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My New Orleans Recruiting Conference Takeaways

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I had a great time attending a recruiting conference in New Orleans last week. Last year’s takeaway was more tactical. We clarified our focus and committed to patent litigation. Instead of trying to serve everyone, we chose to go deeper in one area. Over the past year, that decision allowed us to work closely with patent litigation associates, counsel, and partners to help them build stronger, more intentional practices. This year’s insights were more personal in nature. Mentorship Matters Mentorship is rarely passive—it’s a two-way dynamic. In a relationship-driven industry like recruiting, mentors usually don’t come to you first. If you admire someone’s work or thinking, it’s important to initiate the relationship yourself and lead with genuine curiosity. When you show how you think and take a real interest in others, meaningful connections tend to form naturally over time. Presence Pays Even a light but consistent professional presence can create a sense of familiarity. I was genuin...

How to Make Friends as an Adult: The Power of Making Yourself Familiar

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Since 2019, I’ve moved to Boston, Maine, New York, and Milwaukee. Each move reinforced a simple truth: making friends as an adult often comes down to making yourself familiar in new environments. The Strategy When I move again, here are the 3 things I’ll focus on: Become a regular at a few places I actually enjoy Join an activity where people are actively open to meeting others Do something visible in the neighborhood that reflects my values What Worked In Boston, I joined a running club. In Maine, I introduced myself to neighbors I kept seeing on walks (during covid times). In New York, I painted regularly at the same coffee shop until conversations naturally started happening. In Milwaukee, I picked up trash in my neighborhood, shared it publicly, and became a regular at a yoga studio and a local coffee shop. Emma Larson holding painting and smiling Emma Larson taking out the trash The Truth Not everyone is looking to make new friends—or become your new friend. But whe...

Why Your Interview Narrative Matters More Than You Think

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  Why Your Interview Narrative Matters More Than You Think Your narrative matters more than you might realize during interviews. When a lawyer we work with prepares for their first interview, the very first step is a prep call to refine their story. The Framework A strong interview narrative turns your experience into a clear, confident story. While your resume and representative matters get the firm’s attention, the narrative explains who you are, what you do, and where you’re headed . Here’s a simple 30-second framework: Where I am now What I work on My role in that work (practice details + accomplishments) Where I want to take my practice Why this firm is a logical fit Why It Works Starting every interview with a confident, clear narrative improves first impressions, makes the conversation flow smoothly, and increases your chances of advancing to an offer. It also gives you clarity and confidence throughout the process. What Partners Want Partners aren’t interested in why you’r...