K-JD Navigating a New Place Forum

[Anonymous User]

Up until this point in my life, I have always had school to make new friends when I moved to new places. But now that I moved for a job in a fairly big market (with no family or friends anywhere close), I am wondering how do people make friends as a first year associate? While colleagues are fine and good, the majority aren't really in the same place in life (i.e. single) and the ones that are are few and far between. I don't really have the time to join things like sports leagues. Do people join bar associations? Make it work with the colleagues? Give up and move back to somewhere that has family and friends?

[mirage1287]

Make it work with the colleagues. As you already know you probably won't have time for much of this, but do your best to try things like meetups, sports groups, etc. The real world isn't much like college or law school - it's not easy to make real friendships with people because you don't get as many chances to interact socially with others.

[lapolicia]

I had some of the same issues when I moved to an area after law school where I did not know anyone. If you have colleagues that are approximately your age (your age plus 10 years or so) , even if they are married and you're not, that's a good place to start. Go to happy hours at work and get lunch with colleagues, or organize some if you don't have too much going on in the office. Another great place to look is your law school or ugrad alumni network. They probably have some happy hours going on in your area or some sports watching events. Those are great places to meet people. Also, don't be afraid to ask your friends from back home/school if they know anyone in the area. It's a little embarrassing to do, but I've met some cool people that way. Finally, join some activities like touch football or softball. Those are a great way to meet people too.

It's been a few years since law school ended, and many of my friends have been looking and finding jobs back where they're from, closer to good friends and family. Others have really settled down in their new cities, many meeting their husbands/wives and starting families and finding lots of friends. It really depends on how much you get out there, and frankly, a lot of luck. I'm kind of in between those two groups, and my near term plans still include finding a job and going back to my home metro area to be closer to my family and friends, but I have a real life in my new city too after a lot of effort.

[romothesavior]

Bar associations for sure. That's how I've made many of my friends. Through them, hopefully you meet more people, ideally non-lawyers as well.

A friend or two from the office doesn't hurt either.

[AreJay711]

Tinder. Get a few consistent hookups and latch onto their friends.

[GOATlawman]

Tinder. Get a few consistent hookups and latch onto their friends.

Tinder is dead these days bro they absolutely destroyed the app with the moments update