Landing a juniorship under a good senior advocate is one of the best ways to start in litigation, but reaching out to a senior can feel intimidating. The good news is that a thoughtful, genuine, professional approach goes a long way. Let me give you an honest guide to approaching a senior advocate for a juniorship.
Quick answer
To approach a senior advocate for a juniorship, the essence is to reach out thoughtfully, genuinely and professionally, showing your genuine interest and what you can offer.
Broadly: do your groundwork, identify seniors and chambers that fit your interests, learn about their work, and, where possible, use connections, your network, seniors, mentors or the legal community for introductions and guidance; reach out professionally and respectfully, through an appropriate approach, whether an introduction, a well-written message or application, or as norms and opportunities allow; present yourself and your genuine interest well, conveying your interest in litigation and in learning under them, your relevant background and qualities, and your willingness to work hard and learn; and be respectful, patient and professional throughout, because seniors are busy, so be courteous, patient and gracious, whatever the response.
The key is that a genuine, well-prepared, respectful approach, showing real interest and a willingness to learn and work hard, tends to land best, more than a generic or entitled one. Using your network and connections where possible helps, and so does approaching the right seniors, those whose work and mentorship fit you.
The keys are: do your groundwork, identify the right seniors and use connections; reach out professionally and respectfully; present your genuine interest and what you offer well; and be patient and gracious throughout. General guidance; norms vary; no figures.
Do your groundwork first
Before reaching out, do your groundwork: identify seniors and chambers that fit your interests and where you would learn well, and learn about their work. Where possible, use connections, your network, seniors, mentors or the legal community for introductions and guidance. This can make an approach warmer and more effective.
Approaching the right seniors, whose work and mentorship fit you, ideally with a connection, sets you up well.
Reach out professionally and respectfully
Reach out through an appropriate, professional approach, whether via an introduction, a well-written message or application, or as the norms and opportunities allow. Be professional and respectful in how you reach out. Seniors are busy and receive many approaches, so a courteous, well-prepared, professional approach stands out.
Norms vary, so use judgment and, where possible, guidance from your network on the appropriate way to approach a particular senior.
Present yourself and your genuine interest well
When you reach out, present yourself and your genuine interest well: convey your genuine interest in litigation and in learning under them; your relevant background and qualities; and your willingness to work hard and learn.
A genuine, specific interest in their work and in learning the craft under them lands far better than a generic approach. Show that you are keen to learn and contribute, not entitled or transactional.
Be respectful, patient and professional throughout
Throughout, be respectful, patient and professional. Seniors are busy, so responses can take time or not come, and that is not a reflection on your worth.
Be courteous, patient and gracious whatever the response, and professional at every step. This respectful, patient approach reflects well on you and keeps doors open. If one approach does not work out, keep going graciously. Persistence and professionalism matter.
YLCC ACTION STEP: Do your groundwork, identify seniors and chambers that fit your interests, learn about their work, and use connections, your network, seniors or mentors for introductions where possible; reach out professionally and respectfully, via an introduction, a well-written message or application, or as norms allow; present yourself and your genuine interest well, including your interest in litigation and in learning under them, your background and qualities, and your willingness to work hard and learn; and be respectful, patient and gracious throughout. A genuine, well-prepared, respectful approach lands best.
If this is you
If you are about to reach out to a senior: do your groundwork, use connections where possible, reach out professionally, and present your genuine interest and willingness to learn well.
If you feel intimidated: remember a genuine, respectful, well-prepared approach goes a long way. You do not need to be perfect, just sincere, professional and keen to learn.
If an approach does not work out: be gracious and patient, and keep going. Seniors are busy, and a non-response is not a verdict on your worth. Persistence and professionalism matter.
FAQs
- How do I approach a senior advocate for a juniorship? Thoughtfully, genuinely and professionally: do your groundwork, identify the right seniors and use connections; reach out professionally and respectfully; present your genuine interest and what you offer well; and be patient and gracious throughout.
- Do connections help? Yes. Where possible, use your network, seniors, mentors or the legal community for introductions and guidance, which can make an approach warmer and more effective.
- What should I convey? Your genuine interest in litigation and in learning under them, your relevant background and qualities, and your willingness to work hard and learn.
- What if I do not hear back? Seniors are busy, so responses can take time or not come. Be patient and gracious, and keep going. A non-response is not a reflection on your worth.
- How do I stand out? With a genuine, specific, well-prepared, respectful approach that shows real interest and a willingness to learn and work hard, rather than a generic or entitled one.
