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I realize this is in the wrong subject forum, but I wasn't sure where else to post this.

I have a friend who works at an international company with an office in NY. They are wondering what the proper etiquette/procedure would be to reach out to an AmLaw 100/200 firm with regards to legal advice.

Do people usually just directly email partners or is there a business development person they can go through?

Anyways, any advice here is greatly appreciated.

This is a cold email, right? Is your friend in the legal department of the company? If not, perhaps he/she should contact the legal department and ask them to make the introduction.

Otherwise, it's best to reach out to the partners directly. Your friend should try to identify the partner with the experience that best fits their legal issue, or failing that the head of the practice group.

The introductory email should contain a general description of the legal issue (without giving out any confidential information) and asking whether their firm can handle it. If they are interested, they will set up an introductory meeting to get more details. Note that the firm will have to run a conflict check before taking on the matter.

Your friend should request that the firm prepare a proposed plan and budget for the matter before signing the retention letter. Also, it's best to contact more than one firm so that you can compare their proposals.

Are you the potential client reaching out to your friend-lawyer? If so, definitely just go straight to your friend so that he gets the credit/origination should you become a paying client of his firm. Don't reach out to a partner, they do not need more clients.

Thank you for the swift response. Very helpful advice.