declining informational interviews & breaking into biglaw

when and how should i decline informational interviews from law students?

I should have this figured out by now but would love to have your thoughts on how to handle cold requests for informational interviews from law students. As a young(ish) female BigLaw partner, I get more of these than I have time to handle. My current approach feels a bit capricious: I will usually give whatever time I can to anyone who identifies as a first-generation law student or BIPOC, or sends a thoughtful note that signals to me I have something specific to offer them. I'm curious whether you have other criteria to consider, and/or any suggestions on how to gracefully decline other requests and not simply ignore them (I'm not high-profile enough to have a FAQ elsewhere to direct them to).

- Anonymous

First of all--congratulations on your promotion to partner (whenever that occurred)!! That is an incredible accomplishment, and I am always so overjoyed to see representation at the partnership ranks be more ref…