Dear 2L: Choosing How to Choose Where Geographically You’ll Work

Dear 2L,

You’re often advised to first choose where, geographically, you want to work. Then, make and invest in a networking plan. Although that order makes sense to me, if you’re struggling with your location choice, remember that your choice today very well may change.

It may feel like you are making a decision about where you will spend the rest of your life. Try not to make your decision so big and permanent.

Too often, life just “happens,” forcing unexpected change. That’s happened to me more than once. Here’s about one:

—In the fall of 2L, I got a job for the next summer at a big firm in Boston. I was happy about the firm, but I’d suddenly become unsure about Boston. I spent the summer mired in an agonizing, NY vs. Boston, debate. By summer’s end, I was sure I needed to move back to NY.

—Fortunately, things all worked out. I only got one offer, but it was from my top-choice—largely made possible because someone I knew knew someone there who owed a favor, and that second someone forwarded my resume to the hiring peeps.

🔹 And so, try to talk to as many lawyers as you can, wherever they may be located. Do so whether you already have a 2L job lined up or not, and whether you plan to work in that location or not.

🔹 You’ll never know who might come through for you—perhaps not in your current locale of choice, and perhaps not immediately, but maybe down the road when you really need it and least expect it.

🔹 One thing is clear. Unless you plan to be a SCOTUS clerk or academic scholar, who you know will soon become far more valuable to you than your law school rank or GPA. Start working on your network. Start today.

***
Have you had success networking in the legal world? What about on LinkedIn?

What questions might you have for me?

Fondly,

💌 Amanda