Entries in the Category "Networking"
Conducting Informational Interviews
If you attended the Outside the Fall Interview Program presentation and panel yesterday, then you heard our 3L panelists speak the various ways in which they secured their employment this past summer. You probably also noticed that the thing that all 5 of them did was networking. They got on the phone and talked to people, they attended events, they made trips to their desired destinations, and they spoke with people about what they were looking for, why they were interested, and what options there might be available to them.
This is what networking (also called informational interviewing) is all about. And it is the single best way of learning of potential opportunities for employment. But how do you make the most out of a networking opportunity?
Just like in an actual employment interview, your goal is to have the meeting turn into a true conversation, with a natural back-and-forth and an easy rapport. But you’ll also want to make sure you’ve taken the time before your meeting to determine why you wanted to meet with this particular person and to prepare questions ahead of time to make sure you get the information you’re seeking. The following is a list of some sample questions you might want to ask:
o How did you decide on your practice area?
o What courses did you take in law school that you’ve found to
be most helpful to you in the practice of law? (You can ask the same question about activities or organizations they participated in.)
o What professional publications do you read or what professional organizations are you are member of?
o What’s a typical day like for you?
o What’s the most interesting part of your job, or the most interesting project you’ve worked on recently?
o What do you find most challenging about your work?
o What advice do you have for me in relocating to this market? (if you’re meeting with someone in a different legal market)
And, of course, always remember to close your meeting by saying thank you and asking if there is anybody else you should be talking to in order to learn more. And remember to send a thank you note within 24 hours of your meeting!
For more information and motivation on networking meetings, read Chapter 10 of Guerilla Tactics for Getting the Legal Job of Your Dreams, 2d ed. (available for check-out in the CSO Resource Room).
ASLME Health Law Student Conference - Oct. 17
On Friday October 17th the American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics (ASLME) and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law will be holding the second annual Health Law Student conference entitled Taking the Health Law Career Path. The conference aims to provide students interested in exploring a career path in health law with a toolkit for success. The main features of the conference are a plenary session to provide an update on health law, panels on a variety of employment possibilities, and a networking reception.
The day-long conference will not include employer interviews but will present four break-out sessions offering insight and advice on topics including public interest and legal services, compliance and risk management, government, trade associations and lobbying, management and consulting firms, and in-house counsel. In addition, the featured speaker will be Donna Gerson, author of Choosing Small, Choosing Smart, Job Search Strategies for Lawyers in the Small Firm Market.
For additional information about the conference and to register please visit www.aslme.org/aslmesecure/info/description.php?conf_id=69 Registration is $35.00 per student and will cover materials and meals.
This conference will be a great program for students interested in exploring health law careers! If you have any questions please feel free to contact me.
You’ve Scheduled Some Networking Meetings … Now What?
So you’ve take then CSO’s advice and scheduled some networking meetings during Spring Break to talk with attorneys whose practice area or geographic location aligns with your interests. Great! Now what? Here are some tips for handling the actual meeting:
1) Always thank the person who you are meeting with and recognize that his or her time is valuable.
2) Use the meeting as an opportunity to learn more about the person with whom you are meeting. What was his or her path to practicing law? How did he or she decide on a particular practice area?
3) Use the meeting to find out more about what it is like to practice law. What does the person you are meeting with do on a day-to-day basis? What does he or she like best or least about the work?
4) Use the meeting to learn more about the legal market in the city/region. What does the person know about the legal market and about hiring in that market? What tips does he or she have about job searching in the market?
5) Use the meeting to build your network. Ask the person if he or she has suggestions about additional people in the legal community who you might contact to discuss your interests or career goals.
Plan Ahead for the Summer – ABA Law Student Division Career Fair
Career fairs can be a great way to meet with and learn about employers of all types from many different places. This summer, consider attending the ABA Law Student Division Career Fair. Occurring in conjunction with the ABA’s Annual Meeting, this one-day Career Fair provides a unique opportunity for law students to meet with representatives from law firms of all sizes, state and federal government agencies, public interest, and non-profit groups for summer and new associate positions, as well as internships and volunteer opportunities.
The Career Fair is structured as a table-talk and resume submission event to provide law students an opportunity to learn more about the firm or agency, while actively gaining valuable career advice.
Registration for the Career Fair will be opening soon. For a list of Frequently Asked Questions and more information visit: http://www.abanet.org/lsd/career/2008/students/home.html.
