A lot of people quietly hate the idea of referrals. It feels like something reserved for the well-connected, or like you’d be reducing a genuine relationship to a favour. I get it. But here’s the reframe that changes everything: a referral isn’t you begging; it’s someone who’s seen your work being willing to vouch for it. And you can build the relationships that make that possible, even starting from zero. Let me show you how, minus the ick.
Quick answer
A referral is when someone who knows your work recommends you for a role. In legal hiring, referrals are one of the highest-converting channels, because a trusted vouch reduces the employer’s risk. To use referrals well, build genuine relationships (especially through internships), let people know specifically that you’re looking, make it easy for them to help, and always be gracious, whether or not it works out.
Why referrals work so well
Put yourself in an employer’s shoes. Hiring is inherently uncertain. A CV can tell you what a candidate claims to have done, but it can’t tell you what they’re like to work with. A referral helps reduce that uncertainty. When someone the employer trusts says, “This person did good work for me and is reliable,” that recommendation carries weight. It can move your application from a crowded inbox to a genuine conversation. Referrals aren’t valuable because they’re unfair. They’re valuable because a credible recommendation is useful information, and anyone who consistently does good work and maintains professional relationships can earn one.
Where your referrals come from
- Former internship supervisors: Often your strongest source of referrals. Someone who has seen your work firsthand can confidently speak about your abilities and reliability.
- Seniors and alumni: People a few years ahead of you, already working in firms, chambers, or legal teams. They often know about openings before they’re advertised and can recommend you for suitable roles.
- Professors: Faculty members frequently hear about internship and job opportunities and are sometimes asked to recommend promising students.
- People you’ve worked with: This includes former co-interns, moot court teammates, project collaborators, or anyone who has worked closely with you. As they move into new roles, they may remember your work and refer you when opportunities arise.
How to ask (without the awkwardness)
The secret is to make it easy and specific, not to grovel. Reach out warmly, remind them briefly of your connection, say clearly what you’re looking for, and make it low-effort for them to help:
“Hi [Name], I hope you’re well. I really enjoyed working with you during my internship at [X]. I’m now looking for my first role in [area], and I wondered whether your team is hiring or whether you might know of openings I should look at. No pressure at all, I’d be grateful for any pointers, and happy to send my CV.”
That’s not begging. That’s a clear, respectful, easy-to-answer message. Most people who rated your work are genuinely glad to help.
YLCC ACTION STEP: Make a list of everyone who has seen your work: former supervisors, seniors, co-interns, and professors. This week, send a warm, specific message to at least three of them letting them know you’re looking for an opportunity. You’re not asking for a favour. You’re simply making sure that people who know your work are aware that you’re available.
PLEASE DON’T DO THIS: Please don’t only contact people when you need something and vanish otherwise; that’s what makes referrals feel transactional. And please don’t send a vague “let me know if you hear of anything” with no specifics; make it easy by saying exactly what you want. Finally, thank people regardless of outcome, and tell them how it went; that’s how you stay referrable.
Building referral-worthy relationships from zero
If you feel you have no network, you’re really saying you haven’t built one yet — and that’s fixable. Every internship is a chance to earn a future referrer by doing good work and staying in touch. Every senior, professor and co-intern is a relationship you can nurture. Do solid work, be someone people like working with, and follow up, and your referral network builds itself over time. First-generation lawyers and non-NLU students especially: this is how you level the field, one genuine relationship at a time.
FAQs
- Isn’t relying on referrals unfair to those without connections? Referrals reward good work and maintained relationships, both of which you can build from scratch, including through internships.
- How do I ask without feeling like I’m begging? Be warm, specific and low-pressure. You’re informing people who rate you that you’re looking, not pleading.
- Who should I ask? Anyone who’s seen your work, internship supervisors first, then seniors, professors and co-interns.
- What if I have no network yet? Build one through internships and genuine relationships. Every internship is a future referrer if you do good work and stay in touch.
- Should I still apply normally if I have a referral? Yes, a referral supports your application; it doesn’t usually replace the process. Do both.
Thank you for reading!
If you found this article helpful, explore more resources from YLCC and continue your legal learning journey.
