How to benefit most meeting with attorneys as a student? Forum

[mh33]

I'm beginning law school in the fall at a school in my home city where the majority of grads stay to practice and have a strong presence in all of the big firms. Through my HS/College alumni network I have found a lot of attorneys that I am going to reach out to in the next few weeks to fill the down time between work and the start of school.

Can any of you offer suggestions as to what questions I should be asking to really get the most out of the opportunity? And also, what can I do to cultivate the relationship to maintain contact with that person, maybe as a mentor of sorts? I'm just trying to manage my expectations and make the most of these meetings so that I can really learn something and possibly build a relationship. Thanks.

[Devlin]

Just ask insightful questions about his line of work. Questions that will show you are truly interested in the work he does and questions that will show you have knowledge about the work he does. People love to talk about themselves.

[LAWYER2]

ask if they wouldn't mind reading over a few practice essays or legal writing assignments to give you feedback. (not your actual assignments though, honor-code violation)

[Kafkaesquire]

Don't ask questions you know are bullshit. Ask questions you don't want to hear the answer to. They'll appreciate that, and you'll need to hear them tell you, anyway.

For example,

Ask them why being a lawyer is overrated.

Tell them sincerely what you want and what you think it is, and then ask them why it isn't going to be what you want or what you think it is.

Those are the best questions, right there. You need to break that idea of being an attorney that you have. It sucks, but if you still stick around at least you'll have the right reasons.

[utlaw2007]

Just ask them questions that you honestly want to ask. Ask them to clarify things you might be unclear about. Ask interesting questions. Ask real questions. Those are the questions I would want asked to me. I entertain all kinds of questions. I like answering all types of questions, but interesting questions make it more interesting. You don't want to ask rude questions. But in my opinion, be as sincere as possible. That is the best way to bond with anyone. Bonding with attorneys is no different.