It’s the classic “Quality vs. Quantity” puzzle that keeps many of us awake at night, especially when you’re diving into the competitive world of legal jobs. Figuring out the right mix of how many law firms to apply to isn’t just about throwing your resume into the void and hoping for the best.
It’s about striking that perfect balance that lands you in the sweet spot of job search success.
So, let’s tackle this head-on and figure out how to play your cards right in the legal job market.
- If you're wondering at what point to stop, you might also explore when is applying enough for a deeper breakdown of how application volume correlates with success.
See Related Articles:
- How Many Firms and Jobs Should I Apply To? When Is Enough Enough?
- Why BCG Attorney Search Sends You So Many Positions and Firms
- Why Every Attorney Should Look at Multiple Legal Markets When Doing a Job Search
The Legal Job Market Landscape
The legal job market is a mixed bag, with everything from big city corporate giants to small town specialty practices. But what does that mean for your application strategy?
- Remember, it’s about quality and volume—as many as you can realistically handle—balancing quantity with capacity sums it up well.
Turns out, there’s a wide range of how many firms lawyers apply to.
Some shoot their shot with hundreds of applications, while others keep it tight with less than twenty.
On average, though, it looks like hitting the submit button on about 50 job applications is the sweet spot for most. This isn’t just about personal preference; it’s about where you fit in the grand scheme of things.
Your area of expertise plays a big role here.
If you’re into more common practice areas like corporate or commercial litigation, you’re probably going to end up applying to more firms because there are just more jobs out there. But if you’re in a niche area, like intellectual property law, where opportunities are few and far between, you might find yourself on the lower end of the application count.
And let’s not forget about where you’re looking. Big legal markets in cities like New York or LA? You’re likely to apply to more firms, thanks to the sheer volume of opportunities. But if you’re eyeing smaller markets, you might be dialing back on those applications, knowing there are fewer spots to compete for.
- Be cautious—why submitting through multiple recruiters to the same firm can backfire is worth reading before duplicating submissions.
So, navigating the legal job market isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. It’s about getting a good read on the market, understanding your specialty, and figuring out the best strategy for where you want to be.
It's all about finding that balance and making each application count.
Let’s get into it.
Key Factors Influencing Application Strategy
Your Practice Area:
Think of the legal field like a giant buffet.
Some dishes are always in demand (hello, criminal law and labor & employment!), meaning if that’s your specialty, you’re going to be filling your plate with a lot of applications because there’s just more appetite for it.
But if you’re dishing out something a bit more niche—like maritime law—you might find the crowd around your table a bit thinner. That doesn’t mean you pack up and go home; it just means you’re going to be more selective about where you send those applications.
Perceived Stability and Experience:
Experience in the legal field is a bit of a Goldilocks situation. Too little, and firms might not give you a second glance. Too much, without the portable business to back it up, and you could be seen as overqualified or too expensive to take on. There’s a sweet spot where you’re just right—experienced enough to be valuable, but still moldable into the firm’s way of doing things.
It's a well-known secret in the legal world that firms favor candidates who show a pattern of stability and commitment. If your resume reflects infrequent job changes, it signals to law firms that you're a keeper, likely to stay put and grow with them. This stability is gold in a market where the cost of turnover is high.
On the flip side, showcasing significant portable business, especially for those with more than six years of experience, can make you an attractive prospect, as firms often look for attorneys who can bring in revenue. So, whether you're just starting or eyeing that partner track, remember, your history tells a story firms are eager to read.
Economic and Social Cycles:
The legal job market doesn’t exist in a vacuum.
It’s swayed by the same winds that blow through the economy and society at large. When the economy’s booming, corporate law gets hot. When there’s a big shake-up in healthcare laws, healthcare law positions start popping up like daisies.
Keeping an eye on these trends can help you figure out when to ramp up your applications in your specialty area.
The Markets You're Considering:
Not all markets are created equal. Some are oversaturated with law firms and lawyers, making them ultra-competitive (we’re looking at you, Boston). Others might be smaller but less competitive, giving you a better shot at standing out.
Think about where you want to be and how many people you’re up against. If you’ve got ties to a particular market or you’re looking at less crowded spaces, you might tailor your applications to be more strategic rather than going for volume.
Navigating your legal job search is a lot like being a detective. You’ve got to look at the clues—your practice area, your experience level, the economic landscape, and the market dynamics—to crack the case.
- Also consider choosing the right number of recruiters for your job search to stay focused and avoid mixed messaging.
