I have always found networking to be one of the most challenging aspects of building a legal career. While many people encourage law students to connect with lawyers, reach out to seniors, and attend professional events, initiating conversations with people I have never met does not come naturally to me.
Over time, I have tried sending LinkedIn connection requests and following professionals whose work I admire, but these interactions rarely develop into meaningful conversations or long-term professional relationships. As a result, I often wonder whether I am approaching networking the wrong way or simply relying on strategies that do not suit my personality.
How can students build genuine professional relationships in the legal profession without relying solely on cold messaging or superficial interactions?
Hi there,
The biggest misconception about networking is that it’s about talking to as many people as possible. It isn’t. Networking, especially in law, is simply the process of being remembered for the right reasons.
As an introvert, you don’t have to become the loudest person in the room. In fact, trying to imitate an extrovert often comes across as forced and becomes exhausting/annoying. Instead, play to the strengths that introverts naturally have: (i) they usually listen better; (ii) ask more thoughtful questions; and (iii) build deeper relationships over time.
A few things that I wish someone had told me as a law student:
- Stop trying to “network”. Start trying to learn.
People can sense when someone reaches out only because they want an internship or a favour. Instead, approach someone because you’re genuinely curious about something they’ve done. Don’t send:
“Hi Ma’am, I’m a law student. Please guide me.”
Send something like:
“I recently read your article on emergency arbitration. There was one point about interim relief that I hadn’t considered before. I was wondering how that principle works in practice.”
One thoughtful question is worth far more than fifty generic LinkedIn messages.
- You don’t need fifty connections. You need five people who remember you.
The legal profession is surprisingly small. Focus on building a handful of genuine relationships: with a senior from college, a professor, someone you interned under, or a lawyer whose work genuinely interests you. Stay in touch occasionally. Share an article. Congratulate them on a publication. Ask an informed question every few months.
Relationships are built through consistency, not frequency.
- Networking doesn’t begin after the event. It begins before it.
If you’re attending a conference, don’t walk in hoping to meet everyone. Pick two or three speakers beforehand. Read about their work. Attend their session. Afterwards, ask one question that couldn’t have been asked without actually listening.
Lawyers remember thoughtful questions far more than polished introductions.
- Give before you ask.
One of the easiest ways to build goodwill is to contribute. Maybe you attended a seminar and prepared neat notes. Maybe you found an interesting judgment relevant to someone’s practice area. Maybe you noticed a recent legislative change. Share something useful without expecting anything in return.
People remember those who consistently add value.
- Don’t underestimate the power of doing good work.
Some of the strongest professional relationships are built during internships. Meet deadlines. Be dependable. Ask intelligent questions. Accept feedback well. Those qualities create advocates who recommend you years later:often without you even knowing. Your reputation is networking.
Lastly, remember that networking isn’t a personality test. It’s a long-term investment in trust.
As an introvert, you may never enjoy walking into a room full of strangers. That’s okay. You don’t need to. You just need to make a few people leave a conversation thinking, “I’d like to work with this person again.”
That, in my experience, is far more valuable than having hundreds of contacts who barely remember your name.
Wishing you all the best.