Page 1 of 1
Reference from 2L firm for 3L hunt
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2014 1:03 am
by Anonymous User
Hi TLS,
I'm currently working as a summer associate at a V20 firm, but I want to switch markets to NY/DC. My only question is, do I need a reference from my current firm? If so, am I supposed to eventually ask the hiring partner? Or who do I ask? (Of course, I'm assuming I'll ask after I get an offer.)
Re: Reference from 2L firm for 3L hunt
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2014 1:40 am
by dead head
Ask for a reference and your firm is going to know you want to bail on them. Nobody will ask you for references, and it's possible that if you give a reference the firm you're interviewing with will think you were cold-offered and your SA firm is trying to offload you.
Re: Reference from 2L firm for 3L hunt
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2014 11:15 am
by Anonymous User
OP here. Thanks for the advice. Would it be useful for me to ask an associate for a reference? (Assuming that associate can keep my job search a secret?)
Anyone else?
Re: Reference from 2L firm for 3L hunt
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2014 11:16 am
by guano
Anonymous User wrote:OP here. Thanks for the advice. Would it be useful for me to ask an associate for a reference? (Assuming that associate can keep my job search a secret?)
Anyone else?
Great way to ignore good advice. Why don't you wait until it's necessary? (i.e. when/if a 3L firm asks for a reference)
Re: Reference from 2L firm for 3L hunt
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2014 3:04 pm
by Anonymous User
guano wrote:Anonymous User wrote:OP here. Thanks for the advice. Would it be useful for me to ask an associate for a reference? (Assuming that associate can keep my job search a secret?)
Anyone else?
Great way to ignore good advice. Why don't you wait until it's necessary? (i.e. when/if a 3L firm asks for a reference)
OP here -- not ignoring advice. Some firms ask for reference as part of the application. I'm simply wondering if--after I get the 2L firm offer--it's better to ask a reference from an associate or a partner. Sorry if I wasn't clear.
Re: Reference from 2L firm for 3L hunt
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2014 3:54 pm
by Pokemon
Anonymous User wrote:guano wrote:Anonymous User wrote:OP here. Thanks for the advice. Would it be useful for me to ask an associate for a reference? (Assuming that associate can keep my job search a secret?)
Anyone else?
Great way to ignore good advice. Why don't you wait until it's necessary? (i.e. when/if a 3L firm asks for a reference)
OP here -- not ignoring advice. Some firms ask for reference as part of the application. I'm simply wondering if--after I get the 2L firm offer--it's better to ask a reference from an associate or a partner. Sorry if I wasn't clear.
I have not seen a single biglaw firm ask for references... I mean if you want to shoot yourself in the foot for no reason, by no means go ahead.
Re: Reference from 2L firm for 3L hunt
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2014 4:54 pm
by Anonymous User
Covington & Burling
Re: Reference from 2L firm for 3L hunt
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2014 4:58 pm
by Pokemon
Anonymous User wrote:Covington & Burling
I guess then if your dream is to work at Covington, you should ask for a recommendation. Most other firms do not seem to care though.
Re: Reference from 2L firm for 3L hunt
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2014 5:03 pm
by Anonymous User
OP here -- No that's right... I know that
Re: Reference from 2L firm for 3L hunt
Posted: Sat Jun 28, 2014 5:12 pm
by OutCold
Coming from someone who was successful during 3L recruiting, it would bad idea to ask someone at your firm for a reference. If your dream is to work for Covington, you should be getting references from 1L summer/professors/etc. I very much doubt they expect you to have a reference from your 2L firm given the sensitive nature of switching firms.