Initial networking contacts, requests for informational interviews, and thank-you notes can be sent as emails. When requesting an informational interview, briefly introduce yourself and your interests, make a clear request for the contact’s time and advice, and show appreciation for their busy schedule. In all communications, end with a signature block that lists your full name, HLS email address, and cell phone number where you can be contacted.
Sample Networking Email
Subject: Informational Interview Request from HLS Student
Dear Ms. Herrera,
Catherine Pattanayak, Assistant Dean for Public Service at Harvard Law School, suggested that I contact you and asked me to pass along her regards. I understand that you specialize in fair housing cases, and I am particularly interested in learning more about your work in South Boston neighborhoods. I hope to pursue a career in housing litigation upon graduation from HLS next spring.
Over the past two years, I have worked for the HLS Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP) representing low-income families in housing court. This experience has sparked and strengthened my interest in fair housing law. Last summer, I worked with the housing unit at Greater Boston Legal Services on eviction and reasonable accommodation cases. I plan to remain in Boston after graduation and would greatly appreciate the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your work at Lawyers for Civil Rights, as well as career opportunities that may be available locally in housing law.
I realize that you are on a tight schedule and I would greatly appreciate any time that you could spare to meet with me. I will be leaving for winter break on December 13; it would be great to meet with you before that date, if possible. Thank you in advance for your time and help.
Sincerely,
Alexander Black
Sample Networking Email
Subject: Request from Olivia Rivera, HLS [Class Year], for Informational Interview
Dear Ms. Dunning,
I am currently a third-year student at Harvard Law School enrolled in a joint degree program with the John F. Kennedy School of Government. I am particularly interested in pursuing a career in which I can use my legal skills to effect change on a broad scale in the area of LGBTQ+ rights.
This summer I will be in New York working with Lambda Legal. After completing my degree at the Kennedy School next year, I hope to litigate cases involving LGBTQ+ rights with an organization in New York.
I am writing to ask if you would be willing to meet briefly with me to discuss your career path and the steps that you recommend for a starting lawyer with similar interests. Would it be possible to connect for a brief conversation in late May or June? I would be happy to meet in person, or to speak virtually or by phone if more convenient for you.
Thank you in advance. I hope to have the opportunity to speak with you this summer.
Sincerely,
Olivia Rivera
Sample Networking Email
Subject: Informational Interview
Dear Mr. Adams,
This spring, I finished my first year at Harvard Law School and am spending the summer in DC interning with Senator Blumenthal’s Judiciary Committee staff. Before law school, I spent five years working in public policy at a social service agency in New York, but I think I would like to work in the federal government after graduation.
I have had a wonderful time on the Hill but would like to learn more about working at DOJ. Joan Ruttenberg at HLS suggested that I contact you to learn more about your work in the Civil Division. I would love to get together for lunch or coffee, if you are interested and able to do so. I will be in DC until at least August 11th and would be happy to schedule a meeting any day that would be convenient for you.
I look forward to hearing from you.
With much appreciation,
Michael Washington
Sample Networking Email (Alum)
Subject: Introduction and Request
Dear Ms. Tuchman,
I am a fellow Harvard Law School alumna and learned of you and your work at the National Women’s Law Center through HLS Amicus. Following my graduation from HLS in [class year], I joined the firm of Simpson & Long here in Chicago as a litigation associate. Although I have had an exceptionally good experience at the firm, I am eager to get back to working on the issues affecting women’s lives that drew me to law school originally and that were the focus of my clinical work and extracurricular pursuits there.
I am deeply interested in the mission of the National Women’s Law Center and would be grateful for the chance to talk with you briefly about your work. I am eager to hear your thoughts on career opportunities working on women’s issues and your advice for trying to make this kind of career transition. Would you be willing to speak with me any time in the next month or so?
Thank you so much for considering my request. I look forward to speaking with you.
Sincerely,
Allison Whitmore
Sample Thank-You Email
Re: Thank you
Dear Mr. Long,
Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule this morning to speak with me. I greatly appreciated your advice on how to find a summer internship on Capitol Hill. At your suggestion, I reached out to Senator Whitehouse’s Judiciary Committee Staff Attorney, David Ko, and I will meet with him next week.
I hope that you have a great vacation in Europe—it sounds wonderful! I look forward to speaking with you when you return. Again, thank you for your help. I will keep you posted on my job search progress.
Sincerely,
David Burdick
Sample Thank-You Email (Alum)
Dear Ms. Tuchman,
Thank you so much for meeting with me yesterday afternoon. It was wonderful to talk with you and to learn more about your work at the National Women’s Law Center. I was particularly fascinated to hear about your project addressing wage gaps among women of color.
I am grateful for the contacts you suggested to me, and will let you know what happens when I follow up with them. I look forward to talking with you again in the future.
Sincerely,
Allison Whitmore