tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452025352696285200.post3082032744203624423..comments2024-02-23T04:59:26.907-05:00Comments on But I Did Everything Right!: Networking 101Angelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07820446523257638689noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452025352696285200.post-73058170944050144092009-11-02T14:38:48.715-05:002009-11-02T14:38:48.715-05:00The biggest problem with networking is that people...The biggest problem with networking is that people get laid-off, fired, or what-not; then they think they have to network to get a job. Networks take years to build. If you want the give-take networks, then you have to give and have something to give. The average grad showing up at a networking event with a bunch of business cards will most likely have zip to show for his efforts.<br /><br />When I did taxes, I gave away a lot of advice and even some free work. I have about a 45% return on that investment now. I have to admit, it got me some legal interviews I could not have gotten through traditional avenues or sources. But, the legal market is so saturated; I can't cash in with my little legal experience.The Yuppie Attorneyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05697997369307991468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452025352696285200.post-33607041792086461682009-10-26T10:52:56.886-04:002009-10-26T10:52:56.886-04:00There are two incredibly shortsighted problems wit...There are two incredibly shortsighted problems with your attitude. First, it is a fact that, if you asked (with a smile) 500 lawyers for a job or job leads, you will get a good job as a lawyer. Life is a numbers game. Whether you get laid or get a job (or land clients), you just need to hit on as many opportunities as possible. Second, law is all about getting clients nowadays, not about practicing. So your attitude towards networking tells all partners that you do not have the social skills to get new clients (or keep happy old clients). People who pay you $300 to $500 per hour want friendly, ass-kissing attorneys at their beck and call. That's just the way it is.Site Under Constructionhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17189864304238319094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452025352696285200.post-14114935763567051982009-10-23T11:05:46.335-04:002009-10-23T11:05:46.335-04:00Actually, networking may work if you've alread...Actually, networking may work if you've already gotten the interview... to distinguish you from the crowd. But in my experience, landing the interview is the hardest part. I'm usually a good interview. But if you can have someone call something in for you... that's a good thing. Nothing that can't be accomplished via linkedin or facebook, really.Angel the Lawyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07902928273488771301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452025352696285200.post-90760580634100839422009-10-22T12:44:23.253-04:002009-10-22T12:44:23.253-04:00Right with you, Nando. Exactly what will networki...Right with you, Nando. Exactly what will networking do for a TTT grad with average grades? I didn't get my job as a result of career services advice or a cocktail party. <br /><br />Networking only benefits the trade organizations that host it, the caterers, and the retail clothing stores.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452025352696285200.post-38050441461387197032009-10-22T09:47:35.570-04:002009-10-22T09:47:35.570-04:00I'm glad you posted this, Angel. I get so tir...I'm glad you posted this, Angel. I get so tired of idiots who say, "Network, get your name out there, and don't be afraid to work hard. Good-paying legal work is available to those who search for it." Yeah, sure it is. <br /><br />Hell, even the potheads and alcoholics in law school work hard, study commercial outlines, use flash cards, etc. I have also seen plenty of lawyers work so hard, that they work themselves out of a job (this happens on contract work and doc review all the time). <br /><br />I constantly see older lawyers in Salt Lake (I also saw it in Des Moines), with YEARS of experience, who go to court in worn clothing, cheap shoes, looking disheveled and disorganized. They look like they are miserable and financially struggling. And these are the old bastards who have been doing this for decades!! I got it - maybe they didn't network enough when they were in law school.Nandohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06423524039657355134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5452025352696285200.post-86118289158129589572009-10-21T12:09:48.519-04:002009-10-21T12:09:48.519-04:00I have seen the video you posted earlier and I lau...I have seen the video you posted earlier and I laughed myself to tears. I had so much in common with that virtual law school graduate. The video even reminded me of my first visit to career services. It was the advice of many people in my "network." Doesn't your school have a career placement office?<br /><br />It was a waste of my time and the director's time. I said that I simply wanted a legal job that paid around $40k and she led me instead down a path of philosophical and visionary soul searching. It was no matter that my student loans were due, according to her. I had to find myself and focus my job search.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com