I am a 2L at T2 school with mediocre grades. Without disclosing much else, I landed a lunch meeting with a partner at a V50 in a major market. The firm interviewed at my school, but I didn't bid on them because I knew there was no way in Hell that they would've given me the time of day given my rank, school, and resume. Any thoughts on what to do/talk about? Should I just generally "network" or should I try (afterwards) to get something for the summer? I have no illusions that I'm riding high or anything.
Input appreciated; thanks.
Lunch with a V50 partner... Suggestions? Forum
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Anonymous User
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Anonymous User
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Re: Lunch with a V50 partner... Suggestions?
That's a pretty tough question to answer without more details. How you landed this meeting, the seniority of this partner, why he agreed to this meeting could all help provide a better answer.Anonymous User wrote:I am a 2L at T2 school with mediocre grades. Without disclosing much else, I landed a lunch meeting with a partner at a V50 in a major market. The firm interviewed at my school, but I didn't bid on them because I knew there was no way in Hell that they would've given me the time of day given my rank, school, and resume. Any thoughts on what to do/talk about? Should I just generally "network" or should I try (afterwards) to get something for the summer? I have no illusions that I'm riding high or anything.
Input appreciated; thanks.
Without knowing much else about this situation, just be realistic going into this. Without a serious connection (relative, very close friend, or family friend willing to pay a huge favor) chances are this isn't going to turn into a SA offer. Without the grades/school prestige/and resume strength, this partner would be putting his neck way out on the line to get you a job. However, he could get you a screener interview and leave the rest up to you.
If you can answer the question of "would this person be willing to do X for me given the situation I am in", you'll have your answer. Regardless of what that answer is though, make the most of it. You may not be able to score a job at his firm, but he may have connections at places more inline with your credentials. If he's taking the time to eat with you, he's clearly willing to offer something...at the very least his advice. Take advantage.
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Bosque
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Re: Lunch with a V50 partner... Suggestions?
How was this "lunch meeting" billed to you (and presumably the partner)? Unless you were given the distinct impression that this was a job interview, I wouldn't expect anything to come of it. In which case, you should probably use it to mine for advice/contacts that might result in job interviews.
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johndhi
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Re: Lunch with a V50 partner... Suggestions?
Answer the questions the guys above posed because they'll help us answer.
My advice, generally, is to act professionally and personably as you would in an interview, but to keep the substance of the conversation lighter and less confined. I wouldn't be afraid to tell him somewhat directly what your search has been like (but don't make it sound bad); know a good amount about his firm so in case it ever comes up you can impress with a little knowledge (but don't volunteer it too much); mine for other contacts, like if he knows other firms to which you might consider applying. And make sure when you're telling him your requirements, they sorta match the creds of his firm
My advice, generally, is to act professionally and personably as you would in an interview, but to keep the substance of the conversation lighter and less confined. I wouldn't be afraid to tell him somewhat directly what your search has been like (but don't make it sound bad); know a good amount about his firm so in case it ever comes up you can impress with a little knowledge (but don't volunteer it too much); mine for other contacts, like if he knows other firms to which you might consider applying. And make sure when you're telling him your requirements, they sorta match the creds of his firm
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romothesavior
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Re: Lunch with a V50 partner... Suggestions?
Quite frankly, you won't get a job out of this, so you shouldn't treat it as an opportunity for that. Even if this guy loves you, he most likely isn't going to be able to get someone with your credentials a job (and that's no knock on you... I wouldn't have a shot at this firm either).
That said, this can still be a very productive lunch. You should treat this as an opportunity to build your network. Just keep it very lighthearted, social, and engaging. Be sure to ask him about what his career has been like, any advice he can give you as you begin your career, and any recommendations for where you should be looking for a job. Other than that, just shoot the shit and show him that you are a good guy.
If the guy likes you enough, he'll be willing to go to bat for you with friends at firms that are more in your wheelhouse. Before you go into it, I would think a little bit about what it is you want to do, because it may well come up in the conversation, and he may be able to use that info to help put you in touch with his colleagues at other firms/offices in town.
That said, this can still be a very productive lunch. You should treat this as an opportunity to build your network. Just keep it very lighthearted, social, and engaging. Be sure to ask him about what his career has been like, any advice he can give you as you begin your career, and any recommendations for where you should be looking for a job. Other than that, just shoot the shit and show him that you are a good guy.
If the guy likes you enough, he'll be willing to go to bat for you with friends at firms that are more in your wheelhouse. Before you go into it, I would think a little bit about what it is you want to do, because it may well come up in the conversation, and he may be able to use that info to help put you in touch with his colleagues at other firms/offices in town.
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Anonymous User
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Re: Lunch with a V50 partner... Suggestions?
OP here:
I know I'm not going to get an SA offer from this lunch. Not that deluded.
The partner is fairly senior (I don't know where he fits in the hierarchy of the firm, though). He is good friends with the person who arranged it (an extended family member). I don't know how it was billed to the partner specifically, but it was billed to me as a "see what he can do" thing (either at another firm or his own).
I know I'm not going to get an SA offer from this lunch. Not that deluded.
The partner is fairly senior (I don't know where he fits in the hierarchy of the firm, though). He is good friends with the person who arranged it (an extended family member). I don't know how it was billed to the partner specifically, but it was billed to me as a "see what he can do" thing (either at another firm or his own).
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de5igual
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Re: Lunch with a V50 partner... Suggestions?
he's doing this as a favor to your uncle or whoever, so he probably won't blow you off like a cold-mail/school-arranged talk. sounds like you should use this to develop some sort of mentor type relationship. instead of asking specific things about his firm, talk about your goals and ask for advice. like the other poasters have mentioned, if he takes a liking to you, he might be able to pull strings elsewhere at smaller firms.
