- May 30, 2023
- 116
- 147
Just to add to this:“As many people as possible” is not the right approach here.
Firstly, you should only do this if you have the time first of all - I have seen too many vac schemers spend too much time away from their department meeting up with people and not impressing their department/people they are working with.
Secondly, there needs to be a purpose or reason for meeting the individuals you choose to meet with. Meeting with anyone/everyone is not appropriate. Only meet with people if you are not going to have direct experience in their department, if they work in an area that particularly interests you etc. If you don’t know what you would talk to them about, there is no reason to meet with them.
I would try to find a more deeper reason for connecting with the individual than just to hear about their experiences. Why are you choosing them to meet with rather than another person on the firm? That will ensure your reasoning for meeting them is more tailored and that you have meaningful questions to ask them.
In terms of asking them, I wouldn’t over think it - just keep it brief and polite but explain your reasoning for meeting them and what you would hope to get out of the coffee meeting. You can also explain your availability too so they can consider this against their own commitments
It is also important to have an appreciation for how busy each person/lawyer may be. Most will be very willing to talk to you about their work/practice area/the firm but you never know if they are currently going through a busy deal or period currently, particularly senior associates and partners.
So, if you have a specific question to ask someone and it can be adequately answered in an email, do. Equally, do not ask open-ended questions via email that might take a while to articulate on paper (and where a quick conversation over Zoom or in person might suffice).
Just something to keep in mind.
Hope this helps!
Laura