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10

Overlooked Forms of Networking

Someone is always watching

Even at social events, someone may be observing your behavior. I know that
sounds “creepy” but I couldn’t phrase it any other way that would be as effective. When
you’re out in public, remember that someone could be watching you. You are
now/soon-to-be in an “elite” profession. So, act accordingly.

Very recently, I had a conversation with a member of the bar that was very
disappointed with the behavior of a law student I knew. Months before, although I didn’t
know this student well, I observed that this student was immature, self-entitled, rude to
others, belligerent, and seemingly enjoyed the bottle a bit too much. However, after
submitting a written application, that student just received a scholarship where s/he was
recognized at a gala among attorneys and judges. The attorney speaking with me
about this was an alumnus from this student’s school and was present at the gala. After
observing the student’s behavior, similar to what I mentioned above, the attorney was
quite taken aback. The attorney said that the young law student was not only
representing himself/herself poorly but the school as well and that his/her behavior
showed ingratitude toward the entity granting the scholarship. The attorney also
mentioned that very few people give “a second chance at making a first impression”.
That the student could be judged negatively for her actions that night. The attorney was
not gossiping about the student but giving out some very important advice to me and to
a rising 3L. Something that I’d like to point out to you- the attorney did not initially say
this person’s name or even know ahead of time that I knew this law student and that I
observed the same thing months earlier. As soon as the behavior was described, I
immediately knew who the person was! What does that say about this student? The
student has not even graduated yet and already is making a poor impression. This
conversation took place a short while after the gala and it was still on this attorney’s
mind. What I’d like for you to take away from this, other than the obvious (don’t be
rude/don’t get drunk, etc) is that you are a part of a respected profession and need to
act accordingly. The attorney and I had just met each other the same night that the
conversation took place. But we immediately took to one another. Both that attorney
and I are a bit of a rarity in that we both give second chances but who else is going to
want to network with that student?!?! I hope for that law student’s sake that someone
could be able to reach out to him/her and that s/he’ll be receptive to modifying such
behavior accordingly.

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