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Anonymous and vague for obvious reasons.

A partner from another firm recently contacted me. She would like to get coffee to discuss her firm and the possibility that I consider applying to her firm after my post-grad job (clerkship, fellowship, etc.). Her firm has a specific practice area that I'm interested in, and in which I have work experience. This partner learned about my interest in the firm through a third-party.

How risky would it be to meet with her? If my firm finds out, does that automatically mean I'll get no-offered?

any thoughts?

I don't think it is very risky. I can't imagine it would lead to a no offer, if you're at a normal, reputable firm.
First of all, who you have coffee with is your business.
Second, you can't be blamed for wanting to cover your bases, in case you got no-offered or the firm goes under or whatever.
Third, it's an area of interest for you, and it is good to establish relationships in the industry.
I did similar things during my SA. Once I was comfortable being an SA, I had lunch with lots of people outside of the firm. I didn't brag about it, and I was prepared to explain my reasons if necessary, but I didn't worry about it much either.
Hope that gives you some comfort.

You can meet with whoever you want.

I'm fairly sure most firms use the NSA to track their summers. So you may want to sweep the coffee shop of bugs first and eliminate any potential threats before you take the meeting.

zweitbester wrote:You can meet with whoever you want.

This.

Nammertat wrote:

zweitbester wrote:You can meet with whoever you want.

This.

Just get ready to be no-offered when the firm tracks your iPhone to the meeting location.