Alston Lew will be an associate attorney at the workers' compensation defense firm of Nakamoto Chou, LLP in their San Jose office. Alston attributes landing his job to a combination of networking, enthusiasm and persistence. by Alston Lew (GGU JD 12)
In law school we were frequently told that we need to start networking to build connections to help us professionally. Several classmates have told me they do not like networking because they find it to be awkward and seemingly artificial. One classmate likened the experience to being put into a play without lines and being expected to perform. If I learned anything about networking, it's that it's not a natural thing in the beginning, but like everything else, you have to practice and work at it until it becomes more natural.
Despite the initial awkwardness, try and get the attorney's business card. Often if you offer yours, they will respond in kind. I am amazed at how many attorneys don't carry cards. If you have your own, you can jot down their contact information on the back of one of your cards. Then move on and meet more people. (Being able to exchange cards and market yourself is all part of business development, and impresses attorneys to help you since it shows you understand that growing connections can lead to business referrals.)
Then here comes the most important part - follow-up! I spend almost as much time sending emails, LinkedIn requests and asking select attorneys out for coffee or lunch than I do attending network events. Whether on the back of one of your cards or theirs, write down the attorney's practice area as well as some interesting facts you learned about them. When you do follow up, you will potentially have some good information to mention in your correspondence or subsequent get-together. At events, I make a point of asking attorneys whether they plan to be at other events, and then I show up at those events to build on my relationship with them. What often starts as awkward initial interactions becomes stronger connections, and in some instances, friendships. (Another way to grow and strengthen connections is to become involved in bar association committees. The other attorneys on the committee can also see how reliable and competent you are.)
I landed my new position at Nakamoto Chou due to persistence and enthusiasm for learning the field (in spite of my inexperience with workers' comp), and because of two entirely different connections that I developed. First, one of my connections heard about the job and contacted me, and separately an associate at the Nakamoto Chou firm, (who was good friends with another one of my connections), put in a good word about me to the hiring partner. In addition, others in my network who handle workers' compensation cases helped me prepare for my interviews. My network of connections was a huge part of helping me obtain my new position - I very much wish you the same success.
