are quite verbose,
there is a lesson to be learned from everyone and anyone you are speaking with
(even if that lesson is ultimately what not to do or how not to be). Try to be
respectful even if the attorney is going on and on about something.

• Do get your own business cards. While you could put your picture on the
business card, this is not typically done. The card should include your first and
last name, phone number, and email address(es). The email address you use
should be a professional one not a fun one: FirstName_Last
Name@InternetServiceProvider.com. The business card could also include the
name of your school and anticipated year of graduation. There are also
electronic business cards where one could text a code to a short number on their
own phone and get your information. While business cards typically only have
information on one side, my personal business card in law school was double
sided. On the back of the card, I listed notable things that I did before and while
in school that could be related to the jobs that I wanted. I knew some of it would
come up during our discussion so, I wanted to remind the individual of certain
points in my background (i.e., litigation paralegal, Civil Rights Clinic, Courtroom
Advocates Program).

• Once you get their business card, do follow up within a few days at most.

This pamphlet contains
copyrighted material. All rights
reserved.