Law Students

Networking Advice Part II: Embrace the Professional Association Member Within

By jessie

I used to think the point of joining a professional association was to achieve another of the legal industry's beloved, but empty, brass rings.  What was the point of working your way through the ranks of your local Inn of Court or Women's Bar Association? I certainly didn't see one. Well at least not for a public interest oriented law student with plenty of extra-curriculars to keep me busy.

But now I work with local bar associations around the country and I see a major benefit I never appreciated as a student: the job opportunities. When I was in school I only saw the most traditional job search routes: OCI, fellowships, honors program, clerkships, etc. In truth hiring practices are far more varied. And once you stray from these traditional job search mechanisms (as more and more students will need to do in this economy) you quickly learn it's all about connections. Here's the thing about making friends with the executive board at your local bar association: they've already made all those connections for you.

If I were a student again, I would join WLALA, the BHBA, the LA Bar, whoever would take me. I'd volunteer to help recruit other students, and I'd help out with other association work whenever I could. I would make myself an association's go to handy helper. So the next time someone on their listserve heard about a job opening I'd be the one that came to mind.

Cause here's the thing, even in this economy, there are still job openings. And you know how I hear about them? From my professional association listserves. Seriously. I'm looped in with a few national and local groups. They want to work with me because they have trouble recruiting students to their organizations. I'd feel like I were divulging the profession's best kept secret if it weren't so obvious: professional organizations are in a position to help law students in a profound way and you are in a position to be one of the only ones taking advantage.

So that makes two networking tips:

1. Don't Waste Your Time Being Miserable - Network Through Something Interesting 

2. Embrace the Professional Association Member Within

Next up:

3. Follow-Up (Even on Business Cards) No Matter How Awkward

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Full post as published by Ms. JD on September 14, 2009 (boomark / email).