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I have a recently discovered fairly solid connection through a family member's close friend at a V10 firm in NYC. I'm a 1L at lower T14. What is an appropriate and tactful use of this connection?

I was thinking of asking for information on what this firm likes to see in its associates and maybe some other questions to establish a relationship, and hopefully build towards meeting this partner when I am next in NY. Hopefully end result is at OCI next fall this will help me in some way with getting a summer associate there. Reasonable or not?

Any other advice?

My advice: don't ever even hint about wanting this person to get you a job--if he thinks that's what you want it will sour the relationship. If you can keep from doing this, they may be a very useful contact, one that will give you advice that will help you get your own job.

Ask them about practice areas, industry news, about their daily life at work, firms that do work you are interested in, etc. Knowing these things will give you intelligent answers to questions at OCI, and might lead your contact to put you in contact with other people who can also help you. If you seem genuinely interested, they may actually take a shine to you, and even help you more directly.

As renzo said, just focus on building a relationship rather than looking for a job.

OP here. Thanks for the advice. Its what I was thinking too, so I'm glad that matched up with your thoughts.