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BigLaw firm in a major market I know has an opening. If I want to reach out and network/express my interest, should I reach out to the hiring partner who is in the practice group they are hiring(but went to a diff school) or reach out to a random partner who is also in that practice group but is an alumni? Alternatively, would it be okay to reach out to the hiring partner first, then if he ignores, hit up the other partner? Thx.

Anonymous User wrote:BigLaw firm in a major market I know has an opening. If I want to reach out and network/express my interest, should I reach out to the hiring partner who is in the practice group they are hiring(but went to a diff school) or reach out to a random partner who is also in that practice group but is an alumni? Alternatively, would it be okay to reach out to the hiring partner first, then if he ignores, hit up the other partner? Thx.

I could be way off, but I would imagine you'd have more success reaching out to an alumni at the associate level.

MrT wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:BigLaw firm in a major market I know has an opening. If I want to reach out and network/express my interest, should I reach out to the hiring partner who is in the practice group they are hiring(but went to a diff school) or reach out to a random partner who is also in that practice group but is an alumni? Alternatively, would it be okay to reach out to the hiring partner first, then if he ignores, hit up the other partner? Thx.

I could be way off, but I would imagine you'd have more success reaching out to an alumni at the associate level.

OP here. How so? I would imagine Partner's yield more power and able to bring me in for an interview if the convo goes well?

Anonymous User wrote:

MrT wrote:

Anonymous User wrote:BigLaw firm in a major market I know has an opening. If I want to reach out and network/express my interest, should I reach out to the hiring partner who is in the practice group they are hiring(but went to a diff school) or reach out to a random partner who is also in that practice group but is an alumni? Alternatively, would it be okay to reach out to the hiring partner first, then if he ignores, hit up the other partner? Thx.

I could be way off, but I would imagine you'd have more success reaching out to an alumni at the associate level.

OP here. How so? I would imagine Partner's yield more power and able to bring me in for an interview if the convo goes well?

Unless you have something in common with the partner, it's unlikely they would respond because he or she likely does not care and doesn't have the time to answer random people's e-mails in a timely manner when you want something from them. Everyone is different so who knows until you reach out, but an associate is more likely to spend the time to reply/take a phone call/get coffee. Associates and senior associates can also be part of the hiring/recruitment committee as well so it still means something.

Hiring partner is just going to forward your resume to recruiting, alums are wild cards between ignoring, sending to recruiting, or actually providing help. To over generalize, associates are less helpful but more willing to try and be helpful.

I would do one of the alum options, leaning associate if you have nothing in common with the partner beyond school.

Anonymous User wrote:BigLaw firm in a major market I know has an opening. If I want to reach out and network/express my interest, should I reach out to the hiring partner who is in the practice group they are hiring(but went to a diff school) or reach out to a random partner who is also in that practice group but is an alumni? Alternatively, would it be okay to reach out to the hiring partner first, then if he ignores, hit up the other partner? Thx.

Why not reach out to both?