Conducting Informational Interviews
We’ve mentioned it in several of our recent posts, so you should know by now that conducting information interviews/networking meetings is an excellent use of some of your time over winter break. You’ve sent out your emails or letters and made your follow-up calls and now you have a couple appointments set up for a chat over coffee. Great! Now what do you do when you’re actually sitting face-to-face with these people?
Just like in an actual employment interview, your goal is to have the meeting turn into a true conversation, with a natural back-and-forth and an easy rapport. But you’ll also want to make sure you’ve taken the time before your meeting to determine why you wanted to meet with this particular person and prepare questions ahead of time to make sure you get the information you’re seeking. The following is a list of some sample questions you might want to ask:
o How did you decide on your practice area?
o What courses did you take in law school that you’ve found to be most helpful to you in the practice of law? (You can ask the same question about activities or organizations they participated in.)
o What professional publications do they read or what professional organizations are they are member of?
o What’s a typical day like for you?
o What’s the most interesting part of your job, or the most interesting project you’ve worked on recently?
o What do you find most challenging about your work?
o What advice do you have for me in relocating to this market? (if you’re meeting with someone in a different legal market)
And, of course, always remember to close your meeting by saying thank you and asking if there is anybody else you should be talking to in order to learn more. And remember to send a thank you note within 24 hours of your meeting!
For more information and motivation on networking meetings, read Chapter 4 of Guerilla Tactics for Getting the Legal Job of Your Dreams by Case alum Kimm Walton.
Alumni Lists and Case Connections
You've heard the CSO tell you over and over again how important networking can be to your job search, and winter break is the perfect opportunity to get out there and build your network! The CSO maintains the Case Connections database, and also has alumni lists to help you get started. Perhaps you are very interested in corporate law and would like to meet a few local attorneys who practice in that area - the CSO can help! Or maybe you are conducting an out-of-state job search and would like to reach out to some contacts in that particular city/state - contact the CSO! We will be here over winter break, M - F from 8:30am to 5:00pm, so please feel free to stop by, call or send us an email.
What is a Law Firm Holiday Reception Anyway?
This is the time of year when law firms hold holiday receptions, primarily for first year law students. Law firms hold these events over winter break and invite local law students to attend. Some firms issue an open invitation for all law students. Others select students to invite based on the resumes they receive. For some firms the event is intended to introduce students to the firm so they will keep it in mind for their second summer. Other firms use the holiday reception as a screening interview for candidates for first summer positions. If you attend one of these receptions you can expect to mingle with attorneys from the firm and your fellow law students, often in a cocktail party setting. You will want to make a point of speaking with as many attorneys as you can during the reception. Research the firm ahead of time and and ask questions about the firm in general, the summer program, and the attorneys' areas of practice.
Crain's 2007 Forty Under 40 Reception
Interested in business law? Are you a JD/MBA candidate? If so, consider attending Crain's Cleveland Business' Forty Under 40 Reception. You'll have the opportunity to mix and mingle with the best of Northeast Ohio's rising business stars - a great networking event! Tickets must be purchased in advance - to register please click here.
What: Crain's Cleveland Business' Forty Under 40 Reception
When: Monday, November 19, 2007
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Where: Executive Caterers at Landerhaven
6111 Landerhaven Drive
Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
Tickets: $55.00 - enjoy passed hors d'oeuvers and a selection of appetizers
American Bar Association's Law Student Mentoring Program
Interested in learning more about a specific practice area? Want to know what is like to practice law on a day to day basis? Looking for networking opportunities?
Then check out the ABA's Law Student Mentoring Certificate Program. This program, organized by the ABA General Practice, Small Firm & Solo Division, will introduce you to the practical aspects of being a lawyer through various activities and interaction with your mentor.
The great thing about this mentor program is it's flexibilty. You are able to pick your own mentor and tailor the program’s criteria to your interests. You can also complete the program at your own pace, so long as you complete all the required materials by the deadline date.
Who is Eligible?
As a law student you are eligible to participate in the program, so long as you are a member of the ABA and GP|Solo Division. The ABA’s annual dues for law students is $25.00. Membership to GP|Solo is free.
What will I need to do?
Certificate requirements include attending bar association events, talking with your mentor about rainmaking and client devlopment, and attending court activities, ADR meetings, or other legal proceedings.
Who can Serve as a Mentor?
You are free to choose any licensed attorney practicing any legal area in any legal setting to serve as a mentor, regardless of the attorney’s membership status with the ABA or GP|Solo.
Getting Started!
Click here to read FAQ's about the program, view the requirements, and register for the program.
Networking: Alumni Want to Hear From You!
