Important questions to ask when networking

Important questions to ask when networking

1. “What area of law do you work in?”

This question is crucial when talking to professionals especially when conversing about certain types of law. when networking, professionals like to see you take an interest in aspects of law and if you know about the same areas of law as the professional your talking to then this can be very beneficial. However, this is also a very good a chance for you to broaden your knowledge in areas where your knowledge may not be the strongest.

2. What position do you hold within the company?

This is a great question to ask as it shows that you have a real interest in the law and what the professional does on a day to day basis when working in their area of the law. This attentiveness will really impress the professional and allow you to build personal as well as professional bridges.

3. Where did you study?

Asking this question allows you to converse with law professionals and can help you break the ice if it’s needed. This question also allows you to find common ground with the professional as they may have studied at the same university as yourself. This can help when talking about your own experiences throughout the start of your law career.

4. What is the main pathway to becoming a solicitor?

Asking about pathways into your chosen career shows you really are engaged with your future career. The question can also benefit yourself as you can pick up valuable information surrounding your ideal career path from a person who has been there and experienced the path.

5. What were your favourite modules at university?

This can be a crucial question to ask not only as it allows you to gain experience of future or possible current modules that you may be interested in taking, but it also allows for you to talk about why you want to choose these modules and how they will help you in your future career.

6. How competitive are places at your law firm?

This allows for you to get a clear idea of what it will take to get a place at certain law firms and other companies. The professional you’re talking to will allow for you to clear up any misconceptions or questions you may have surrounding the overall process and pathway to your preferred career.

7. What is the best kind of experience can I get to maximise my CV?

Asking this question or similar questions will allow  you to get to grips with what a law firm is looking for when it comes to experience. The professional your speaking to will in most cases have seen many different professional legal CV’s and so can really help you understand the best experience for your chosen path.

8. What do you do in your spare time?

Asking personal questions is a great way to make personal as well as professional bonds with the people you are talking to who may ultimately one day be your colleges. Asking personal questions also shows that you can relax and you know how to communicate confidentially with others which is a crucial skill to have when working as a lawyer in any form.

9. Do you have any general advice for students?

This question when asked to professionals who have been in the same position as yourself can be very beneficial going forward. The advice given by these professionals can really help you get a foot up in the career that you want as well as in your academic life.

10. How long would it take on average to qualify as a lawyer?

This question when asked shows the professional that you are talking to that you are serious about your career and that you are looking to make plans to get where you need to be.

We hope these questions help you when you network in the future and if you have any of your own questions that can help when networking we would love to hear them.

-WH LC