People Hire People They Want to Work With

I graduated from Cardozo School of Law’s LL.M program in January 2020, and I was eager to take the February 2020 New York Bar Exam and start looking for a job. However, only a couple of weeks after I took the February exam, the world was shutting down because of COVID-19. The pressure to find a job and be able to stay in New York was on, but that didn’t stop me from landing my first job in the midst of a pandemic.

The Importance of “Networking”

Students are usually taught the importance of networking on the very first day of the LL.M. program. As the end of the program and the bar exam approached, my amazing externship supervisor recommended me to her most precious contacts. While studying for the bar exam, I also made networking a priority and had informational interviews with attorneys in the creative industry. Two of them helped me apply for jobs at their respective firms. I gained confidence through networking and ended up reaching out to a music lawyer. After having an initial phone conversation, I set up a lunch meeting to learn more about his career in the music industry and potential opportunities.

It Only Takes One Yes

Over lunch we talked about becoming the General Counsel of a music company and advice he had for a hopeful music lawyer. I was flexible on the position itself, but I made it clear that I wanted to start my career in the music industry. I was extremely grateful for his time, and I sent him a thank you email a few hours after our meeting. The following day, I received an email with an offer to join his company’s legal department for an initial two-month internship. My persistent networking had finally paid off! I jumped at the opportunity, with the goal to make the most of it. It was mid-March and, as everything around me seemed to stop, I felt I was taking a step forward. The company was already working remotely before the pandemic so I only needed my laptop. To be successful in my new role, reactivity, organization and attention to detail were key. At the end of the two-month period, I was promoted to a full-time position in the Business and Legal Affairs department of the company.

Takeaway: People Hire People They Want to Work With

To all of the recent graduates who are still searching for their first job, especially my fellow LL.Ms: do not be discouraged! If someone would have told me that I would find a job in one week during a pandemic, I would not have believed them. All it takes is one person who is willing to trust you. The first thing people notice when meeting you is whether you would be a nice person to work with, and you want to show them that you would be. When you reach out to a professional, even if you can’t ask for an in person meeting, ask for a phone call or, better, a Zoom meeting. It’s always nice to put a voice or face to a name and your connection will be able to pick up on some of your personality traits. Finally, do not limit your options. If you know of a company without a legal department, maybe you can help by reviewing contracts? Your future employer might not even know that it needs you!