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Family Friend - Partner in Firm
Posted: Fri Jun 05, 2015 10:03 pm
by DaHead2Head514
I have a close family friend who is a partner at a major, national BigLaw firm. I'm not sure if this is the place to start this forum, but how does that affect my chances at said firm? Or maybe at comparable firms if I get some sort of recommendation? I'm probably in no position to just simply ask him to the firm, so I'd just like to see if anyone had any perspective on this. Thanks.
Re: Family Friend - Partner in Firm
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2015 2:14 pm
by Drowninmyowntears
DaHead2Head514 wrote:I have a close family friend who is a partner at a major, national BigLaw firm. I'm not sure if this is the place to start this forum, but how does that affect my chances at said firm? Or maybe at comparable firms if I get some sort of recommendation? I'm probably in no position to just simply ask him to the firm, so I'd just like to see if anyone had any perspective on this. Thanks.
I'd say that helps you out a lot. 85% of jobs are never advertised to the public. It's SO much about who you know. Ask any lawyer and I guarantee they have had at least one or multiple jobs they got because they know someone. Just tell him you are applying and ask him to put in a good word. Network, network, network.
Re: Family Friend - Partner in Firm
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2015 2:32 pm
by rpupkin
DaHead2Head514 wrote:I have a close family friend who is a partner at a major, national BigLaw firm. I'm not sure if this is the place to start this forum, but how does that affect my chances at said firm?
It has a positive--but likely minimal--effect on your chances. It might help you get an interview that you wouldn't otherwise get, which could help.
Keep in mind that big law firms have a lot of partners with a lot of family friends. In general, those firms hire associates based on an applicant's law school, grades, and personality. Cronyism happens, but it's relatively rare in associate hiring.
Re: Family Friend - Partner in Firm
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2015 10:52 pm
by kalvano
The friend may be able to get you an interview you wouldn't otherwise get, but that's about it unless he or she chairs the hiring committee.
Re: Family Friend - Partner in Firm
Posted: Thu Jun 25, 2015 11:00 pm
by Hutz_and_Goodman
kalvano wrote:The friend may be able to get you an interview you wouldn't otherwise get, but that's about it unless he or she chairs the hiring committee.
This. It helps to know someone because you will likely get a screener interview. But I know a lot of people who have parents in big law (partners) who did not get an offer. So of course it's a nice plus but don't put too much stock in that happening.