LCS Graduate Fellow
“An informational interview at this point in my job search?
Seems like a waste of time.” As a recent graduate waiting for bar results, this
was my exact thought whenever informational interviews were mentioned. I
thought of the process to schedule an informational interview – I would first
have to research local attorneys, learn about the work they do and find ones
that I’m interested in. Then reach out and contact them with hope that the
contact information provided on their website is accurate, knowing that there’s
a slim chance a busy attorney would carve out time for a stranger and a good
chance that attorneys wouldn’t respond. This whole process seemed intimidating
and stressful. What was the point of seeking an interview with an attorney who
doesn’t have a job to offer me?
I quickly learned that I was mistaken when I registered for
LCS’s 30-Minute Mentor
Program a few weeks ago. The 30-Minute Mentor
Program is available for GGU students and recent graduates to connect with GGU
alumni and other attorneys through mentoring informational interviews. I was
given access to a database of 60+ attorneys that I was able to filter by field
of practice, location, current employer, and even practice setting. The best
part is that all of the attorneys in the database have already expressed interest
in providing 30 minute informational interviews with GGU law students and
graduates!
I identified an attorney who I was interested in – a
Corporate Estate Planner in Oakland.
I sent him a message by clicking the “Interested” button under his name and he
immediately replied. I still questioned the value of meeting with him, since no
employment opportunity would be offered as a result of this interview. However,
after speaking with this attorney, I quickly learned how important
informational interviews are, especially
at this point in my job search.
I asked him how he got his first job after law school and if
he had any tips for recent grads in their job search journey. He told me that
after passing the bar exam, he wrote 100 letters to various law firms and
attorneys all over California, showcasing his skills and qualifications, and
asking if they have an available position for him. Out of the 100 letters that
were sent, he received two responses - not for jobs, but for informational
interviews. During his first informational interview, the attorney he met with
told him to use informational interviews as practice for real interviews. Learn
how to dress and speak professionally, how to answer questions quickly, and how
to calm your nerves. The attorney also told him that each time you have an
informational interview you should always leave with two new contacts from that
attorney. During his second informational interview, he said he left the
meeting with two new attorneys to contact. By contacting those two attorneys, he
found his first job.
It is important to remember that informational interviews
are a strong tool to expand your network. You not only add another name to the
list of attorneys you know, but you have the opportunity to show a professional
in the field you’re interest in how qualified and skilled you are. Your network
can continue to grow with referrals received during your informational
interview, and your exposure in your field of interest will increase. This will
assist anyone in their job search immensely.
My attitude toward informational interviews changed
dramatically after registering for the 30-Minute Mentor program. I now find them to be a “must
do” during a job search process. If you would like to register for 30-Minute Mentor and gain access to
a database of attorneys wanting to give you an informational interview, click here.
You can also visit the LCS office and grab an information packet and
registration form for the program. It’s a great use of your time!
