Prepare around the person's actual experience. Look at their office, practice area, career path, and any public work so your questions have context.

Use a few strong prompts rather than a giant list. The consulting coffee-chat questions guide has examples that are easy to adapt.

Your goal is to learn how this person experiences the firm and let them understand your interests. A good conversation should not sound like you are trying to force a referral in minute nineteen.

Have a concise introduction, two or three thoughtful topics, and enough flexibility to follow wherever the partner gives an interesting answer.

Partner chats got way better for me when I stopped trying to fit 10 questions into 20 min.

Ask about something specific to their practice, not 'what is BCG culture like?'

Do you already know which practice they work in? That should drive half your prep.