If you attended the CSO’s Job Searching Beyond the Fall Interview Program Workshop yesterday, you heard a lot about the benefits of networking. Recently while meeting with alumni to obtain advice for current students, the topic of networking has also arisen multiple times. When asked whether they receive networking phone calls from current students, many alumni are disappointed to tell the CSO that the answer is no. Not only do these alums want to hear from you about what is new at the law school, but they also want to share advice with you based on their own experiences.
Networking is about building relationships. It can help you establish connections in a certain legal market, obtain advice about law school and legal practice, and learn more about different practice areas. True, networking will not always get you a specific job, but it can help you to gather information that may be useful to you throughout your career. And networking skills are skills you likely will be expected to have throughout your career as an attorney. So start now! You can network at specific events, including conferences and meetings held here at the law school. You can also network by contacting people on your own.
To effectively network on your own, start by creating a list of people to contact, including Case Western Reserve alumni and alumni from your undergraduate institution. Send a short note or make a polite phone call requesting a brief informational meeting at a time that is convenient for the person you are contacting. Talking to strangers can be difficult so prior to the meeting, take some time to prepare by thinking of things you have in common with the person and developing specific questions that the person might be able to answer. Think of the meeting as an opportunity to learn from the person and build your network by asking the person if he or she has suggestions about additional people you might contact to discuss your interests or career goals. After the meeting has occurred, send a thank you note to show you appreciate the person taking time to talk with you.
If you need help identifying a list of people to contact, the CSO is available to help. We are constantly meeting alumni who are willing to talk with students and share career advice. We’re also more than willing to help you prepare for a networking meeting so stop by to schedule an appointment with a counselor.
Intellectual Property Career Fair/ Networking Reception - Sept. 20
The Student Intellectual Property Law Association and the CSO are hosting an Intellectual Property Career Fair/ Networking Event this Thursday, Sept. 20 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm in the Upper Rotunda of the Law School.
Anyone interested in a career in Intellectual Property is invited to attend, including first year students. You will have an opportunity to meet with employers in the Northeast Ohio area that have Intellectual Property practices. This is a great opportunity to network with representatives of these employers! Learn about each employer, what practicing in this field of the law entails and each attorney’s IP career path.
Please keep in mind that this is not an interviewing session and that the primary purpose of this event is to provide as many students as possible with an interest in Intellectual Property an opportunity to speak with the employers that are present.
The participating employers include:
• American Greetings
• Jones Day
• Driggs, Hogg & Fry
• Hahn Loeser
• Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell & Tummino
• Thompson Hine
• Fay Sharpe
• Ulmer & Berne
If you have any questions about the event feel free to contact Kelli in the CSO! We look forward to seeing you on Thursday!
ASLME Health Law Student Conference - October 19
On Friday October 19th the American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics (ASLME) and the University of Pittsburgh School of Law will be holding the first annual Health Law Student conference entitled Taking the Health Law Career Path. The conference aims to provide students interested in exploring a career path in health law with a toolkit for success. The main features of the conference are a plenary session to provide an update on health law, panels on a variety of employment possibilities, and a networking reception.
The day long conference will not include employer interviews but will present four break out sessions offering insight and advice on topics including public interest and legal services, compliance and risk management, government, trade associations and lobbying, management and consulting firms, and in-house counsel. In addition, the featured speaker will be Donna Gerson, author of Choosing Small, Choosing Smart, Job Search Strategies for Lawyers in the Small Firm Market. For a complete agenda please feel free to stop by the Career Services Office.
For additional information about the conference and to register please visit www.aslme.org
Registration is $ 35.00 per student and will cover materials and meals.
This conference will be a great program for students interested in exploring health law careers! If you have any questions please feel free to contact the CSO.
Five Obstacles to Overcome to Working a Room
According to Hillary Mantis, author of Jobs for Lawyers: Effective Techniques for Getting Hired in Today's Legal Marketplace, there are five major impediments that must be overcome in order to successfully work a room.
1. An agressive approach to socializing is impolite - We have grown up believing that it is tacky to use people for personal gain. Being polite means being unobtrusive, not asking direct questions, not talking about our personal lives and drawing as little attention to ourselves as possible. But, by freely acknowledging that attending an event is good for you because it will provide you with the opportunity to network, create connections with potential employers, etc., you will eliminate the feeling of "dishonesty" and "tackiness" and be able to enjoy the event.
2. One should not talk to strangers - Ever since we were children our parents instilled a fear in us about talking to people we did not know. One way to overcome this obstacle would be to consider what we have in common with others at the event. Are they fellow law students or alumni or supporters of a political candidate? Determining the common bond makes it easier to approach people because they are no longer "strangers." You can then begin a conversation based on the common bond.