It’s not just about how many applications you send out, but making sure they’re the right ones. Keep these factors in mind, and you’ll be on your way to solving the mystery of landing your dream job.
Advanced Strategies for Legal Job Applications
Quality Over Quantity:
The key to a successful legal job search isn’t just about how many applications you send out, but the quality of each one.
Customizing your application to highlight why you’re a perfect fit for each specific firm shows you’re not just looking for any job but the right job. This targeted approach demonstrates your genuine interest and can make your application stand out in a crowded field.
- If you’re limiting yourself to one region, remember that exploring multiple markets boosts your odds significantly.
Strategic Timing and Persistence:
Timing your applications can significantly impact your job search success. Applying early when a position opens can give you a competitive advantage. Law firms often act fast on applications they receive first, especially when they're feeling the pressure to fill a position quickly.
But here's the kicker—persistence pays.
Sticking with your search, even when it feels endless, increases your odds over time. It's about being in the right place at the right time, with the right firm. And remember, changing perceptions of your career trajectory—whether you're moving up, sideways, or taking a strategic step back—can influence how firms see your potential fit.
Make every move count, and let your resume tell the story of a lawyer who's going places, literally and figuratively.
Leveraging Recruiters:
Working with a recruiter, especially one specializing in the legal sector, can provide a significant advantage.
Recruiters like BCG Attorney Search have deep insights into what law firms are looking for and access to opportunities that may not be publicly listed. They can offer personalized advice on your resume and interview tactics, ensuring you present your best self to potential employers.
- Curious how it works behind the scenes? Learn what BCG Attorney Search does once you approve firms for more insight.
See Related Articles:
- 8 of the Most Common Questions Attorneys Have About Legal Recruiters Answered
- A Comprehensive Guide to Working with a Legal Recruiter
- Can I Use More Than One Legal Recruiter in My Job Search?
Plus, their expertise can help you navigate the job market more efficiently, saving you time and increasing your chances of success.
These strategies emphasize a thoughtful approach to your job search. It’s about applying where you fit best, understanding the market’s rhythm, and not being afraid to seek professional guidance.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to find a job but to find a place where your skills and career aspirations align with the firm’s needs and culture.
As you move forward, keep these refined strategies in mind.
They’re not just tips; they’re tools to help you carve out your path in the legal world, ensuring that you find a role that’s not only a job but a stepping stone to your long-term career goals.
Uncommon Insights and Tips for Your Legal Job Search
Navigating the legal job market requires more than just a well-written resume and a law degree; it demands emotional intelligence, networking savvy, a strong digital presence, flexibility, and a commitment to continuous learning. These elements, often overlooked, are pivotal in setting you apart in a competitive job landscape.
Navigating Emotional and Psychological Aspects:
Job searching, especially in the legal sector, is not just a physical task of sending applications; it’s an emotional journey.
Recognizing and managing the stress, doubt, and sometimes rejection that come with this journey are crucial. Staying mentally resilient and maintaining a positive outlook can significantly impact your persistence and ultimately, your success.
Remember, each application sent is a step forward, not just a waiting game.
The Power of Networking:
While it’s essential to focus on applications, don’t underestimate the power of networking.
Engaging with your professional network, attending industry events, and even reaching out to alumni from your law school can uncover opportunities that aren’t advertised. Sometimes, a casual conversation can lead to a job lead or valuable advice.
Networking is about building relationships, not just collecting contacts.
- See Also: Is Your Networking Working
Optimizing Your Digital Presence:
In today’s digital age, your online presence can be as important as your resume.
Ensure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and reflects your professional image. Consider contributing to legal blogs, forums, or publications in your area of expertise. These activities can showcase your knowledge and passion for the law, making you more attractive to potential employers who often search candidates online before making hiring decisions.
- And when offers come in, consider the advice on should you wait for multiple offers—or act quickly on the first one?
Flexibility and Open-Mindedness:
Be open to exploring positions or practice areas that might not have been your first choice.
Flexibility can lead to unexpected, rewarding career paths.
Sometimes, a seemingly lateral or even a step-back move can provide you with invaluable experience and open doors to opportunities you hadn’t considered.
Continuous Learning and Development:
The legal field is constantly evolving, and so should you.
Engaging in continuous learning, whether through formal education, online courses, or self-study, can enhance your skill set and make you a more competitive candidate.
Demonstrating a commitment to professional growth can be a deciding factor for employers looking for adaptable and forward-thinking attorneys.
