We've been discussing the importance of networking with our students since the beginning of the school year, and I am a big believe that practice makes perfect. Everyone isn't a natural social butterfly, and that's OK, but if you want to be successful in the legal field, eventually, you're going to have to learn to strike up a conversation with a stranger. To assist in this endeavor, the CDO hosted a Speed Networking Event last night for TLS students and local-area practitioners. Set up in a similar vein to a classic speed dating session, the students were given 3-5 minutes to talk with each practitioner, and as the students rotated around the room, the practitioners wrote down their comments and suggestions about each student's networking style on feedback cards. Each student got the chance to speak with four attorneys, and the short sessions were all about first impressions. After the formal speed networking, we hosted an informal reception for the students and attorneys to continue their conversations. Many thanks to all of the wonderful local attorneys who took part in the event. I think the students definitely benefitted from the program.
Body language, eye contact and short informal conversations can play a large part in interviewing success. For more on this topic, check out the article posted on our
Facebook page today. Have a great week!