3. One needs to be properly introduced - Because it is not always feasible to be introduced by a mutual acquaintance you may need to "properly introduce" yourself. Design a 10-15 second introduction that is clear, interesting and well-delivered. Your goal should be not only to tell people who you are, but also to give people a pleasant experience of you. Naturally, what you say will depend on the nature of the event. Remember, the most important person to introduce yourself to is the host. It is that person's job to make sure everyone is having a good time and the host will help you to meet other people in the room.
4. Fear of rejection - This obstacle is more imagined than real. Very few people will be openly hostile or rude. To help overcome this fear, try adapting a "host mentality." Hosts are concerned with the comfort of others and actively contribute to that comfort. By focusing on making others feel welcomed and included, you will become more comfortable.
5. Discomfort with small talk - If you read a newspaper, you are ready for small talk! Also, reading special interest publications can give you a quick overview of what is happening in any business/legal region.
Art at the Bar
The Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts Committee and the Young Lawyers Section of the Cleveland Bar are hosting an event called Art at the Bar on January 31 from 5-7 p.m. This event will feature 20 prominent local artists courtesy of Artist Review Today Showcase. This is a great opportunity for students interested in Law and the Arts to network. If you are interested in attending you must rsvp by sending an email to askerl@clevelandbar.org with "VLA - art at the bar rsvp" in the subject line.
Case University Career Networking Night
Interested in networking with local Case Western Reserve University alumni? On January 23, 2007 the University Alumni Relations Office will be hosting a Career Networking Night at National City Bank in Cleveland. This event is an opportunity for current undergraduate juniors and seniors and graduate students to develop networking contacts with Case alumni.
While there will likely be law school alumni in attendance, this event is open to all University alumni so don’t miss this opportunity to meet and mingle with Case graduates of various backgrounds living and working in and around Cleveland.
If you are interested in attending you must RSVP as soon as possible by registering online at http://www.case.edu/alumni/network/cleveland.html or contacting the Office of University Alumni Relations at 800.866.6280.
If you have any questions about this event please feel free to call the Office of University Alumni Relations at the phone number above.
'Tis the Season for Networking!
This winter, be sure to take advantage of all of the networking opportunities that holiday parties and gatherings inevitably provide. Remember, you should be prepared to network in every professional or social situation. Make an effort to introduce yourself to new people at these events, keeping in mind that although not everyone you meet will be a lawyer, chances are they know a lawyer. You want to find a way to casually work into the conversation the fact that you are a law student at Case Western and you’re actively researching the legal market. Don’t forget that, according to author Kimm Walton in her book “Guerrilla Tactics for Getting the Legal Job of Your Dreams,” statistics show that 90% of legal jobs (both first and lateral jobs) are the result of effective networking. There are countless success stories of students who found their dream jobs through networking with casual contacts at parties and picnics. So enjoy the holiday season and be sure to use the festivities to your advantage. Happy networking!
Networking & Informational Interviewing
Questions to Ask in an Informational Interview
• I know that you graduated from Case but could you tell me a little bit more about your background?
• How did you decide on the practice area that you are in now?
• What did you do during the summers in law school and would you recommend the same experiences to me?
• What classes did you find most useful or the least useful in preparing for the bar exam?
• Can you tell me more about what you do on a daily basis?
• What is the most interesting project you have worked on lately?
• What do you find most challenging about your work?
• What do you find most rewarding about your work?
• As someone who is new to the legal field, can you tell me about the legal market here in Cleveland?
• If I am interested in a career similar to yours do you have any specific advice for me?
Long Distance Searches/ Interviews
• I know that you graduated from Case but could you tell me a little bit more about how you got from Cleveland to this city?
• How did you find the job market when you relocated to this city?
• How is the current legal market in this state and this city?
• As a student who has been studying in Ohio, do you have any advice regarding classes I should be taking to prepare for the bar exam in this state?
• If I am committed to relocating to this city after graduation do you have any specific advice for me?
Always ask “is there anyone else that you think I should talk to?”
Always thank the contact for their time.
After the Interview
• Always send thank you notes
• Always follow up with your contacts
• Debrief yourself – keep note cards with the name & contact information of each contact including when and how you met, anything personal or relevant they mentioned (interests, activities, spouse, children, etc.)
- Use these notes to re-initiate contacts that may have cooled or to keep in touch as your job search progresses. Send articles, point of conferences, CLEs, etc.
