My parent knows a BigLaw Partner - when to reach out? Forum

[doggozeg]

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[Anonymous User]

I have no useful information on this except to say -- I'd delete out the name of the firm if I were you. It adds nothing (say Vault 50 or something) and could be a liability later.

[whacka]

Why not set up a time to meet with this person and find out about their experience at the firm, their practice area, how they like being an attorney? If I were, you, I would try and build a personal relationship with this person first. Then you can circle back later to talk about 1L summer and 2L summer. I think since you're so early in the game, you could benefit from building a relationship first without feeling like you're on a time crunch.

[doggozeg]

Thanks to both of you - hope my post is vague enough now. That is a good idea to start just by getting to know him. I'll think about the best ways to go about that. Good practice at least. Only a call is possible I think. Either way, will look into it.

[4LTsPointingNorth]

To supplement the good advice you've already received, I would encourage you to also ask your parent's connection to put you in touch with a couple junior associates at his/her firm to give you an opportunity to ask them for their perspectives on the whole law school and finding legal employment process. A law firm partner will undoubtedly by happy to put you (as a client's kid) in touch with a few associates as a means of doing an easy favor for a client. And speaking to them may be helpful to you in learning about what they do and whether that sounds appealing to you in the future.

[Anonymous User]

I am starting at a top 10 school in a month and intend to pursue corporate/biglaw. My family member, who works at a client of a big firm, knows the partner on a pretty close basis. My family member offered to reach out to this partner at some point to see if they would consider talking to me for a 1L internship, or related. I am not entirely sure of the system.

I have read about 1L employment, and it looks like I can't even speak with potential employers until December 1st? And also, when it comes to networking for positions like this, I assume my grades and stuff would still matter?

I tend to be a skeptic in these situations, but I figure if I am going up to bat, I may as well give myself the best shot and keep an open mind.

Thanks!

I was in a similar situation (my sister knew the wife of a BigLaw partner). Go ahead and get in touch. It got me an interview and an offer (although I ended up not accepting). Plus, the guy has a sweet boat that I go out on every few months with him and get sloshed.

I'd get his/her email, shoot a message saying you're at school at XYZ and just want to talk. Ask about their top-law-schools.com, how they like their job, etc. If you're a 1L, I would pump the breaks on anything more than that. No need to ask to speak to junior associates or anything like that - just make a connection and have someone you can talk to every now and then.