networking advice Forum

[Anonymous User]

I have family connections to some big-law/mid-law lawyers. But none of the four firms are hiring 1Ls this summer (my luck). Each of these connections has given me specific names of people to contact at other firms, people they know personally.

How do I turn one of these contacts into a 1L summer associateship? I feel like it's getting late in the game, should I just send them my credentials unsolicited? Should I try to set up appointments with them? I'm at a top school, an inch above median, if that's relevant.

[ran12]

I have family connections to some big-law/mid-law lawyers. But none of the four firms are hiring 1Ls this summer (my luck). Each of these connections has given me specific names of people to contact at other firms, people they know personally.

How do I turn one of these contacts into a 1L summer associateship? I feel like it's getting late in the game, should I just send them my credentials unsolicited? Should I try to set up appointments with them? I'm at a top school, an inch above median, if that's relevant.

Assuming your family connection already gave the other lawyer a head up about you looking for 1L SA then prob set up a meeting, maybe lunch. It's a little different when it's more of a personal connection. They know what you want but at the same time some tact is better than just forwarding your resume and transcript. Having your family connection talk you up is prob important since the lawyer will prob trust their judgment.

[sunynp]

Here is the thing- you need to set up casual meetings to get to know these people. You want to create relationships - not just ask for a job. Think of it as an informational interview for yourself.

[Anonymous User]

OP here. Problem. These people are three states away, so I'll send an email asking to set up a phone appointment. What do I say: that I'm seeking an SA in XYZ market and I'd like their advice? that I want to learn about their firm? that I'm planning on applying the their firm and I'd like their advice? What exactly should I include in the email?

Also, is an "informal" memo okay for a writing sample?

Having your family connection talk you up is prob important since the lawyer will prob trust their judgment.

I thought it be kind of weird to ask my family members to contact, since they have already given me a list of names.

[ran12]

OP here. Problem. These people are three states away, so I'll send an email asking to set up a phone appointment. What do I say: that I'm seeking an SA in XYZ market and I'd like their advice? that I want to learn about their firm? that I'm planning on applying the their firm and I'd like their advice?

What exactly should I include?

Also, is an "informal" memo okay for a writing sample?

Having your family connection talk you up is prob important since the lawyer will prob trust their judgment.

I thought it be kind of weird to ask my family members to contact, since they have already given me a list of names.

In your case a phone conversation prob makes more sense unless they ask you for a formal interview. Memo should be okay. As a 1L your writing sample isn't expected to be extraordinary.

If your family gave you a list of contacts, they should also be calling those contacts to inform them that you'll be in touch with them. It's a little awkward for them to get an email or call out of the blue from someone they don't know and it could be weird for you to explain who you are depending on how you end up contacting them. People who have hiring ability are not going to necessarily look at every email or take every call about a SA so if they don't know who you are, they could ignore you.

Assuming your family does contact the lawyers for a heads up about you, they should know what you want but lawyers are different so some might get straight to it and others will kind of make you work for it. Also, idk if it applies to law but in business, there's a notion that 1/3 of contacts will really want to help you, 1/3 will act like they do out of some need to make themselves feel like they're doing something but in fact will not do more than have a cursory conversation, and a 1/3 will just ignore you. This is why it's important for your family to talk you up and help you convince the lawyers to give you a job.

[Anonymous User]

If your family gave you a list of contacts, they should also be calling those contacts to inform them that you'll be in touch with them.

Here's the thing. I was given this information November/December and I'm just now getting around to using it. I know it was dumb to wait, but I don't feel like it's appropriate for me to now say, "Hey, remember those contacts you gave me 4 months ago, can you call them all and give them a heads up." So I'm trying to make the best of my situation now without asking them for any additional, direct help; one--the most helpful--is now at trial, so I doubt he would have time to make calls for me even if I had the nerve to ask him.

So, since a personal introduction is not going to happen, would it be so awkward to contact them that I should just forgo it? I was thinking about something like.

Mr. X:

My name is X and I writing you at the suggestion of nuncle, who recommended I contact you directly. I am a first-year student at the personal injury school of law in Podunk, Georgia. I am presently seeking a summer associateship in Podunk. I would greatly appreciate your advice re: ___________________ ? If you have time, can we set up a phone appointment for next week?

How do I fill in the blank? Would I be better off not sending this email, and just applying through the recruiting coordinator without trying to work these tenuous connections?

[ran12]

I see what you're saying. If it's not possible for your family to make a personal intro for you then go ahead with the email. For the blank just say you would like their advice on the area of law and the firm itself. They know what you want. You're better off sending directly to the contact rather than recruiting initially. If you get no response, that's when you should talk to your family and if that's not possible, then go to the recruiting coordinator. Going straight to the recruiting coordinator when you have a contact doesn't make sense.