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is it appropriate to contact alums who are partners to learn more about the firm and their practices before an interview? or better to talk to junior associates?

Anonymous User wrote:is it appropriate to contact alums who are partners to learn more about the firm and their practices before an interview? or better to talk to junior associates?

Very appropriate. I've been doing it all year (and especially this summer) and it has been very beneficial.

Now, would it be more helpful to talk to a junior associate re: an interview? Maybe, since they just went through the process. But it certainly isn't inappropriate either way.

I've heard your target should actually be senior associates. Junior associates are too junior to have any sway over the hiring process, and partners tend not to get too involved in the process. Senior associates are the sweet spot--enough to pull to potentially make a difference, and enough interest to get involved in the process. If you can get one of them to really go to bat for you, you'll be in great shape.

Anonymous User wrote:I've heard your target should actually be senior associates. Junior associates are too junior to have any sway over the hiring process, and partners tend not to get too involved in the process. Senior associates are the sweet spot--enough to pull to potentially make a difference, and enough interest to get involved in the process. If you can get one of them to really go to bat for you, you'll be in great shape.

Not really what OP wa asking about, Anonymous User