Message to 2020 Law Graduates

Dear 2020 Law Graduates:

Congratulations on finishing law school!

Graduating from law school with huge student loan debt and without a job is an anxiety-inducing and confidence-waning experience. That experience is significantly worse when law firms are undergoing layoffs and salary cuts. Time is tough. Just hold on. You’ll get through it.?

I can relate to what you're going through now. I graduated law school in the aftermath of the Great Recession. Even though the Great Recession was much less dramatic than the current crisis, I struggled to find a job. I applied to every job posting I saw only to receive a rejection letter soon after. While I learned in law school that networking can help with finding jobs, I didn’t care for it. Out of desperation, however, I started to network earnestly. Now, I can attribute most of my career opportunities to networking. Since then, I have picked up a few tips that helped me overcome my discomfort with networking and build meaningful professional relationships. I’d like to share what I’ve learned with you in hopes of getting you through this difficult time.?

1. Figure out what you can contribute.

It's easy to fall into the trap of feeling small when you are jobless, particularly if you are a woman or belong to a minority. You are networking with people who are more senior and more experienced than you, so you feel intimidated as if you have nothing to offer. While it's true that you probably don't yet possess career wisdom or access to a vast professional network, you do have something to offer. You have curiosity and creativity. You have gravitas and gratitude. Think deeply and broadly about what you can contribute and carry that with you. You will feel motivated and confident, and that will shine through.?

2. Expand your network to all potential colleagues and clients.

While senior attorneys in your interested field might be the best resource for career advice, anyone can be your eyes and ears for career opportunities. Additionally, you will need to collaborate with attorneys in related areas of practice and other professionals such as accountants or insurance agents. Your clients will come from varying backgrounds with differing needs. Figure out who these people might be and get to know them. They will be stakeholders of your career.?

3. Focus on your long term professional development, not your immediate need for a job.

I know that is tough to do when unpaid bills are mounting. However, your mindset matters. Assuming you are networking with a seasoned attorney whose career you would like to model after. When you're desperate for a job, you are bound to ask these wrong questions:

• Do you have a job for me?
• Do you know anyone who might have a job for me?
• Can I work for you as an unpaid intern to shadow you?

On the other hand, when you focus on long term professional development, you would likely ask,

• What motivates you to select this career path?
• What made you successful in your career?
• What surprised you about your career choice?

The first set of questions make you appear needy and self-centered. The second set of questions will help you come off as inquisitive and driven. More importantly, it will help you gain important insights about your aspired career that will help you succeed and survive the next economic crisis.?

It will take some time before the economy recovers. What you do now to build your professional network will be the launch pad for your career. I wish you great success.

Sincerely,

Previous Owner of The Shoe You're Walking In Now