Armed with these insights, you're not just searching for a job; you're building a career that reflects your goals, values, and aspirations in the legal profession.
Your Professional Identity and Approach
Your journey through the legal landscape is uniquely yours, but how you present that journey matters.
From the setting you're coming from—be it a law firm, corporate, or public sector—to how quickly you jump on new job openings, every detail adds up. Firms have their preferences, sure, but showing them you've got what it takes to adapt and thrive in their environment can set you apart.
And let's talk about the elephant in the room—prestige and pay.
Yes, we all have our ideals, but flexibility can open new doors you never even considered knocking on.
Whether you're a seasoned attorney or fresh out of law school, embracing where you are and where you could go, without the baggage of titles or past accolades, can redefine your job search.
It's about finding the right fit, not just any fit.
So, how committed are you to your search and your practice area? Showing that dedication, that you're not just dabbling but deeply committed to your field, speaks volumes.
After all, firms aren't just hiring your past; they're investing in your future potential.
Closing Arguments
As we wrap up, let me share a slice of history from my early days in the legal placement world, over a quarter-century ago.
Back then, patent prosecution attorneys were the hot ticket—law firms were on the hunt for them, eager to tap into their unique blend of legal acumen and scientific knowledge.
These attorneys, aware of their high demand, didn't hesitate to cast a wide net, applying to numerous firms across various locations.
And guess what? It paid off, with interview calls and job offers flooding their inboxes.
This approach, embracing both the breadth of opportunities and a resilient mindset unfazed by the potential for rejection, wasn't just effective for patent attorneys; it's a strategy that holds value for legal professionals across all practice areas.
- And if you’re discouraged by rejections, this piece on why persistence and broad outreach is essential—even after rejections serves as a timely reminder.
Their success story underscores a crucial lesson: broadening your job search horizons and maintaining a positive outlook, regardless of the immediate outcomes, can significantly enhance your career prospects.
So, as you step forward in your legal job search, remember the tale of the patent attorneys. It's a reminder that opportunities abound when you're open to exploring them and that the right attitude can make all the difference.
- Ready for more? Check out the top legal job search strategies to enhance your application plan.
Whether you're just starting out or looking for the next big leap in your career, the landscape is rich with possibilities.
Ready to cast your net with confidence? Reach out to BCG Attorney Search, where we combine expertise with experience to guide you towards opportunities that align with your aspirations.
- For guidance on navigating long response times or ambiguous signals, check out how to manage the waiting game and uncertainty during your applications.
The only question now is, how wide will you cast your net?
About Harrison Barnes
No legal recruiter in the United States has placed more attorneys at top law firms across every practice area than Harrison Barnes. His unmatched expertise, industry connections, and proven placement strategies have made him the most influential legal career advisor for attorneys seeking success in Big Law, elite boutiques, mid-sized firms, small firms, firms in the largest and smallest markets, and in over 350 separate practice areas.
A Reach Unlike Any Other Legal Recruiter
Most legal recruiters focus only on placing attorneys in large markets or specific practice areas, but Harrison places attorneys at all levels, in all practice areas, and in all locations-from the most prestigious firms in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C., to small and mid-sized firms in rural markets. Every week, he successfully places attorneys not only in high-demand practice areas like corporate and litigation but also in niche and less commonly recruited areas such as:
- Immigration Law
- Workers Compensation
- Insurance
- Family Law
- Trust and Estate
- Municipal law
- And many more...
This breadth of placements is unheard of in the legal recruiting industry and is a testament to his extraordinary ability to connect attorneys with the right firms, regardless of market size or practice area.
Proven Success at All Levels
With over 25 years of experience, Harrison has successfully placed attorneys at over 1,000 law firms, including:
- Top Am Law 100 firms such including Sullivan and Cromwell, and almost every AmLaw 100 and AmLaw 200 law firm.
- Elite boutique firms with specialized practices
- Mid-sized firms looking to expand their practice areas
- Growing firms in small and rural markets
He has also placed hundreds of law firm partners and has worked on firm and practice area mergers, helping law firms strategically grow their teams.
