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JATL's Career Tips

Information Interview Guide

From JATL

Information Interview Outreach - LinkedIn & Email Templates

What is an information interview?

An information interview is a short, informal conversation where you ask a legal practitioner about their career path, practice area, or workplace. The goal is insight and relationship-building - not securing a job. Approaching it this way makes practitioners far more willing to say yes.

Which channel should I use?

LinkedIn message

  • You found them through LinkedIn
  • No direct email address available
  • They are active on the platform
  • Warmer, more conversational tone preferred

Email

  • You have their work email address
  • You were referred by a mutual contact
  • Contacting a senior or formal practitioner
  • A structured, formal approach is preferred

LinkedIn message templates

Before you send - LinkedIn checklist

  • Connect first with a personalised note, or message directly if you share a connection
  • Review their full profile thoroughly - reference something specific in your note
  • Keep the connection request note under 300 characters
  • Do not attach your resume or ask for a job at this stage
  • Wait 1 to 2 days after connecting before sending the main message

Step 1 - Connection request note

This note has one job: get the connection accepted. Keep it short, specific, and low-pressure. Save the interview request for the follow-up message.

~300 characters max
Hi [First name], I'm a [e.g. third-year] law student at UQ with a strong interest in [practice area]. I came across your profile and was genuinely impressed by your work in [specific area, matter, or article]. I'd love to connect - no agenda, just keen to learn from people working in this space.

Step 2 - Follow-up message (after connecting)

Send this message 1 to 2 days after they accept your connection. A separate message feels less transactional than bundling the request into the connection note.

Hi [First name], thanks for connecting - I really appreciate it. I'm reaching out because I'm genuinely interested in [practice area / career path], and your experience at [firm or organisation] - particularly [specific aspect of their work] - really stood out to me. I'd love to ask you a few questions about your path into this area, if you'd be open to it. I'm thinking a 20 to 30 minute call or video chat at a time that suits you - I'm not looking for a job, just hoping to learn from someone doing work I find genuinely interesting. Completely understand if your schedule doesn't allow for it. Either way, thanks so much for connecting.

[Your full name]
[UQ Law, Year X]

If they seem hesitant or decline

Hi [First name], no pressure at all - I completely understand how busy things get. If it's ever easier, I'm also happy to send a couple of questions over message if that's more convenient. Thanks again for connecting.

Email templates

Before you send - email checklist

  • Verify the email address carefully - check the firm website for the correct format
  • Write a subject line that is clear and professional, not vague or clickbait
  • Name-drop a mutual connection in the opening line if you have one
  • Keep the email to four short paragraphs - brevity signals respect for their time
  • Send from your UQ student email address (e.g. your.name@uq.net.au)
  • Do not attach anything unless specifically requested

Main outreach email

Subject: UQ law student - request for a brief conversation
Dear [Mr / Ms / Dr Surname],

*[Optional - if referred: I was encouraged to reach out by [Name], who spoke very highly of your work in [area].]*

My name is [Your Full Name], and I am a [year]-year law student at the University of Queensland, where I am focusing on [relevant area of study or interest]. I have been following your work with interest - particularly [specific matter, publication, case, or initiative] - and would very much appreciate the opportunity to hear your perspective on [specific topic, e.g. building a practice in this area / the realities of commercial litigation].

I am writing to ask whether you might be willing to spare 20 to 30 minutes for a brief conversation, whether in person, by phone, or via video call. I am not seeking employment; I am simply hoping to learn from someone with real experience in a field I care about.

I recognise you are very busy, and I am grateful for your time regardless of your answer. If you are open to it, I am happy to work around your schedule entirely.

Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Year] LLB/JD Student, The University of Queensland
[Phone number]
[LinkedIn profile URL]

Subject line variations

  • Default: "UQ law student - request for a brief conversation"
  • If referred: "Introduction from [Mutual contact] - brief conversation request"
  • Following up on specific work: "Your [article/achievement] on [X] - a question from a UQ law student"

Follow-up email (if no reply after 7 to 10 days)

Send only one follow-up. If there is still no reply after that, move on gracefully. Persistence beyond one follow-up risks leaving a negative impression.

Subject: Re: UQ law student - request for a brief conversation
Dear [Mr / Ms / Dr Surname],

I hope this finds you well. I wanted to follow up briefly on my earlier email in case it got lost in a busy inbox. I would still love the chance to speak with you if your schedule allows - even a 15-minute call would be enormously valuable.

If now isn't a good time, I completely understand. Thank you again for your consideration.

Warm regards,
[Your Full Name]

Tone - dos and don'ts

Do

  • Be specific about why you chose this person
  • Show you have researched their work
  • Make the ask low-pressure and time-bound
  • Use your UQ student email for formal emails
  • Follow up once only if there is no reply

Don't

  • Ask for a job or internship in the first message
  • Send the same generic message to everyone
  • Follow up more than once
  • Attach your resume unless specifically asked
  • Use informal language or abbreviations

After they say yes

  • Reply promptly to confirm the time and thank them warmly
  • Prepare 4 to 5 thoughtful questions in advance - research their recent work beforehand
  • Arrive on time and be concise - respect the time limit you proposed
  • Send a brief, personalised thank-you message within 24 hours of the conversation
  • Stay in occasional touch - share a relevant article, or update them when you land a clerkship

Building a genuine ongoing relationship is the long-term goal. The information interview is the first step, not a one-off transaction.

Tip

You've Got This!

Treat each outreach as a small experiment - some will land, others won't, and the only failure is not trying. Be kind to yourself and keep going.