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Can I reach out to successful SAs at the firm?

Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2018 4:36 pm
by suckmysolidsnake
If I were to reach out and ask about any advice or their summer experience, could it be used against me in any way? There isn't a lot of info about the firm's program in general, so I'd like to gauge it for myself through these talks.

Re: Can I reach out to successful SAs at the firm?

Posted: Fri Dec 28, 2018 5:46 pm
by BansheeScream
It's unclear from your post if you've already received an offer to work at the firm, if you're in the process of making a decision and a factor in that decision is the firm's summer program, or if you're just a 1L looking to network.

Either way I'd likely say you're fine reaching out to an associate to chat about the summer program and get advice. If you're an incoming SA I think it's slightly more strange and you should probably just go with the flow and ask them questions over lunch once you're at the firm. But once again, I doubt this will hurt you to take some initiative.

If you're in the process of making the decision what you describe would be analogous of a second look in biglaw (I'm not sure if you're firm is "biglaw"). Firm recruiting staff will set this up if you want to talk to a wide array of people in a slightly less formal setting than an interview. I would still wear professional clothes and act respectful.

Finally, if you're a 1L seeking advice from attorneys, I would highly recommend reaching out to alumni of your law school at any firms you're interested in. This is absolutely essential in some markets and will not make you across strange so long as you don't ask any outlandish questions.