This email goes out to 2,101 South Asian legal professionals.
The Indie Guide to Building Your Legal Network
I went to a non-target law school in the depth of a recession with the largest group of law students before or since. I was determined to land a role in biglaw. I knew I had to build my network to make that happen. And after meeting 200 lawyers for coffee, lunch, or drinks, I got the job. Here's what I did:
- I identified the intersection between my skills, my law school's strengths, and the market
- I read every local industry publication to learn about which firms had what expertise and which clients
- I kept track of who I reached out to and kept in regular contact about my progress
- I focused on getting to know everyone I could in my target niche
- I added value by sharing my analysis of market and industry conditions
- I volunteered in key organizations to increase my visibility and show my skillset
The hundreds of hours I invested in this process paid dividends over the years. Those skills are what helped me move into an AmLaw 20 firm when I didn't even graduate cum laude.
I distilled everything I learned from this process in The Indie Guide to Building Your Legal Network. This is the guide I wish I had when I started out in law.
If you're looking to build the relationships that will get you hired and find lasting relationships, this guide will help you. Here’s the latest review:
"The Indie Guide to Building Your Legal Network" is a valuable resource for not only law students, but practicing attorneys as well. The book provides practical strategies and advice that help the reader enhance their networking strategies moving forward. Khurram's insights are particularly relevant for today's legal profession, where business generation is likely to come from an attorney's relationships and not simply their reputation of being a skilled advocate. I recommend this guide to anyone looking to leverage networking for both their career growth and career enjoyment.
- Eric Allison, Assistant United States Attorney
You can pick up a copy here.
South Asians on the Move
9/21 Naveen Pogula joined Squire Patton Boggs as a partner in Atlanta in the corporate practice. He was a partner at Thompson Hine in Atlanta.
9/20 Vipul Nishawala joined Clifford Chance as a partner in New York City in the tech group. He was a partner at Pillsbury in New York City.
9/19 Raghav Krishnapriyan joined Orrick as a partner in San Francisco in the IP litigation practice. He was of counsel at Morrison Foerster in San Francisco.
Got a move to add? Let me know.
Khurram’s List
I run Freshwater Counsel, a recruiting agency. To discuss a move you’re considering or a hire you’d like to make, contact me.
Several AmLaw 50 firms are looking for Knowledge Management Attorneys - leverage your biglaw training in a business role at a top law firm.
Three bankruptcy associates urgently needed at this growing mid-market firm in Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Chicago, or Minneapolis:
A junior associate
A mid-career associate, 3+ years. May consider 2 years
A mid-career with 3+ years and litigation experience.
This big law firm with a legendary focus on pro bono and growing PPP is looking for partners in patent litigation and government investigations.
If you’re looking for a remote role at an elite litigation boutique, this firm is looking for a patent litigator with 5+ years experience for a non-partnership track role.
Life sciences patent prosecutors are needed at several firms in the Bay Area, Chicago, and Boston. Not all firms understand the economics of patent prosecution - let’s discuss.
Join this rising star plaintiff’s patent litigation boutique - trial experience, opportunities for growth. 3-5 years of experience and technical degree required.
Antitrust is the busiest it’s been. If you’re looking for an international practice or looking to expand into M&A, investigations, or litigation, we should discuss your options.
Pani Cooler Jobs
The mission of Pani Cooler is to build direct connections between South Asian lawyers. A key part of that is getting South Asian lawyers hired and promoted. The below roles include contact information for your colleagues. Reach out to these lawyers in a manner consistent with the goals of building community on this platform. Apply for any roles listed on the website, as available.
In-House
NEW Ajay Sharma: Ajay is Senior Corporate Counsel at Amazon Lab126. Ajay’s team is looking for a Corporate Counsel, Devices.
NEW Vijay Bondada: Vijay is VP, Energy & Environmental Law at Con Edison. Vijay’s team is looking for a Sr Attorney.
Saroj Tharasayi: Saroj is Head of Legal at Pave. Saroj’s team is looking for a Corporate Counsel.
Nitin Shah: Nitin is Director & Associate General Counsel, Global Regulatory Affairs and Compliance at Shopify. Nitin’s team is looking for an Associate General Counsel/ Legal Counsel, Regulatory (Remote, Americas).
Asim Raza: Asim is Vice President and General Counsel at Arcadian Infracom. Asim’s team is looking for an Assistant General Counsel.
Neerav Shah: Neerav is Executive Counsel at Travelers. Neerav’s team is looking for a Senior Counsel - Contracts & Technology Legal.
Not-For-Profit
NEW Amrith Kaur Aakre: Amrith is Legal Director at The Sikh Coalition. Amrith’s team is looking for a Senior Staff Attorney.
Government
Rahul Rao: Rahul is Deputy Director of the Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Competition. The FTC is hiring antitrust attorneys for several positions throughout the entire Bureau of Competition.
Hiral Mehta: Hiral is Deputy Chief at the U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of New York. The U.S. Attorney's Office is looking for an Assistant U. S. Attorney.