Question about networking with attorneys at other firms while working at my firm Forum

[Anonymous User]

Hi all,

I currently work at a v50 in a major city market (NY/TX/CA). I like where I work a lot, but would like to get out there and meet other attorneys at other firms just to see what kind of work they, what other firms are like, and generally get to know other professionals in my city. Toward this end, I was going to start emailing alumni of my law school in other firms to meet for coffee just to get out there and create another avenue for professional development other than the typical CLE/mixer sort of thing. But I am not looking to make any sort of lateral jump at the moment.

Is this sort of things okay? As in, would there be any backfire/trouble from my current firm for messaging other attorneys at other places for coffee etc?

[BlendedUnicorn]

Hi all,

I currently work at a v50 in a major city market (NY/TX/CA). I like where I work a lot, but would like to get out there and meet other attorneys at other firms just to see what kind of work they, what other firms are like, and generally get to know other professionals in my city. Toward this end, I was going to start emailing alumni of my law school in other firms to meet for coffee just to get out there and create another avenue for professional development other than the typical CLE/mixer sort of thing. But I am not looking to make any sort of lateral jump at the moment.

Is this sort of things okay? As in, would there be any backfire/trouble from my current firm for messaging other attorneys at other places for coffee etc?

Why dont you join a bar association or take som CLEs or find some sort of pro bono thing in your area where you can work and interact with other lawyers more organically (or your law schools regional alum association). Like networking is 100% ok but cold emailing alums for coffee sounds more like job hunt behavior.

[Anonymous User]

Hi all,

I currently work at a v50 in a major city market (NY/TX/CA). I like where I work a lot, but would like to get out there and meet other attorneys at other firms just to see what kind of work they, what other firms are like, and generally get to know other professionals in my city. Toward this end, I was going to start emailing alumni of my law school in other firms to meet for coffee just to get out there and create another avenue for professional development other than the typical CLE/mixer sort of thing. But I am not looking to make any sort of lateral jump at the moment.

Is this sort of things okay? As in, would there be any backfire/trouble from my current firm for messaging other attorneys at other places for coffee etc?

Why dont you join a bar association or take som CLEs or find some sort of pro bono thing in your area where you can work and interact with other lawyers more organically (or your law schools regional alum association). Like networking is 100% ok but cold emailing alums for coffee sounds more like job hunt behavior.

OP here: yeah this makes more sense, I'm new to the biglaw world in terms of all of the above so I'm trying to get a gauge of what's appropriate, or at least "other ways" to get the same result, so I'll look into those things you said, cheers.

[PeanutsNJam]

Do you have friends from law school who work in other firms? Talk to them.

[lolwat]

I generally meet people through bar stuff stuff. Like LACBA sections and things like that. ABTL. FBA. Inns of Court. Whatever you have locally. You have to choose the right kinds of events for yourself though. I don't go to mixers because they're more like just like parties with a bunch of alcohol.

If you're in SoCal I can help you with some ideas but I don't know enough about other places.