Holiday Office Party Tips

To my young lawyer friends navigating their first holiday party season: yes, you should go. It might not be 'mandatory' but really it is.

While holiday parties can be awkward and fraught with new social norms it is worth it for the invaluable networking opportunities. In a firm, you have the opportunity to connect with mentors, older peers, and partners to get more work. Outside networking opportunities let you meet with others in your field and/or peer group. If you need to move jobs later, you have people you can call.

Just remember these tips:

1) For you, it is not a 'party' no matter how drunk a partner got last year. It is a quasi interview. Have your elevator pitch ready to go. Talk to partners in other departments. Explain what you bring to the table. ASK them about themselves and actually listen.

2) Show up slightly better dressed than you would for work. Or find out and follow the appropriate dress code. If that is an ugly sweater go for it, if not, a black dress/blazer is usually a good bet.

3) DO NOT DRINK more than the ticket amount or your lowest tolerance. Being sloppy drunk is not a great way to end the year. Go out afterwards if you need to blow off steam.

4) If you wouldn't say it at the office, don't say it at the party. Don't gossip, don't hit on your co-workers, and don't bad mouth the partners.

5) The person you bring reflects on you.