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I RSVPed for a summer reception with a firm (one of those general things sent out to the school listserv) but I'm awkward in a severe way in large groups. I can see the experience ending up as me trying and failing to join conversations, standing around next to a wall/weirdly behind the shoulder of someone in a circle of people, and eventually leaving early. I'd be better in a one-on-one situation like screeners or even something like a CB, but this sort of free-for-all gathering with complete strangers is not my strong suit - there's a 75% chance it'll turn out as described above.

Originally I thought it would be good to get out of my comfort zone and do this, but now I'm having second thoughts. I'm afraid of the experience leaving a bad impression before OCI, but not sure how to balance against any potential negative impact of just not showing up (or giving some shitty excuse).

I think I'm a fairly decent candidate (above median, diversity, WE) besides for this weird social issue. And as I said above, I could do a screener or CB type situation, it's literally just the large gatherings where I don't anyone that turn me into an unbearably awkward person.

Thoughts on whether to skip the event or to suck it up and go? Also any advice on how to be a normal human at these things?

Get your name down on the sheet of paper to show interest and then just pal around a friend from law school the whole time. Chances are nobody will remember you anyways.

star fox wrote:Get your name down on the sheet of paper to show interest and then just pal around a friend from law school the whole time. Chances are nobody will remember you anyways.

Thanks, this was my first thought but none of my law school friends will be there. I don't even think any law school acquaintances will be there as I am in a smaller market this summer that is not close to my school.

If you don't want to go, email the RSVP address/person back, and tell them something came up and you're sorry but can no longer attend. Probably the only way you can actually hurt yourself with a recruiting reception is by RSVPing and then not showing, because they can and do make note of that.

Beyond that, I highly doubt anything you do at a reception is going to hurt you at OCI, short of cursing out a partner or stripping naked and dumping champagne on yourself. The point is to get a feel for the firm and maybe make a contact who you can email later, or whose name you can drop during your screener or a CB. You're not really there to be evaluated. If you're concerned though, just bail, you're not missing out on that much, but I would probably go anyway, despite your social anxiety. Stop by, grab an icewater, and chat with one or two associates standing around by themselves, and then you can bounce, mission accomplished. Everyone there is there because they want to talk to students about how great the firm is, and most of them will likely start conversations with you if you just stand near them looking friendly. It's also a chance to practice a little of your pitch (although don't launch directly into your interview spiel, because it sounds forced, and that's not really what you're there for), and see how people react. I've found them a pretty useful experience in general. If you're not up for it though, just email in advance, and you're good.

Firms know who RSVPs and shows up, that's like 80% of the possible value of the event. People who make an impression can definitely parlay it into a CB but since that doesn't seem to be your goal here, I'd show up - pick up your name tag, have one beer and irish exit.

Attend the event. No one is going to remember you unless you do something outrageous. Also you don't necessarily have to get into big group conversations at these events; there are plenty of opportunities to talk one on one with associates and partners in order to get a feel for the firm.

Anonymous User wrote:I RSVPed for a summer reception with a firm (one of those general things sent out to the school listserv) but I'm awkward in a severe way in large groups. I can see the experience ending up as me trying and failing to join conversations, standing around next to a wall/weirdly behind the shoulder of someone in a circle of people, and eventually leaving early. I'd be better in a one-on-one situation like screeners or even something like a CB, but this sort of free-for-all gathering with complete strangers is not my strong suit - there's a 75% chance it'll turn out as described above.

Originally I thought it would be good to get out of my comfort zone and do this, but now I'm having second thoughts. I'm afraid of the experience leaving a bad impression before OCI, but not sure how to balance against any potential negative impact of just not showing up (or giving some shitty excuse).

I think I'm a fairly decent candidate (above median, diversity, WE) besides for this weird social issue. And as I said above, I could do a screener or CB type situation, it's literally just the large gatherings where I don't anyone that turn me into an unbearably awkward person.

Thoughts on whether to skip the event or to suck it up and go? Also any advice on how to be a normal human at these things?

Yea, as others have mentioned, as long as you don't do anything to stand out (and being a wallflower won't really stand out) it shouldn't matter. Go with a friend, and just hang around them.

But its a good idea to give it a go and be attempt to be social, just to get used to these things. A few firms do these at callbacks (White & Case and Willkie did it for me) and you'll feel more comfortable having a few under your belt.

There will definitely be another shy law student at this thing. Say hi and strike up a conversation. It will make things infinitely less awkward.

When an associate/recruiter sees a group of law students without a lawyer, they will come over and talk to you. Once they come over, just ask them questions whenever theres a lull in the conversation. If nobody from the firm engages you, even better. Eat the free food and leave an hour early.