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(I know this might be kinda dumb, but i've never been in this situation before so hoping for some advice)

i work at firm x
i want to apply to lateral to firm y (niche practice)
we occasionally work with firm y on certain matters when their expertise is desired
i've worked with & talked to a partner at firm y several times, they know/recognize me and have offered advice in the past and seemed to think i did good work when we worked together
firm y has a standard recruiting coordinator & hiring committee setup, but no way to know if that partner is on hiring committee

How should i approach this? should i just apply thru the recruiting coordinator? should i talk to the partner either to express interest in their firm (before i apply) or to let them know ive applied (after i do)?

thanks guys & gals

Hands down, I recommend coordinating this through the partner that you know personally. Now, he may just tell you to go through the regular route with the recruiting director, or simply hand your resume to the recruiting director. However, even in those cases, you would normally expect the partner to put in some good words to the director (assuming he in fact likes you).

Those are the worst case scenarios based on what you describe. Best case, the partner will convince the head of the recruiting committee that the firm (he) could use someone like you, and the interviews would be a mere formality. Good luck!

Anonymous User wrote:(I know this might be kinda dumb, but i've never been in this situation before so hoping for some advice)

i work at firm x
i want to apply to lateral to firm y (niche practice)
we occasionally work with firm y on certain matters when their expertise is desired
i've worked with & talked to a partner at firm y several times, they know/recognize me and have offered advice in the past and seemed to think i did good work when we worked together
firm y has a standard recruiting coordinator & hiring committee setup, but no way to know if that partner is on hiring committee

How should i approach this? should i just apply thru the recruiting coordinator? should i talk to the partner either to express interest in their firm (before i apply) or to let them know ive applied (after i do)?

thanks guys & gals

If it were me, I would start by emailing the partner you know and asking him if he is free for lunch or coffee. Then, over coffee, I would candidly express my interest in lateraling and see if he has any advice or perspective. You'll quickly get a good sense about if he is willing to help you and to what extent.