How to pick who to Network with in a Firm? Forum

[heymom]

Just got 2L grades back. I'm sitting at median, and know that I should start hustling to build connections well before OCI. But how do you decide who exactly to approach in a firm, do you just pick someone that went to your law school or do you go by who is in a position of more power? Also, the person you contact in a firm doesn't respond do you approach someone else in the same firm or is that bad?

As a side note does anyone know what a "director," and "principal" in a law firm is? Sorry if that is a stupid question as it is used in some firms here in the South.

Appreciate the advice.

[sap]

Can't speak to the south, but some firms call partners "principals." If you're seeing "director" used in the same context, I'd assume it's the same situation (though if there's a "director" who's also a "partner" or "principal" you're seeing, that means the person has some additional position, like managing partner or whatever).

I don't really have networking advice for you.

[DoveBodyWash]

Sometimes it can depend on how the firm is structured. Sometimes firms that are P.C.'s will refer to their partners as Principals, or Directors or something. I've heard "Shareholder" too at some place too. Technically if the firm isn't an LLP or LP, there are no "partners" since it's not a partnership.

[Lwoods]

You want to network with people who will want to help you. If you're cold e-mailing an attorney just because he or she is at a good firm, it should be someone from either your law school or undergrad (usually the former). If their are multiple attorneys from the same firm, try to pinpoint whom you'd most like to be friends with. It's not a perfect science, but cold e-mailing is one of the less productive types of networking there is.

The thing to remember with networking is that it's better to do so with a first year associate who will actually help you out than with a partner who couldn't care less about you.
Now, obviously, the ideal is if a managing or hiring partner with an excellent reputation among his or her peers is trying to get you in at his/her firm and/or giving you names of other attorneys in the field who may be hiring and allow you to drop his/her name.
As for the first-year associate you hit it off with? Chances are, she won't be able to get you any interviews directly, but she can act as another set of eyes to critique your resume, introduce you to other lawyers, boost your confidence, and alert you about local job openings (bc she's getting emails from recruiters that you aren't).
But chances are you're not going to get either type of contact through a cold e-mail. You get that type of contact by asking your parents if they have any friends like that, asking former bosses if they know anyone, getting involved in cross-generational organizations, or getting involved at your church.

By all means, email attorneys at firms you like. It doesn't hurt to make contacts, create allies, and give a face to a name. But don't stop there. It's called networking because you jump from contact to contact to get from one end of the net to the other. People help people they know and like. Just keep that in mind.

[heavoldgotjuice]

Here are my 2 cents ...

Do not specifically target persons to "network" with. Yes, be friendly with every one you come into contact with - but naturally you will "network" with those whose personalities correspond with your own.

"Gunning" in the office could be seen as annoying because partners/associates/whomever are real people, so they can tell what is genuine and what is fake.

Be yourself, be assertive, be polite, and the networking will occur on it's own. I just wouldn't suggest targeting certain individuals and trying to please them - it could come off as awkward/annoying/some-other-negative-term.

However, if you just happen to be the type-A type of person, then obviously target the partners and the popular/friendly ones. Those who you would target in any social situation obviously carries over from personal to work life --> those who can provide the most value to you will be the one's you should target (e.g., partners/populars = valuable because of their position/ties). Conversely, I would not target those around the office that are disliked or have little social value. Not sure how else to explain.

It seems like common sense to me.

[heymom]

Thanks for the replies. I just find it hard to "naturally" network with people over the summer without contacting someone unsolicited. I keep getting bombarded with the CSO stating to make sure to expand your network in order to get a foot in the door for next summer. Frankly, I know there is a remote chance of meeting someone that will say "Oh you're awesome here's a job," but I think if I refrain from cold e-mailing it will make it much harder to stick out of the crowd during the 2L summer job search, as I am at median.