Firm networking

Hi y’all! I’m a rising 2L at a Top 100 school in Chicago. I have my eye at a mid-size firm in Chicago. Their applications open on December.

I was wondering if y’all have any advice on networking, when should I start networking. Can I invite partners out for a coffee? I’ve been having terrible luck so far this summer even for the ones that I’m over-qualified for.

Ps: I’m not trying to sound cocky.