One example of this rainmaking ability cited in Kaplan's book is 32-year-old partner Gabe Galanda of Seattle's Williams Kastner
. Galanda has ''over a million dollars' worth of business from clients that include publicly traded companies, banks, apparel retailers, insurance firms, and twelve tribal governments. A descendant of the Nomlaki and Concow Tribes and enrolled member of the Round Valley Indian Tribes in the Pacific Northwest, he has solidified himself as an authority on Indian Law, published scores of articles, and is a leader in local, regional, and national bar associations. The University of Arizona Rogers College of Law alumnus has spent the eight years since his graduation on the critically important journey toward securing his future…Galanda is not successful by accident. He was interested in Indian Law in law school. Upon graduation, he fueled his interest by associating with others in the field, writing about related topics, and seeking out speaking opportunities. He did not set out to be a rainmaker; he set out to enjoy the practice by doing what he wanted instead of what someone determined that he should do. That is the art of rainmaking.''Starting early, says Kaplan, is key. Get a jump on career success while still in law school. Kaplan says to learn who you are and what you can offer most effectively, and to sharpen your business talent now instead of waiting to make partner at a firm. Build relationships, not just for the sake of getting a job, but to create a network that will sustain and bolster your career as it develops. Kaplan suggests a variety of ways that law students can promote themselves: ''Contact people for informational interviews, guidance on a law review article, or assistance with a pro-bono case. These types of inquiries are non-invasive, completely work-related, and foster continued dialogue. They are ideal for making connections.'' Kaplan says to create a plan and pursue it relentlessly with great passion and enthusiasm.
Kaplan also stresses the importance of internships in his book. They can be a great stepping stone to a career. Relationships formed during an internship can not only lead to a job during the pivotal time after graduation, but also lead to business development activities at a later stage in your career. Kaplan says it's important to keep in touch with internship coordinators and colleagues as closely as you would with former employers. Kaplan quotes Matthew Swaya, the Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of Litigation & Employment for Starbucks in Seattle: ''Go work for the government, judge, or U.S. Attorney's office while in law school because there is nothing more valuable than seeing real work issues…Practical experience gives you a framework for the rest of your life.'' This practical experience that you gain from an internship is invaluable, and builds a foundation of relationships with people with bright careers ahead of them.
Blogging is a great introduction to writing, Kaplan advises. As Lex Blog's Kevin O'Keefe says in the book, ''Blogs are like little doorways or windows to insight…It is a living and breathing resume that allows you to network with students, professors, and lawyers.'' Blogging can be the easiest way to get published, and the potential readership is broader than any publication to which a student might have access. It can provide a law student a way in which to demonstrate his or her knowledge. Travis Hodgkins, 3L at the University of California's Hastings College of the Law says, ''Once I started writing for the blog and started receiving such positive feedback from readers, I was hooked.''
Kaplan outlines other ways to broadcast yourself. For example, he suggests sending out press releases about organizations you're involved with. Study the media and participate in projects that are newsworthy. Stay in touch with journalists and reporters in your preferred area of expertise. They will quote you, and that is a great way to be considered an expert on the topic at hand. Kaplan also suggest that you assemble panels. Approach professionals and ask them to share their experiences and perspectives. Start with a mentor or someone who's served on your personal advisory board. Host a panel group, and it might earn mention in the local newspaper or on television. Kaplan counsels you to be your own public relations firm.
But these are just a few of the myriad methods put forth in Kaplan's book that a law student or fledgling lawyer can use to boost his or her standing in the community. Above all, Kaplan encourages you to incorporate a new routine that forges ''organic relationship-building and regular self-evaluation.'' Start early and you'll be way ahead of the crowd at commencement time. ''Explore, learn, and experiment. Meet, discuss, and share,'' Kaplan urges. His book admonishes one to achieve success by taking an interest in others, pursuing knowledge and experience, and taking calculated risks. On the whole, the book is an easy read and chock-full of valuable information that will only enhance one's abilities to accomplish career objectives. His message seems to be, ''Start small and think big!'' As he implies, the choice to take action is yours.
