That’s right, when the economy gets cold, networking becomes more important than ever. Even when the economy is good, networking is the primary means attorneys hear of and obtain new jobs. Why is that you ask? It is because the legal industry depends on the collective attributes of individuals: trustworthiness, reliability, responsibility, and good judgment. An applicant’s cover letter and resume do not convey whether or not they possess those attributes. What does? Giving employers the opportunity to get to know you before you apply for a job. How do you do that? By networking. As a law student, you should join bar associations as student members and attend the organization’s events. Get involved in some civic organizations. By putting yourself in environments where you will interact with attorneys you are building your network and your professional reputation.