Difficult Networking Question... Would Appreciate Advice
As some may know, I am going down the law path with an eye on possibly transitioning over to IB thereafter. My question involves a law setting, but I still seek the invaluable advice of those of you on WSO.
Ok, while an undergrad, I was involved in a pre-law mentoring program and was assigned "Ms. X" as my mentor. Ms. X mentored me through my junior and senior years but, because she was very busy (partner in a NYC firm), I only saw/meet with her a few of times. Unfortunately, I lost contact with her towards the end of my senior year as I had a lot going on (LSAT preparation, graduation, law school applications, and physically moving). It has been almost three years since I last spoke to her.
As I am entering my third/final year of law school, I have been targeting firms to apply to so I can start there full time in the spring. When I researched a certain firm, the name sounded familar and I found her on the partner list.
My question is should I reach out to Ms X now or has too much time has elapsed? I think too much time has elapsed and think I should move on. But, a friend of mine says it can't hurt to just send her an email, explain all the things which have occured which caused you to lose contact and that the worse thing is she won't answer my email. So, should I contact her? If so, should I contact her and just manifest an intent to re-establish contact (and meanwhile hope she will say "what are your plans after graduation" and then eventually the conversation may seg-way into my applying to her firm)? Suggestions are appreciated.





I would reach
I would reach out to her, as, worst case scenario, she just ignores the email - no harm done. I would not send her na email trying to catch her up on the last 3 years of your life. Instead, I would be honest, and mention how you found her name (came across it while searching through law firms and such), and wanted to say hello and see how she has been, etc. There is nothing wrong with reaching out to catch up after falling out of contact. I wouldn't go right for the job line, but I would mention, as I said, how you came across her email address (and how she crossed your mind). It's an interesting enough story, and the connection has a shot. If no response, then move on, no harm no foul. If a response, great, don't push it, and really just be interested in catching up and building the connection (whether for now, or for down the line).
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Absolutely reach out. I
Absolutely reach out. I understand, but am constantly amazed at how people forgo reaching out to an old contact because a lot of time has passed. Honestly, people are very forgiving. They lead very busy lives too and aren't in touch with people they'd like to stay in touch with.
Send her an email telling her that you'd pleasantly stumbled across her name in your research on law firms. Tell her that you'd love to find a time to update her on what you've been up to, and if she's willing, take advantage of her good insight again. Promise not to take up too much of her time. Suggest a 20 min phone call. I bet there's a 90% likelihood that she schedules the call.
When you talk to her, give her the highlights of the last 3 years, mostly professional but some personal as well since you know each other personally, tell her you're looking at various law firms and what attracts you to each. Now comes the key part. What's your "ask"? I'd suggest you think about the following:
- Ask for candid feedback from her as to whether your background & accomplishments suggests you have a good shot at the firms you've identified.
- Ask if there are other firms she'd suggest you consider
- Ask if she has been involved in recruiting, what distinguishes the top candidates from the solid candidates?
- Ask how her firm compares to the others you are considering for associate positions
Finally, ask if it would be ok if you kept her posted on your recruiting progress at her firm. If she's really excited to help, she'll offer to send a note/pass your resume along with her "endorsement" to the recruiting head. Even if she doesn't offer that, you can still mention that she was a mentor of yours in your cover letter and in your interviews at that firm.
Take a look at this to get you more comfortable reaching out to old contacts. I'd encourage everyone to dig deep and reach out to every old contact they have that might be helpful.
Resuscitating Old Contacts to Help Your Job Search - http://bit.ly/dkKkc
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Thank You
Thanks for your insight guys. After reading your responses, I feel much more comfortable in reaching out to her. I have been revising an email which I plan on sending her tonight. I think it is nearly finished and ready to be sent but, I was just wondering, what should I title the email? Some suggestions I have received are "Catching Up" and "________ Alumnus" but I don't know, I'm not sold. What do you guys think? Urgent advice needed!! THANKS!
Ms. X responded to my email;
Ms. X responded to my email; I am going to follow up with her in a week or so to meet and discuss what I have been up to, career goals, etc. I was really she responded as she is someone who can provide me with very valuable advice.
This goes to show you that, like formerMD mentioned, most contacts are forgiving and willing to re-establish lost connections. Thanks for your help guys!