Choosing a Recruiter: Red Flags to Watch Out For

The job market has vastly improved for attorneys in 2015. That means that many attorneys are thinking of making a move; seeking a better salary, a better lifestyle, a different city, or another practice area.  You may be getting multiple cold calls during the workday, most of which you quickly dismiss.  But how in the world do you go about vetting a recruiter, and deciding which one you want to work with?

Probably the most reliable way to get a great recruiter is through friends or colleagues who have worked with her.    However, not everyone has access to someone through these channels, or they don’t know who to ask.  If you feel you need to choose from among the recruiters who are contacting you, or the ones you can find online, here are some red flags to definitely watch out for.
 

1. She Asks You For Money.

If you have never worked with a recruiter before, know this: a good recruiter will never, ever ask you for money.  Reputable recruiters have law firms for clients.  They pay us well, and you pay us nothing.  Recruiters who do not have law firm clients paying them are probably not recruiters you want to be working with. While some services like resume services or job boards with exclusive listings may require payment, legal recruiters do not make their money by charging the attorneys we place. In short, if a recruiter has to ask job-seeking attorneys for a fee, they are not making their money making placements, and you should probably keep looking.
 

2. She Doesn’t Understand The Legal Market

Many legal recruiters are former practicing attorneys or have a background as placement coordinators in law firms.   This enables them to truly understand what attorneys do.  Ask your recruiter if all they do is place within the legal industry (preferably only attorneys).  If they are also placing accountants, IT people, restaurant and zoological workers, they probably don’t truly know what you do all day as a Derivatives, ERISA or IP attorney.  Handling multiple industries is just too much for a recruiter to really understand them all.  If they handle more markets than just legal, please proceed with caution, and make sure they understand your profession as well as you do.
 

3. She Doesn’t Know Your Geographic Area

Similarly, many recruiters attempt to handle the whole country, or even the whole world.  I clearly remember when I was an associate at a major law firm, I was approached by a recruiter who was working out of his home somewhere in South Florida.  I was trying to make a move from DC to Chicago, and it quickly became clear that he didn’t understand where I was coming from (DC is a very special legal market), and was attempting to market me as someone I wasn’t.   He just wanted to get a hold of my resume and plaster it all over Chicago without understanding which firms might actually be interested in someone with my background.


While no recruiter is going to be able to know each and every firm, she should have an idea what type of firm you are coming from, what practice areas your firm is known for, what types of clients it services.  Then she can assess, using her knowledge of the firms in your target geographic area and her research skills, where you might fit.  Beware of recruiters who don’t seem to understand what type of practice you are coming from, and are sending you openings where you obviously would not fit.
 

4. She Is Pushy and You Don’t Feel Comfortable

A great recruiter is flush with great candidates and great connections.  She makes a comfortable living doing what she does, and is not desperate to make a quick placement; she’s more interested in her long-term reputation in the community, so placing you in a position where you will be happy long-term, and where the law firm will be happy with you, in her long term interest.  A good recruiter is not trying to make a quick buck by placing you in a position where you will not last.

While I often encourage my candidates to keep an open mind and talk to as many firms as possible, even ones you think you don’t want to work at, you should also listen to your gut feeling.  Here are some things to be very cautious of: Is the recruiter trying to push you to fudge your skill set?  To exaggerate your book of business?  When you say you are not interested in a particular opening, will she not take no for an answer?  Do you feel like she is trying to sell you something you don’t want?  Here’s my advice: If your gut tells you something is fishy in the way she conducts business, run a mile.

In sum, a good recruiter should know almost as much about your practice area as you do.  She should know which firms in your target geographic area might be interested in someone with your specific background.  She should truly listen to what you want and, while it is great for her to be overinclusive in presenting options to you, she should listen when you say no, and move on.  She should not pressure you to pretend to be someone you’re not so that she can make a quick placement.  A great recruiter will not try to sell you anything you don’t want, and is happy to take her time to ensure the right fit for you.

About Harrison Barnes

Harrison Barnes is a prominent figure in the legal placement industry, known for his expertise in attorney placements and his extensive knowledge of the legal profession.

With over 25 years of experience, he has established himself as a leading voice in the field and has helped thousands of lawyers and law students find their ideal career paths.

Barnes is a former federal law clerk and associate at Quinn Emanuel and a graduate of the University of Chicago College and the University of Virginia Law School. He was a Rhodes Scholar Finalist at the University of Chicago and a member of the University of Virginia Law Review. Early in his legal career, he enrolled in Stanford Business School but dropped out because he missed legal recruiting too much.

Barnes' approach to the legal industry is rooted in his commitment to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. He believes that the key to success in the legal profession is to be proactive, persistent, and disciplined in one's approach to work and life. He encourages lawyers to take ownership of their careers and to focus on developing their skills and expertise in a way that aligns with their passions and interests.

One of how Barnes provides support to lawyers is through his writing. On his blog, HarrisonBarnes.com, and BCGSearch.com, he regularly shares his insights and advice on a range of topics related to the legal profession. Through his writing, he aims to empower lawyers to control their careers and make informed decisions about their professional development.

One of Barnes's fundamental philosophies in his writing is the importance of networking. He believes that networking is a critical component of career success and that it is essential for lawyers to establish relationships with others in their field. He encourages lawyers to attend events, join organizations, and connect with others in the legal community to build their professional networks.

Another central theme in Barnes' writing is the importance of personal and professional development. He believes that lawyers should continuously strive to improve themselves and develop their skills to succeed in their careers. He encourages lawyers to pursue ongoing education and training actively, read widely, and seek new opportunities for growth and development.

In addition to his work in the legal industry, Barnes is also a fitness and lifestyle enthusiast. He sees fitness and wellness as integral to his personal and professional development and encourages others to adopt a similar mindset. He starts his day at 4:00 am and dedicates several daily hours to running, weightlifting, and pursuing spiritual disciplines.

Finally, Barnes is a strong advocate for community service and giving back. He volunteers for the University of Chicago, where he is the former area chair of Los Angeles for the University of Chicago Admissions Office. He also serves as the President of the Young Presidents Organization's Century City Los Angeles Chapter, where he works to support and connect young business leaders.

In conclusion, Harrison Barnes is a visionary legal industry leader committed to helping lawyers achieve their full potential. Through his work at BCG Attorney Search, writing, and community involvement, he empowers lawyers to take control of their careers, develop their skills continuously, and lead fulfilling and successful lives. His philosophy of being proactive, persistent, and disciplined, combined with his focus on personal and professional development, makes him a valuable resource for anyone looking to succeed in the legal profession.

About BCG Attorney Search

BCG Attorney Search matches attorneys and law firms with unparalleled expertise and drive, while achieving results. Known globally for its success in locating and placing attorneys in law firms of all sizes, BCG Attorney Search has placed thousands of attorneys in law firms in thousands of different law firms around the country. Unlike other legal placement firms, BCG Attorney Search brings massive resources of over 150 employees to its placement efforts locating positions and opportunities its competitors simply cannot. Every legal recruiter at BCG Attorney Search is a former successful attorney who attended a top law school, worked in top law firms and brought massive drive and commitment to their work. BCG Attorney Search legal recruiters take your legal career seriously and understand attorneys. For more information, please visit www.BCGSearch.com.