Getting to know co-workers outside of your core team will help you understand your organization and its culture more clearly. Ask someone out for coffee or literally go around the office introducing yourself to colleagues you haven’t officially met. Be respectful of others’ time, but be friendly and make a point to learn names.
As you get to know people, you’ll not only gain knowledge and insight about the firm, but you’ll also make progress in building your personal network. I’m a huge proponent of networking—and a big believer that internal networking is just as important as any out-of-office events.
It can be tough to get up to speed when you’re the new person, so you should be looking at this slow period as bonus time. The absence of real work means you have time to learn systems, get your inbox in order, and prepare for what’s surely to come.
Now’s the perfect opportunity to soak up company processes and protocol. As a first-year attorney, see if there’s research and reading you can do to better position yourself for when the first assignment lands on your desk.
