Networking for Toronto OCIs

[imnotacat]

Is it expected that students reach out to network with firms they have been invited to OCIs with prior to the OCI? 

If so, what kind of questions should you ask and who should you reach out to?

I really appreciate any insight anyone is able to provide.

[PePeHalpert]

The best time for networking was before you applied.  There is a ban on "recruitment activities" between August 16 (the date applications were due) and November 1 (the start date for in-firm interviews).  While this does not prohibit you from reaching out to lawyers to ask questions, you may find that your conversations are somewhat curtailed as lawyers are cautious about remaining onside the LSO rules.   

At this stage, networking is mostly for your benefit to learn about the different firms.  Reach out to lawyers who practice in an area that interests you and ask questions that will help you learn things about the firm that you can't discern just from reviewing their website.  The goal is to narrow it down to firms that you actually want to work for. 

[Rashabon]

7 minutes ago, PePeHalpert said:

The best time for networking was before you applied.  There is a ban on "recruitment activities" between August 16 (the date applications were due) and November 1 (the start date for in-firm interviews).  While this does not prohibit you from reaching out to lawyers to ask questions, you may find that your conversations are somewhat curtailed as lawyers are cautious about remaining onside the LSO rules.   

At this stage, networking is mostly for your benefit to learn about the different firms.  Reach out to lawyers who practice in an area that interests you and ask questions that will help you learn things about the firm that you can't discern just from reviewing their website.  The goal is to narrow it down to firms that you actually want to work for. 

I was going to say something like this but held off. But just to build on this, "what kind of questions should you ask" is the wrong question to ask. The goal is to find out information that you need to help make a decision and orient yourself in this process. It is not a magic spell where you need to say the right words in the right order for a job to materialize. You don't ask questions for the sake of it and to look good. You ask them if you want answers to your questions.