Which mentor should I choose? Forum

[Wily]

The law school I'm considering right now, GW, matches its scholarship students with a graduate mentor. They matched me with two possible mentors, both in biglaw.

One is a male who graduated in 1974 and is a biglaw partner. Works in securities, entertainment, regulatory law.

Another is a female who graduated in 2008 and is a biglaw associate. Works in corporate/health law.

I'm thinking the partner would be more useful as a possible connection for a job, while the associate would know a lot more about the current job market and how to do well in it. Which one should I pick?

[2012JayDee]

The associate.
That way when you have questions you think are stupid you won't be so afraid to ask them. Also, the partner isn't going to remember quite as much about his years of law school and the first couple of years of law firm life, whereas the associate is currently living them. Also, the partner likely entered the legal profession in a very different legal and economic climate and his references may not be as realistic or relevant.
The partner is also likely to have less time to devote to you (although I wouldn't care to guess how much free time the associate is going to have either).
But if you're worried that the partner will somehow have more pull don't. Plenty of associates at firms have the ability to weigh in on someone, if necessary.

[Nova]

Im thinking the partner would be more useful as a possible connection for a job, while the associate would know a lot more about the current job market and how to do well in it.

Thats exactly the conclusion I came to. Sounds like a toss up. I would go with the partner, because of the seemingly greater chance of getting hooked up, plus he will have more over all wisdom.

Edit: Sorry for weighing in with my 0L opinions... Was looking at active topics and didnt notice what forum this thread was in.

[piccolittle]

Silly distinction perhaps, but are you male or female? I've found that mentors of my same gender have been more willing or able to get to know me on a personal level, and more willing to go to bat for me because of that. Also, some issues you encounter in practice may be unique to being male or female. I know you're not supposed to say stuff like that, but it's just my experience and there it is.

[CanadianWolf]

Depends upon your reasons for being mentored. In my opinion, the associate would be more "in tune" with the concerns of an 1L. But, on the other hand, a partner in need of a golfing partner could work out in the long run regarding employment prospects.

[Wily]

Depends upon your reasons for being mentored. In my opinion, the associate would be more "in tune" with the concerns of an 1L. But, on the other hand, a partner in need of a golfing partner could work out in the long run regarding employment prospects.

Well, my main goal is to get a big firm job, if I can make the grades. I don't really need hand-holding in terms of how to deal with law school stress or anything like that, but I would like advice on how to apply for jobs and bid for OCI, etc. Also it would be helpful to have at least one connection in the biglaw world, which I currently don't have. I'm leaning towards the younger associate now, but I'd love to hear more opinions.

[flcath]

This doesn't necessarily cut one way or the other (no, it doesn't necessarily favor the partner), but I would be thinking now about how to exploit this relationship for employment purposes.

[Ohiobumpkin]

Associate. More practical and safe choice. Partners are notoriously busy, and having somebody available when advice is needed could be a life saver. Plus, I think you would be more likely to create a more equal (and thus less intimidating) professional relationship with the associate versus the partner.