Swearing-In Ceremony, Check: Next Step, Networking
By New attorneys! Congratulations on your recent swearing-in ceremony. Are you overwhelmed with all the responsibility gained from the transition from law student to licensed attorney? Let me share a brief (not so secret) secret for quickly expanding your network and preparing for years three to six of your career as a licensed attorney. Lean in. Ready?
Be active in the Young Lawyers Division.
That’s it! Join a committee within the Young Lawyers Division (YLD) and get to know other members of the organization well. This will provide you and the other committee members with an opportunity to get to know each other’s abilities as you work on projects and events together. You and the other members now have each other as a resource, whether that be for direct client referrals, questions about a practice area, or support as you enter various stages of your career.
The connections you make while serving within the YLD can serve as future recommendations. Also, remember those networking events you are supposed to attend as attorneys? You now have someone else to giggle with at these events. Remember, our future judges, legislators, or keynote speakers started as YLD members, too. The work that we do on YLD committees is not only rewarding, but can also provide invaluable experience that may translate into skills for future opportunities.
Why should this be your very next step? Because for most people, as careers progress, responsibilities mount, and life changes occur, the reality is that time and energy are limited, making it even more important that you take advantage of the time and energy you have at the beginning of your career to build your network. If you have already put in the work in building your network by the time you reach various crossroads and transitions, it will be much easier to be selective in your networking choices later in your career.
We are so excited to work with you!