Law Students

The Art of Networking: Lessons Not Taught in the Classroom
By:  Latoya Merida, Law Student Liaison to TYLA

Torts, Contracts, and Criminal Procedure are all substantive courses incorporated in the curriculum at most law schools. As important and invaluable as these subjects are to our future careers, the lessons that we learn in the classroom are only the beginning to having a successful legal career. Unfortunately, networking, a topic that is just as important, is not taught. In fact, networking is comparable to art, it either comes naturally or it requires a lot of practice.

Although law schools don't provide education on how to network, most provide numerous networking opportunities. Whether they be social happy hours, CLEs, or educational programs hosted on campus such as the State Bar of Texas Law Student Division Programs, they are great opportunities to meet new people. It is extremely uncomfortable to walk up to an absolute stranger and begin a conversation, but sometimes as students we must step outside of our comfort zone and get the job done. Taking advantage of these opportunities is a must, and it will be extremely beneficial to a success career.

Joining organizations and making connections with the general student body is also another form of networking. Eventually you and your classmates will become lawyers, and it will be extremely beneficial to call someone that you genuinely have a relationship with for help. It also serves as a way to generate business, through referrals. This aspect of networking will be more natural because it will be your friends and not complete strangers.

By no means is there a “cookie cutter” explanation on how to network. It looks different for everyone. However, as law students, we will thank ourselves later for learning this invaluable lesson, because it will continue throughout our entire legal career. The next time your school hosts an event, attend, meet new people, and network!

Latoya Merida is a student at Thurgood Marshall School of Law and currently serves as the Law Student Liaison to TYLA.