from the associate: "One of the biggest misconceptions is the assumption that if someone is not a Partner, then he has no say in any of the decision-making process at the firm. Thinking that it is a waste of time to talk to Associates or that only the partners need to be on board is a potentially dangerous view for an entrepreneur to hold. Associates almost always have an influence on the decision made by the firm. Sometimes an Associate is the primary champion for the deal and other times they are responsible for doing most of the legwork required to determine which entrepreneurs are worth pursuing."
Agreed. Be yourself with associates, pitch to the partners