My Networking Advice

My personal advice on the importance of networking, as an aspiring lawyer.

#1 Why should you network?

Networking is important for anyone, whether you’re a student, aspiring lawyer, or diving into any other professional path. Networking is a way to meet new people and gather new information from others.

Whilst being at university, I’ve found networking very beneficial both at university and at other events, mainly law-related. Networking and other social events have allowed me to meet such lovely people and gain broader perspectives. Attending legal networking events, both in-person and virtually, has been beneficial by allowing me to deepen my understanding of the legal profession and gaining an insight into specific firms.

Networking has definitely put me out of my comfort zone. Going to a new place and meeting a lot of new people alone can be daunting at times, but I have left every networking session feeling accomplished and glad that I attended. It is a great way to boost your confidence, especially when speaking to new people – a great transferable skill for a future lawyer who would need to communicate with various people – clients, other lawyers, etc.

Networking is also a great opportunity to get to know more about specific firms and their culture first-hand from employees working there – whether that be from partners, associates, trainees, or graduate recruitment – you can gain an insight from all areas of the firm. Attending events, and interacting with the firms, creates a higher likelihood that the firm will also remember you! And it is great to put on firm applications as it shows your interest in the firm.

There aren’t any reasons why you shouldn’t network!

#2 How can you network?

There are various ways in which you can network.

From my experience, whilst the pandemic hindered in-person events for my first year at university, it broadened the opportunities for virtual events – and I found there are loads of virtual events to attend. I’ve attended virtual open days with firms, virtual vacation schemes/internships that Legal Cheek and Bright Network have hosted, and even a coffee morning that Trowers & Hamlins hosted. Some may be put off by virtual events, thinking that there could be some awkwardness over video, but I honestly think virtual events have been so beneficial – especially if you can’t access in-person events. It’s also important not to mistakenly believe that virtual events are any less valuable than in-person events! Even attending virtual events such as online talks from firms shows your interest, which you can put on applications, and there are usually networking opportunities at the end.

One great event that I would definitely recommend is the LawCareersNet LIVE event – which they host in London, Manchester, or virtually. I attended the event in London in December 2021, and I found it extremely valuable. It comprised a day filled with networking and workshops with a range of top law firms. Throughout the day I had the opportunity to talk to various firms and gain first-hand insights into their practices through the workshops.

Try to make the most of the events available to you. Sign-up to email newsletters from things like LawCareersNet, Legal Cheek, and Bright Network to see what the latest events law firms are hosting.

#3 My top networking tips

My number one tip is to just be yourself and try to stay relaxed. Networking is an opportunity for you to get to know others, but also for them to get to know you – so it’s important to be true to yourself and act as you normally would. This is especially important when interacting with law firms, as both you and the firm want to be able to determine if you’re a right fit for each other.

To introduce yourself, prepare a mini-speech. This acts as a summary of yourself in a condensed amount of time. Networking usually has many people – so time with one person may be limited.

Take interest in the person you’re talking to. Ask questions and actively listen. Engagement in the person you’re talking to shows that you are keen to find out more about them, and their life at their firm.

I’d advise coming prepared to networking events by preparing some questions in advance that you’d like to ask. It may also be handy to prepare a few extra questions just in case there are ever any awkward silences – but don’t worry too much, short silences can be natural.

My Advice

Networking has been an extremely useful tool for me as an aspiring lawyer. It has pushed me out of my comfort zone, boosted my confidence, and put me out there. Events have provided me with invaluable opportunities to gain an insight into specific firms, the culture, and the people working there. I’d encourage anyone to get involved in networking events offered to them – there are no negatives from them!