Conquering Nerves, Creating Connections: Networking for the Big Picture

Driven by faith, breaking barriers, and inspiring the next generation of Latina leaders in law. 

Networking in law school can feel awkward.  You know it’s important, but reaching out to busy judges and lawyers, professors, or alumni can seem intimidating.  If you’re shy or worry about being a nuisance, you’re not alone.  The good news?  Networking isn’t about schmoozing—it’s about building real connections.  And you can do it.

The first step is shifting your mindset.  Instead of thinking, I’m bothering them, remind yourself: people love helping students.  Lawyers, judges, and professors were once in your shoes, and many want to pay it forward.  A respectful email or message isn’t an intrusion—it’s an opportunity for them to share wisdom.  And if they don’t respond?  No harm done!

If you’re shy, start small.  Attend office hours, join student organizations, and connect with classmates—networking isn’t just with attorneys; your peers will be colleagues one day.  Once you build confidence in these settings, reaching out to professionals will feel much more natural.

Loyola has provided numerous opportunities to connect with professionals and explore different areas of law.  From panel discussions to guest speaker lectures, these events have been invaluable in gaining insight into the profession.  Attending networking receptions, career fairs, and student organization events has allowed me to meet attorneys in my field of interest and establish connections that will undoubtedly benefit my career.  One of the most memorable experiences was attending the Latina Lawyers Bar Association Scholarship and Installation Dinner, where I met Chief Justice Guerrero and connected with Loyola alumni.  Another incredible opportunity was attending the Los Angeles County Bar Association Bench Meets Bar event for young lawyers, where I had the chance to meet United States District Judge Birotte.  He invited me and another young attorney I met at the event to sit in on hearings and visit his chambers, an experience that reinforced just how important it is to take initiative.  While Loyola offers great networking opportunities, the most meaningful connections come from stepping outside of your comfort zone.  Don’t wait for opportunities—seek them out.  Reach out to attorneys you admire, attend events on your own, and pave your own path.  The more you put yourself out there, the more doors you will open.

Networking isn’t about perfecting small talk or collecting business cards—it’s about showing up, being curious, and building relationships that will shape your career.  Every conversation, every event, every email you send is a step toward your future.  You never know which opportunity will change your path, so take the leap, bet on yourself, and embrace the journey.  The connections you make today could be the ones that open doors tomorrow.  You got this.

 

TOPICS: 1E, 1L, 2E, 2L, 3E, 3L, 4E, Getting A Job, Networking