Networking: Building Professional Relationships as a Law Student
Networking is a crucial skill for law students that can significantly impact their career paths. Whether you're seeking internships, mentorship, or future job opportunities, effective networking is essential. As a law student at Queen Mary, you'll have ample opportunities to connect with a diverse community of legal minds. However, knowing where to begin and how to make networking feel genuine can be challenging. I'll share my advice based on my experiences, and as someone still adjusting to networking.
Why Networking Matters in Law
In the legal profession, who you know can be as important as what you know. While strong academic performance and legal knowledge are essential, your connections can often be the key to opening doors to opportunities that might not be advertised or widely known. Networking helps you tap into insights, gain valuable advice, and discover opportunities that could give you a competitive edge.
One often overlooked aspect of networking is the opportunity to establish meaningful connections. For example, networking with your peers can be as valuable as networking with a partner from a law firm. This experience can make your university journey a little less daunting, especially if you know someone who is in the same position as you.
Make the Most of Queen Mary's Resources
We have established there is a wealth of networking opportunities available to you, but how do you utilise them?
- QM Law Society Events: The Queen Mary Law Society is an excellent starting point. They frequently host networking events with top law firms at their offices and on campus. These events offer you a unique opportunity to meet and engage with professionals in a more relaxed setting, where you can ask questions about their career paths, work culture, and advice for aspiring lawyers. Attending these events is a chance to learn more about the work law firms do and the kind of people that work there.
- Career Fairs & Workshops: Keep an eye out for career fairs and workshops organised by the university. These events are filled with representatives from various law firms and chambers who are there to interact with students. Approach these opportunities to learn about different practice areas and understand what firms are looking for in potential hires.
- Guest Speaker Series: The Law school often invites experienced professionals to speak about different aspects of legal practice. Take advantage of these sessions as a learning opportunity and a chance to introduce yourself afterwards. Most speakers are happy to share their contact details or offer further guidance, but it’s up to you to take that first step. The Human Rights Law Centre (HRLC) hosts events throughout the year on specific topics, which offers an excellent opportunity to talk to people who share the same interests as you.
- Alumni Network: The QMUL alumni network is incredibly active and willing to support current students. Reach out to alumni via LinkedIn or through the university’s mentoring schemes. They’ve walked the path you’re on now and can provide valuable insights and advice.
Be Proactive and Genuine in Your Approach
Networking is more than just attending events; it's about actively engaging and building relationships. When you meet someone, take the time to have a genuine conversation. People can tell when you’re only interested in what they can do for you, so focus on getting to know them, their journey, and their interests. Ask thoughtful questions, listen actively, and share your own experiences and goals.
When I started attending networking events, I was worried about appearing too eager or not knowing the "right" things to say. The truth is there’s no magic formula. The most memorable connections I’ve made were with people I spoke to naturally, without overthinking it. Don’t be afraid to let your personality show—authenticity goes a long way in making a lasting impression.
Focus on Quality, Not Quantity
When it comes to networking, it's easy to believe that having more connections is better. However, simply having a large number of connections on LinkedIn doesn't hold much value if you haven't established genuine relationships with them. It's more advantageous to have a few meaningful connections that you can nurture over time, rather than a vast network of individuals who barely know you.
I suggest connecting with a small group of people who genuinely interest you or who are involved in fields you'd like to explore. From my experience, trying to connect with every single person is counterproductive, as it can flood your feed with content that doesn't interest you. Therefore, it's important to ask yourself what you hope to gain from a specific connection, which can help filter out things that don't interest you.
Follow Up and Show Appreciation
Don't forget to follow up after networking. After meeting someone at an event, send a short email or LinkedIn message to thank them for their time. Mention something specific you discussed to help them remember the conversation and strengthen the connection. For example, you could say, "It was great speaking with you at the Queen Mary Law Society event. I appreciated your insights on commercial law and would love to stay in touch."
Expressing gratitude is a simple yet effective way to be memorable and make a positive impression. It demonstrates that you value the other person's time and are genuinely interested in developing a relationship beyond your initial interaction.
Final Thoughts
Networking is not just a box to check off on your journey through Law school; it's a skill that can significantly impact your career. Focus on being proactive and genuine, and you will start to build a strong professional network. And one last thing: Do not put too much pressure on yourself to "network" perfectly. It's a learning process, and every interaction is a chance to get better at it. So be yourself and start building connections. You never know where they might lead.
Written by Iqra Abdul