Contacting Alums from TT Forum

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Anonymous User
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Contacting Alums from TT

Post by Anonymous User » Thu Jun 28, 2012 1:28 pm

Quick question-- I'm going to be attending a TT in a major market in the fall. Have mapped out a tentative professional game plan, and have already begun researching alumni who have followed trajectories that interest me, some in firms, some who eventually set up their own shops.

Without going into too much detail about my own personal circumstances, how annoying or overly-striverish would it be to email alums whose emails are listed on their firm's website?

I'd really like to hear from individuals who are working, but any insight is appreciated-- especially advice about how to frame emails like this. I'd even be down to set up an informational interview or two.

Anonymous User
Posts: 428122
Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am

Re: Contacting Alums from TT

Post by Anonymous User » Thu Jun 28, 2012 3:01 pm

Wait til you've gotten grades back from first semester, so you can at least say you started well. Send an email if you have a background in their area of expertise. If you don't, then why would they want to talk to you until after you've proven yourself via 1L class rank? And if your grades are crap after first semester, wait until after second semester and you've hopefully improved.

This is coming from someone who is a year ahead of you, so take it for what its worth.

Anonymous User
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Joined: Tue Aug 11, 2009 9:32 am

Re: Contacting Alums from TT

Post by Anonymous User » Thu Jun 28, 2012 3:29 pm

I attended a TTT and just graduated with honors, law review, etc. It is the only law school in the city. I've spent my summer doing informational interviews with alumni in the area of law I want to pursue. I've been welcomed with open arms and I've gotten a LOT of really good advice. I would NOT frame the email as asking for a job. In fact, you should probably state up front that you are NOT seeking a job offer, but merely want advice and information about the field generally, how they got where they are, what they wish they had known when they were in your position, etc. You aren't asking for a job, just advice, right? So your grades would be helpful to someone rendering that advice, but if you know the path you want to pursue and grades aren't super-important (e.g., going solo), why wait? They may have advice to offer you RE: law school as well. I don't think you're out of line at all, and a lot of people would probably be impressed that you're thinking about this stuff so early on and going in with a clear head rather than starry eyes. You want to hurry, though, because once law school starts you won't have time.

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