Networking: A (Un)Necessary Evil in an Unsettled Market?

Abstract

Networking can be an unpopular concept, and an anxious prospect for many of our students. Yet the very act of working with peers under the guidance of legal practitioners as part of CLE is, technically, networking. Student engagement with our various workshops, competitions, pro bono offerings and social events fall into the same category. 

Since so much of CLE therefore involves networking, and since it is highly valued by employers, is networking any different from the other vital skills taught in CLE, such as drafting or advocacy? Seen in this light, are we doing our students a disservice if we don’t teach them how to network properly? 

And if networking is something that ought to be taught, what teaching methodology/ies should we employ in doing so?