Non Traditional Law Student » Networking

Get Your Twitter On

Non Traditional Law Student — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 03:16:42 +0000

It is difficult to imagine anyone who has not heard of social networking. For we non traditional law students it is nothing short of spectacular. Social networking allows us to meet and collaberate with other like-minded individuals. There are literally hundreds upon hundreds of online opportunities to network. My personal favorites are Facebook and Twitter.

Probably everyone is familiar with Facebook, but you may not be as familiar with Twitter. Twitter is a micro-blogging platform that allows you to share short (140 chars or less) thoughts about anything. You choose people to follow, and people follow you who are interested in your “tweets”. Below you will find some of my favorite Twitter links. Click on them. Use them. Build your social network now so you will be more prepared for that great day when we will be addressed as “Counselor”!

145 Lawyers (and legal professionals) to follow on Twitter.

30 Twitter apps we actually use and 140 after that.

The Twitter Law Directory.

Follow me on Twitter.

Facebook (my profile).

These are only scratching the surface of what is out there, but it will get you off to a great start. Just remember one thing; social networks are only as good as how you use them. Do not get involved with everything out there. Get involved and networked in a few really good networks and stick with them. I am actively involved in only 2 or 3 networks. But I have met some really great lawyers and learned immensly from them. As non traditional law students we are extremely busy. Social networking is a fabulous tool, but it does take time. Don’t spread yourself too thin.

God bless and have a great night.

P.S. Sorry my posts have been few and far between lately. Things have been especially hectic with my schedule these past few weeks. Hopefully they will settle down soon. Until then, have faith, study hard, and keep pushing toward that cap and gown!

Law Students, You Have Another Chance!

Non Traditional Law Student — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 18:16:29 +0000

For all you law students out there who may have missed the opportunity for a lifetime scholarship at Solo Practice University, you may still have another chance. In honor of Build A Solo Practice’s second birthday, another lifetime scholarship is being awarded. You can read all about it here. Hurry though, you don’t want to miss this opportunity a second time.

I’ve Been Tagged

Non Traditional Law Student — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 01:06:05 +0000

I have been tagged by the Part-time Law School Blawg. Now I have the honor of tagging 5 of the Law School Blawgs that I frequent. These are some of the Blawgs that I really enjoy reading and reccommend to all you other Nontraditional Law Students.

Happy Blawging! God bless and have a great day.

What This Law Student Did Last Monday

Non Traditional Law Student — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 03:13:35 +0000

I was on vacation last week and had the rare opportunity to see one of my law professors in action. So, the first day of my “vacation” I did what every non traditional law student does, I went to court. My law professor just so happened to be appearing in court Monday morning at 8:30. Yikes! First day of vacation and I get up early to see a court proceeding.

It was actually very interesting to see the system at work in real-life cases. The client was facing prison time, but ended up with probation and some other conditions. It was interesting for me to hear my professor make his arguments on behalf of his client. It was almost like, wow, this stuff we are learning in law school right now is what lawyers really do.

His case was the last in line and we chit-chatted off and on about what was going on. It was a real learning experience. If any of you other law students out there ever have the chance to see one of your law professors work a real case in court, do it. It will give you a whole new perspective on the academics and the practice of law. God bless and have a great day.

Law Students, Are You Headed Toward A Solo Practice?

Non Traditional Law Student — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:03:54 +0000

Build a Solo Practice, LLC, along with a host of collaborators, has embarked on what could possibly become one of the most valuable resources a new lawyer could have. If you are currently a law student really interested in going solo after graduation you should check out the project, Solo Practice University. There are lifetime scholarships available for the first 100 law students who offer to beta test the new project. The last time I checked there were only 24 spots still available, so hurry. This will be a valuable resource for networking as well as learning. God bless and have a great day.

Keeping Abreast Of Legal Activity

Non Traditional Law Student — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:44:31 +0000

This is no doubt the age of the computer. For the non-traditional law student this can be a great benefit. One thing I would suggest doing is signing up for email alerts or RSS feeds from your state’s legislature. Here is the link for Michigan’s legislative RSS feed. I find it very useful to see how the concepts and legal issues I am currently studying are applied and proposed in real-life situations. A great news reader (in my opinion) is RSS Owl.

You may also want to subscribe to some of the blogroll links on this website. There is a wealth of information out there just waiting to be tapped into. I have also signed up to receive email alerts whenever my district representative votes on an issue. A good lawyer needs to be aware of what is happening in the legislature of his or her state and keep abreast of laws that may affect clients. While we are not lawyers yet, it is good to get into the practice of keeping informed. Many of these services are free as well. God Bless and have a great day.

The Best Tap Gets The Sap.

Non Traditional Law Student — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 01:08:37 +0000

The right contacts often cover a multitude of missed opportunities. Huh? Law students strive to better themselves during law school as well as their employability after law school. Whether it is law review, legal journals, law societies, public service works, etc…, law students generally try to pack their resume`s with as much as they can to gain that extra edge in the marketplace after graduation. But what about the non-traditional law student who simply does not have time to engage in these commendable opportunities?

For many of us there is simply not enough time to engage in such activities. One thing that we can all do, however, is to begin networking early with those individuals who can help us (and we can help) after graduation. This does not mean that we should network simply for the sake of networking; rather, it means that we should be cognizant of other professionals and leaders that are part of something we are interested in. These persons may be lawyers or they may not.

For example, if you are interested in elder law you could perhaps become involved in your community with the senior foundation. Get to know the people and organizations in your community that you will more than likely someday be working with. A good relationship with your prospective future clients may hold more value in their eyes than your final grade card. This is especially true if you plan on going “solo” or working for a small firm. Employers may also be impressed with your exemplary rapport with the community and see the potential for future clients. While this is no substitute for hard work and getting the grades (after all, you must know the law), it may be that extra edge you need when you haven’t got the time for all of those extra-curricular activities.

If you can tap into the proper resources early you may get the finest sap in the end. God Bless and have a great day.