Top Law Schools

I was wondering if the rule about December 1st applications to firms for 1Ls applies if you know someone who is going to slip your resume/transcript/cover letter to hiring partners at firms, rather than mass-mailing them? Basically, if someone were to know a partner and that partner was willing to accept your application early, are you still bound to comply with the December 1st rule anyway?

I'm pretty sure that the Dec. 1st date is more a general guideline for employers and that there is no real enforcement of the rule that I know of. Plus, I don't think you are going to go to career services and start telling them that you applied for a job before Dec. 1st.