Are You Networking or Card Collecting?

Networking is a critical skill law students and young lawyers need to develop.  Ari Kaplan, a motivational speaker and career coach, says networking is key to get ahead in a tough economy. “Collecting business cards is not enough. You need to establish a connection and have leverage technology to follow up. Meeting somebody is just the first step, but keeping in touch with them is the real key.”

People often mistake attending events, getting business cards, and following up once as networking. That is card collecting and it will not help your career - but building relationships will.

You can build relationships by serving on committees in the community, volunteering for charities, or joining networking groups. Being a “member” is not enough; you need to take an active role. Firms encourage and appreciate such involvement. Just ask Katie Anderson, Senior Counsel at Strasburger in Dallas, who encourages young associates to get involved with community and charity organizations they are passionate about.  She notes, “Our firm really encourages this and firmly believes it makes for happier lawyers, who also start to build a network of people who come to like and trust them both professionally and personally.

Develop your networking skills by building relationships that allow people to like and trust you. It will enhance your life - professionally and personally.

Do You Have a Good Training Program for Your Legal Career?

Merriam-Webster defines endurance as permanence, duration, and the ability to withstand hardship or adversity. Endurance is important to your legal career - it gives you staying power and perseverance. I have run 3 marathons and 5 half-marathons; I believe anyone can complete a marathon. The key is to build your endurance, and endurance is built by having a good training program.

Do you have a good "training program" for your legal career?

Before or during law school, ask yourself the following:

1. Do I want to practice law and if so, why?
2. Which areas of law do not interest me?
3. What are my goals for law school?
4. What are my goals upon graduation?
5. What are my life experiences or skills?
6. How can these experiences or skills help me reach my goals?
7. What are my interests outside of law school?
8. How can these interests help me reach my goals?
9. Do I have a mentor? If not, how do I find a mentor?
10. What do I want to learn from a mentor?

Your answers will help formulate your training program. For example, I have always enjoyed running and knew the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers put on The Freedom Run, an annual 5K race. During law school I joined their committee, which allowed me to combine my interest in running with my goal to develop relationships in the legal community.

Start building your endurance now - create a training program that will help you have a long and successful career.