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11

Overlooked Forms of Networking

Membership in Law Student

Organizations

Student organizations on your law school campus also provide opportunities to
network not only with members but they often have an open invitation to all law students
to attend their lectures, workshops, and other events. These groups often invite
attorneys and other legal professionals that could provide some insight, mentorship, and
guidance. (They may also have outline banks for your courses). Attend the social
events as well.

Grievances or problems with other members - RESOLVE PRIVATELY!!!
Being involved in an organization increases your chances of meeting other law
students - the downside to that is that it also increases the chances of potential conflict.
Should you have a conflict or a grievance with a general member, board member, or
visitor to the organization, initially address it privately! This is where being in an
organization offers you a soft skill that you are encouraged to adopt after you graduate.
Let’s say that as an attorney, you had a disagreement with another attorney,
receptionist, or paralegal, etc. Unless truly egregious/illegal, you should not immediately
go to others including your boss, your boss’ boss, or named partner of the firm. That
would put you in a bad light. Your first step should be to discuss it with that individual
privately with the goal of trying to resolve the problem, not just voice your displeasure.
Try to resolve it on your own privately. In-person conversations are best but phone calls
and emails suffice (in that order), with emails though, you have to allow for the
possibility that the other person actually may not have seen it (yet).

In the initial phases of a dispute, do not bring the matter to the attention of other
members. For example, if Jane, the chapter secretary, took issue with something John,
the chapter treasurer, said or did, Jane should try to resolve it alone with John first
before bringing the matter to Mary, the chapter president, or the general membership.

When scheduling an in-person meeting or phone conference to discuss the
matter, make sure it’s being scheduled with the responsibilities and preferences of all
members involved. To continue with the previous example, Jane cannot simply call a
meeting for tomorrow at 1pm just because she is free and then complain when John
doesn’t show up. John is willing to meet but works until 5 pm then has evening classes.
Such meetings, including phone conferences, must be arranged for the convenience of
all parties.

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