Networking

Resume Building continued

Networking

Client Interview — is a simulation of a conference in which teams of two interview a potential client for the first time. The aim is to clearly ascertain the legal problem or problems arising from what their prospective client tells them, and work with them in order to achieve an appropriate outcome.

Negotation — involves resolution of a hypothetical legal dispute or transaction. Prior to each round, each of the two teams are given a common statement of facts, in addition to confidential information pertinent to their client’s circumstances. From these, competitors are to prepare a negotiation strategy to aid them in reaching an outcome serving the best interests of their client. The LSS offers an Open Negotiation competition and a Junior Negotitation competition, as well as an opportunity to participate in an Intervarsity Negotiation Competition.

Advice Writing — individuals submit a legal advice in response to a client’s legal problem. This is a highly practical competition, replicating skills needed by lawyers in practice, and by students throughout their degree in problem questions.

It is worth noting that these shouldn’t be hollow, resume bolstering exercises. Pursue opportunities that interest and excite you. These will be the activities that will contribute to feelings of selffulfilment, as well as being beneficial for your resume.

Network is widely acknowledged to be a daunting experience, however, it doesn’t have to be!

It’s important to have the correct approach to networking. Fundamentally, it is about connections. Not about walking up to a stranger at a function or networking event and expecting a job offer. Attend events with the intention of showing a genuine interest in other people, and working towards establishing common interests. Connections made may serve as valuable resources to gain a better understanding of the industry you’re looking to pursue, or alternatively just be great coffee buddies.

You don’t have to think too big to start building connections, your network can include a range of people, from older students, to lecturers and current and former coworkers. Of course, the people you network with can also include current legal practitioners or people working in fields you’re interested in.

Networking continued Networking has so many added benefits including:

� Increasing your confidence � Bolstering your communication skills � Inspiring new ideas for ways of working � Keeping you in the loop with what’s happening in different practice areas and firms of interest

When attending an event, know what you’re looking to get out of it. Do some research beforehand on who may be attending to familiarise yourself with their firms or companies and to stop yourself from asking easily googleable questions. If you’re attending a firm specific networking event, tailor your research to the firm. It is also good practice to have some familiarity with legal trends, industry-wide issues which may impact or relate to these firms.

The UTS Law Student’s Society offers a host of networking opportunities that we strongly urge you to utilise. These include the Clerkship Networking Evening, the Speaker Series, and other panels and activities. Be sure to go to events in which you have a genuine interest, this will make socialising and networking that much less daunting, and gives you a great common ground to discuss. However, networking can take place just about anywhere! Don’t limit yourself just to networking-specific events.

Networking will be valuable to you not only at these early stages of your career, but also throughout! Make the most of the networking opportunities offered to you and get comfortable networking early on and it’ll pay off in the long run.