Blackstone/Lazard Restructuring - Associate Hiring

Here's the challenge: at the more senior levels you are absolutely correct that your JD + bankruptcy experience is immensely valuable in restructuring. However, at the associate level (banking) it is much less so. You are really going to have be convincing that you can do the work of a banking associate. In other words, that you know how to use excel, understand accounting, valuation, etc. and not just know how to draft a fee app. As far as getting an interview, the best way would be if you worked on any bankruptcies with the firms you mentioned and formed any relationships. Obviously you have to be delicate but by all means indicate that you are looking to make the switch and ask if they'd be willing to interview you. If not, then you'll have to do the same job search as everyone else, which is networking, sending out your resume, etc. If you really want to make the switch I wouldn't limit to only Lazard and BX since even though they may be the top firms, there just aren't that many associate slots. Consider Houlihan and Rothschild as you mentioned as well as Miller Buckfire, Perella Weinberg, Greenhill, etc. If you're good, you will always have the opportunity to trade up later in your career.