I Fought the Law

Talking to Strangers

Every now and then I'll find myself on BART sitting next to someone who appears to be a law student, either because they're reading LEXIS printouts, carrying telltale red, blue or brown textbooks, or other books and documents indicative of law studenthood (the other day I sat next to someone flipping through Lexis' pocket-sized edition of the Federal Rules of Evidence -- quite a page turner, tell you what).

I'm usually tempted to strike up a conversation with these people, if only because in social situations like this it's relatively rare to identify a stranger with whom you definitely have something specific in common.* I also feel like striking up conversations with strangers is a good skill for a lawyer to have. When I went on a business trip with a senior partner at my old firm, every time we stood in line for something he became fast friends with the person behind him. It was amazing, really. I know I'll never get that good, but it would be helpful to shave off some of my latent awkwardness.

I don't know how many law students still read this blog, but I ask you -- How would you feel about an articulate, strikingly handsome, and pleasant-smelling gentleman leaning over to you during your commute and saying, "Personal jurisdiction, eh? Boy, is that a mess."?

Posted by hb at February 8, 2007 03:03 PM