by Susanne Aronowitz
Associate Dean for Law Career Services
"Be an interesting person and show interest in learning someone else's story." This was only some of the networking advice offered by attorney Matthew Ahn, one of several panelists speaking at the Asian American Bar Association's Annual Career Day last Saturday, August 27 at GGU. Ahn, an attorney with Morrison Foerster's San Francisco office, urged students to demonstrate genuine interest in learning about the attorneys they meet, rather than focusing on what that attorney might do to enhance their job prospects. By creating opportunities to connect over shared interests, students can develop relationships that will extend well into their professional careers.
Alameda County Superior Court Judge Stuart Hing suggested that as students meet people, they ask questions to learn about how they got to be where they are. By being an engaged listener, and by being diligent about staying in touch, students can build relationships with role models and enhance their own understanding of how to be successful.
Charles Jung, of Nassiri & Jung LLP, echoed these sentiments. When reaching out to new contacts, he suggested that students offer to buy the attorney lunch. "The goal is not to impress them with how smart you are," he said, but to focus on building a long term relationship. Audra Ibarra, of the Law Office of Audra Ibarra, added that it was essential to find ways of being of service to your contacts. Students often diminish the value that they might offer to attorneys. Instead, she suggested, consider linking your contacts with each other if they have mutual business interests. By connecting them to valuable resources, you can strengthen your ties and your reputation.
Jung also stressed the importance of getting "known for something." By developing expertise in a particular area of law, students will be able to differentiate themselves. Seek opportunities to publish on blogs or in law reviews as a way to both enhance and demonstrate your expertise. The best thing you can do to position yourself for a successful career "is to keep up your skills," he said. "The worst thing you can do is to not develop as a lawyer."
