Dear 2L: The Power of Networking

Dear 2L,

I don’t like to ask any of you directly about how the job-search is going. I don’t know whether you have an offer and feel good about things, or, like most, feel discouraged and not sure what to do next.

I remember there being a pall over my entire class that 2L fall. There was uneasiness in the air, as we were no longer “all in the same boat,” the way we were when we bonded during early 1L days.

And so, with universal words to reach your collective ears escaping me, I offer this short tale. Its message applies to each one of you, no matter your job-search status.

*    *    *

Ann got As during 1L. 

She got a BigLaw job in a big city: her top-choice firm. 

Easy peasy, OCI. 

Pam got Bs during 1L.

She remained jobless at 2L’s start. 

The road was not easy, WTF.

Ann sat still, complacent. 

She thought she had it made.

Pam worried, hoping to hide—by cave?

But she got out and started networking. 

Every day. 

From 2L through to the next 20+ years.

To be sure, the early years came easier to Ann.

Pam had to put herself out there and fight.

But today, Pam is an equity partner at a thriving AmLaw100 firm. She’s known as a huge rainmaker and could jump ship for in-house any time

Ann never built any book. She did not “make” partner—anywhere.

True story. Names changed.

*    *    *

Whether you have your heart set on BigLaw or not, don’t let Ann be you.

⭐️ Network. 

It’s a long game, but if you work at it, you’ll make a successful career, get to the top, and keep your spot there in the end.

Fondly,

💌 Amanda

P.S. Follow —> #Dear1L (1,468 followers) for future letters in your feed.

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