John Daskam views law as a relationship business, and he attributes his success in practice, at the negotiating table, and in law school all to networking. As an associate attorney at Kutak Rock, Daskam develops relationships and fortifies his career through new connections and advising businesses on corporate and real estate decisions.
Tell us a little about your work. What do you do, and what might a 鈥渢ypical鈥� work day look like?
Giving business and legal advice relating to commercial real estate deals and the purchase, sale, or maintenance of privately held businesses.
How did you find your job?
Networking. Full stop.
How did Colorado Law help you in your job search?
The Career Development Office (CDO) was very helpful when I was crafting my r茅sum茅 and helped to identify potential opportunities that were tailored to my specific interests.
What skills do you utilize on a daily basis, and how did your experiences or courses at Colorado Law help you develop these skills?
Contracting and communication. Outside of contracts, agency and corporations, and general tax courses, Colorado Law offered elective courses related to commercial real estate where I first was exposed to deals. Those courses spurred my interest, and I never looked back.
Please talk a little about 鈥減eople skills鈥� and relationship building. How have your professional acquaintances (and friends) made a difference in your career?
People skills are the single most important set of skills that law students should be trying to sharpen. Law firms are just like any other business with the driving force being revenue. It sounds clich茅, but law is a relationship business. In order to obtain clients, lawyers must have the ability to get out there and mix it up. My network has made all of the difference in my legal career, and it鈥檚 important to understand that networking needs to include business professionals outside of the legal field.
What advice would you give to current students with respect to finding a job?
Network. Full stop.
If you were to recommend Colorado Law to a potential law student, what would you say?
Identify courses that align with your personal interest. Get involved with a clinic, whether or not it applies to what you think you want to do. The experience is substantive and will serve you well regardless.