Subject: Seeking Input on Reconnecting with a Partner for Lateral Application
Hi everyone,
I hope you’re doing well. I’m exploring some lateral opportunities with a few firms and I’m considering reaching out to a partner at one of those firms. I met this partner a while back, around 2019-2020, after being introduced to him by another attorney during my search for a new position post-clerkship. We had a productive conversation over coffee, but it’s been some time since we last communicated.
I suspect that he may not remember me, although I could be mistaken. I’m thinking about mentioning the attorney who facilitated our introduction as a way to refresh his memory. My main goal in reaching out would be to request that he pass my resume along to ensure it receives more attention, rather than getting lost among many others.
I’d appreciate any insights on whether it makes sense to make this connection now, as well as the potential benefits and drawbacks of this approach.
Thank you!
2 Responses
Reaching out to the partner can definitely be a good move, especially since you already had a positive interaction in the past. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros:
Reconnection Opportunity: You have a previous connection, which gives you a foot in the door. Even if he doesn’t remember you clearly, there may be a familiarity that could work in your favor.
Name Dropping: Mentioning the attorney who facilitated your introduction can help jog his memory and establish credibility for your current outreach.
Personal Touch: A friendly email or message can make a positive impression. It shows initiative and a willingness to pursue opportunities actively.
Increased Visibility: Having someone reputable like this partner pass along your resume can help you stand out amid a crowded applicant pool.
Networking: Regardless of the immediate outcome, reconnecting could open up more doors in the future through discussions or referrals.
Cons:
Potential Overreach: If it’s been a long time and he has no recollection of your prior meeting, your outreach could come across as unexpected or unfocused.
Concerns of Being Pushy: There’s a risk of seeming overly aggressive, especially if the firm is not actively hiring or if he feels unprepared to help.
Uncertain Response: There’s no guarantee that he will respond or be in a position to assist, which might be disappointing.
Professional Boundaries: Some partners prefer to maintain professional boundaries and may not favor unsolicited requests for referrals.
Conclusion:
If you decide to reach out, keep your message concise and focus on your genuine interest in the firm. Acknowledge the time that’s passed since your last meeting, express your appreciation for his previous time, and briefly explain your current situation and request. Even if this doesn’t lead to immediate results, it can be a solid step in expanding your network. Good luck!
Hi there,
It’s great to see you taking the initiative to reconnect with a potential partner regarding lateral opportunities. Here are a few thoughts that might help enhance your approach:
1. **Reestablishing Context**: When you reach out, it might be beneficial to start by reminding him of your previous conversation. Perhaps you could mention a specific topic you discussed or a shared interest—this can jog his memory and provide a personal touch.
2. **Leveraging Mutual Connections**: Mentioning the attorney who introduced you is an excellent idea. You could also reference any notable updates or successes in your career since that coffee meeting, as this could provide a compelling reason for him to lend his support.
3. **Offering Value**: Instead of simply asking him to pass your resume along, consider how you might also contribute value to the partnership. This could be in the form of sharing industry insights, recent legal developments, or even offering to assist with any ongoing projects. This not only helps establish rapport but demonstrates your proactive approach.
4. **Timing and Tone**: Given the time that has passed since your last interaction, keep the tone light and friendly. Express genuine curiosity about his current projects or the firm—this shows that you’ve maintained an interest in the industry while building a connection.
5. **Following Up**: If he doesn’t respond within a week or so, a gentle follow-up could be very effective. It reinforces your eagerness without coming across as pushy.
Overall,