How to reach out to a school alum Forum

[howie121294]

Hello,

I'm trying to figure out an appropriate way to reach out to an alum of my school who works for a large firm in a secondary market in which I wish to practice. The school that I'm attending is a fairly powerful regional T1, and places a handful of grads in the said market every year according to their NALP report. I'm pretty sure that he is a recruiter for the said firm, as he requested myself and a few of my peers on Linkedin. What would be an appropriate way to reach out to him and say something along the lines of "I saw that you're an alumni of the school I'm attending, I wish to practice in your city after graduating, does your firm recruit from the school?"

Much thanks.

[glitched]

I'd just straight up apply. The body of your email will be your cover letter, and in the subject line, put your school. The alumni will get it. I'd also attach a pdf cover letter with the same information from your email, a resume, and a transcript so it's easy for him to forward it. I've also in the past emailed the recruiting person if I could find that info, but now, I would probably just cc the recruiting person on the email to the alumni.

Asking whether the firm recruits from your school seems pointless to me. If they say they do, then you'll have to send your materials anyway. If they say they don't, you'll never get a chance to send your materials. Even if they don't typically recruit from your school, if you're qualified, then you'll at least have one foot forward.

[nealric]

Hello,

I'm trying to figure out an appropriate way to reach out to an alum of my school who works for a large firm in a secondary market in which I wish to practice. The school that I'm attending is a fairly powerful regional T1, and places a handful of grads in the said market every year according to their NALP report. I'm pretty sure that he is a recruiter for the said firm, as he requested myself and a few of my peers on Linkedin. What would be an appropriate way to reach out to him and say something along the lines of "I saw that you're an alumni of the school I'm attending, I wish to practice in your city after graduating, does your firm recruit from the school?"

Much thanks.

I'd ask and see if he'd be willing to talk to you about the legal market in your area. Many lawyers are happy to do informational phone interviews for law students. An informational interview provides a low-pressure way to introduce yourself and also find out valuable information about the local market. If they ARE interested, they will let you know. In my experience, this tends to come off a lot better than straight up asking for a job or asking about recruiting.

[Anonymous User]

I'd just straight up apply. The body of your email will be your cover letter, and in the subject line, put your school. The alumni will get it. I'd also attach a pdf cover letter with the same information from your email, a resume, and a transcript so it's easy for him to forward it. I've also in the past emailed the recruiting person if I could find that info, but now, I would probably just cc the recruiting person on the email to the alumni.

Asking whether the firm recruits from your school seems pointless to me. If they say they do, then you'll have to send your materials anyway. If they say they don't, you'll never get a chance to send your materials. Even if they don't typically recruit from your school, if you're qualified, then you'll at least have one foot forward.

One important thing that I forgot to mention is that I am currently a 0L, and I am starting law school this fall. Would this change anything?

[shock259]

I'd just shoot him a cold email with "alumn" in the title somewhere and ask if you can go to coffee or chat on the phone about his job, the secondary legal market, etc. I always answer emails like this and I've gotten good responses to similar ones I've sent.

[glitched]

I'd just straight up apply. The body of your email will be your cover letter, and in the subject line, put your school. The alumni will get it. I'd also attach a pdf cover letter with the same information from your email, a resume, and a transcript so it's easy for him to forward it. I've also in the past emailed the recruiting person if I could find that info, but now, I would probably just cc the recruiting person on the email to the alumni.

Asking whether the firm recruits from your school seems pointless to me. If they say they do, then you'll have to send your materials anyway. If they say they don't, you'll never get a chance to send your materials. Even if they don't typically recruit from your school, if you're qualified, then you'll at least have one foot forward.

One important thing that I forgot to mention is that I am currently a 0L, and I am starting law school this fall. Would this change anything?

For some reason, I assumed you were a 1L preparing for OCI/summer applications. I'd say in your situation, cold email and asking to meet for coffee is best. Be general in your email, and say you want to learn more about his firm and practice. I wouldn't ask about recruiting. The goal at your stage would really be to start a relationship that you can build throughout the year.

[whats an updog]

Read this: http://www.top-law-schools.com/forums/v ... 23&t=87297

basically the same advice applies at any stage