NYC Law Department Annual Diversity Reception
The New York City Law Department's Annual Diversity Reception for law students will be held on Monday, October 30, 2006, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the New York County Lawyers' Association at 14 Vesey Street. Each year, the Law Department invites law students and recent graduates to attend the panel discussion on careers at the Law Department, followed by a brief cocktail reception.
Corporation Counsel Michael Cardozo will introduce this year's key note speaker, former Mayor David Dinkins.
To RSVP, students should either e-mail recruitment@law.nyc.gov or call (212) 788-1687.
The Value of Informational Interviewing
If you want to practice in a place to which you have few or no connections, networking is critical and informational interviewing is one way to build a network. In an informational interview you are gathering information, not interviewing for a job.
First, you need to develop a list of people to contact for informational interviews. Consider alumni (the CSO can help with this), friends, faculty, college alumni, and former employers. Next, send a letter or email requesting an informational interview (we can help with this too), and follow up with a phone call if you don’t hear back.
Then, you need to prepare for the interview. It is essential for you to prepare questions in advance. In addition, you need to be ready to discuss your goals and interests. In addition to gathering information about practice in a particular location or in a certain area of practice, it is possible that the person you meet with will be in a position to help you – suggest others to talk with, think of you when an opening comes up at their place of employment, even forward your resume to a few people they know.
Examples of questions for you to ask include: tell me about your job, what do you like and dislike about it, what sort of training/experience does your position require, what is the employment outlook in this geographic area and for “x” area of law, what path did you take to get here, do you know of others I might talk to, do you know of employers that may be in a position to hire a law clerk/new attorney, what advice do you have for me as I search for a job?
Be sure to send a thank you after the informational interview and to stay in touch with that person.
We know many of you are skeptical, but the majority of job openings are never advertised, so informational interviewing and networking often leads to employment!
Business Cards
Many students purchase business cards to hand out at networking events, alumni receptions, and the like. You don't have to do this, but it is an easy way for you to pass along your name and contact information. If you do want business cards, Case's printing services will print them for you. The cards contain the following information: The Case logo, the school(s) that you attend (e.g., School of Law, Weatherhead School of Management), your name, class year, home address, phone, email, and the school(s) website. The cost is as follows, payable by cash or check (payable to Case Printing):
100 cards = $20
250 cards = $30
500 cards = $40
Please drop by the CSO and ask for the form to order business cards.
American Bar Association's Law Student Mentoring Certificate Program
Interested in learning more about a specific practice area? Want to know what is like to practice law on a day to day basis? Looking for networking opportunities?
Then check out the ABA's Law Student Mentoring Certificate Program. This program, organized by the ABA General Practice, Small Firm & Solo Division, will introduce you to the practical aspects of being a lawyer through various activities and interaction with your mentor.
The great thing about this mentor program is it's flexibilty. You are able to pick your own mentor and tailor the program’s criteria to your interests. You can also complete the program at your own pace, so long as you complete all the required materials by the deadline date.
Who is Eligible?
As a law student you are eligible to participate in the program, so long as you are a member of the ABA and GP|Solo Division. The ABA’s annual dues for law students is $20.00. Membership to GP|Solo is free.
What will I need to do?
Certificate requirements include attending bar association events, talking with your mentor about rainmaking and client devlopment, and attending court activities, ADR meetings, or other legal proceedings.
Who can Serve as a Mentor?
You are free to choose any licensed attorney practicing any legal area in any legal setting to serve as a mentor, regardless of the attorney’s membership status with the ABA or GP|Solo.
Getting Started!
Click here to read FAQ's about the program, view the requirements, and register for the program.
Interested in IP Law? Then Attend the IP Career Fair/ Networking Event!
The Student Intellectual Property Law Association and the CSO are hosting an Intellectual Property Career Fair/ Networking Event this Friday, Sept. 15 from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm in the Upper Rotunda of the Law School.
Anyone interested in a career in Intellectual Property is invited to attend. You will have an opportunity to meet with six firms in the Northeast Ohio area that have Intellectual Property practices. This is a great opportunity to network with representatives of these firms! Learn about each firm, what practicing in this field of the law entails and each attorney’s IP career path.
Please keep in mind that this is not an interviewing session and that the primary purpose of this event is to provide as many students as possible with an interest in Intellectual Property an opportunity to speak with the firms that are present.
The participating firms include:
• Amin, Turocy, & Calvin
• Benesch, Friedlander, Coplan & Aronoff
• Driggs, Hogg & Fry
• Hahn Loeser
• Tarolli, Sundheim, Covell & Tummino
• Thompson Hine
If you have any questions about the event feel free to contact Kelli in the CSO! We look forward to seeing you on Friday!