Unmatched Commitment to Attorney Success - The Story of BCG Attorney Search
Harrison Barnes is not just the most effective legal recruiter in the country, he is also the founder of BCG Attorney Search, a recruiting powerhouse that has helped thousands of attorneys transform their careers. His vision for BCG goes beyond just job placement; it is built on a mission to provide attorneys with opportunities they would never have access to otherwise. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, BCG Attorney Search operates as a career partner, not just a placement service. The firm's unparalleled resources, including a team of over 150 employees, enable it to offer customized job searches, direct outreach to firms, and market intelligence that no other legal recruiting service provides. Attorneys working with Harrison and BCG gain access to hidden opportunities, real-time insights on firm hiring trends, and guidance from a team that truly understands the legal market. You can read more about how BCG Attorney Search revolutionizes legal recruiting here: The Story of BCG Attorney Search and What We Do for You.
The Most Trusted Career Advisor for Attorneys
Harrison's legal career insights are the most widely followed in the profession.
- His articles on BCG Search alone are read by over 150,000 attorneys per month, making his guidance the most sought-after in the legal field. Read his latest insights here.
- He has conducted hundreds of hours of career development webinars, available here: Harrison Barnes Webinar Replays.
- His placement success is unmatched-see examples here: Harrison Barnes' Attorney Placements.
- He has created numerous comprehensive career development courses, including BigLaw Breakthrough, designed to help attorneys land positions at elite law firms.
Submit Your Resume to Work with Harrison Barnes
If you are serious about advancing your legal career and want access to the most sought-after law firm opportunities, Harrison Barnes is the most powerful recruiter to have on your side.
Submit your resume today to start working with him: Submit Resume Here
With an unmatched track record of success, a vast team of over 150 dedicated employees, and a reach into every market and practice area, Harrison Barnes is the recruiter who makes career transformations happen and has the talent and resources behind him to make this happen.
A Relentless Commitment to Attorney Success
Unlike most recruiters who work with only a narrow subset of attorneys, Harrison Barnes works with lawyers at all stages of their careers, from junior associates to senior partners, in every practice area imaginable. His placements are not limited to only those with "elite" credentials-he has helped thousands of attorneys, including those who thought it was impossible to move firms, find their next great opportunity.
Harrison's work is backed by a team of over 150 professionals who work around the clock to uncover hidden job opportunities at law firms across the country. His team:
- Finds and creates job openings that aren't publicly listed, giving attorneys access to exclusive opportunities.
- Works closely with candidates to ensure their resumes and applications stand out.
- Provides ongoing guidance and career coaching to help attorneys navigate interviews, negotiations, and transitions successfully.
This level of dedicated support is unmatched in the legal recruiting industry.
A Legal Recruiter Who Changes Lives
Harrison believes that every attorney-no matter their background, law school, or previous experience-has the potential to find success in the right law firm environment. Many attorneys come to him feeling stuck in their careers, underpaid, or unsure of their next steps. Through his unique ability to identify the right opportunities, he helps attorneys transform their careers in ways they never thought possible.
He has worked with:
- Attorneys making below-market salaries who went on to double or triple their earnings at new firms.
- Senior attorneys who believed they were "too experienced" to make a move and found better roles with firms eager for their expertise.
- Attorneys in small or remote markets who assumed they had no options-only to be placed at strong firms they never knew existed.
- Partners looking for a better platform or more autonomy who successfully transitioned to firms where they could grow their practice.
For attorneys who think their options are limited, Harrison Barnes has proven time and time again that opportunities exist-often in places they never expected.
Submit Your Resume Today - Start Your Career Transformation
If you want to explore new career opportunities, Harrison Barnes and BCG Attorney Search are your best resources. Whether you are looking for a BigLaw position, a boutique firm, or a move to a better work environment, Harrison's expertise will help you take control of your future.
Submit Your Resume Here to get started with Harrison Barnes today.
Harrison's reach, experience, and proven results make him the best legal recruiter in the industry. Don't settle for an average recruiter-work with the one who has changed the careers of thousands of attorneys and can do the same for you.
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.
Harrison Barnes does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for attorneys and law students each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can attend anonymously and ask questions about your career, this article, or any other legal career-related topics. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
Harrison also does a weekly free webinar with live Q&A for law firms, companies, and others who hire attorneys each Wednesday at 10:00 am PST. You can sign up for the weekly webinar here: Register on Zoom
You can browse a list of past webinars here: Webinar Replays
You can also listen to Harrison Barnes Podcasts here: Attorney Career Advice Podcasts
You can also read Harrison Barnes' articles and books here: Harrison's Perspectives
Harrison Barnes is the legal profession's mentor and may be the only person in your legal career who will tell you why you are not reaching your full potential and what you really need to do to grow as an attorney--regardless of how much it hurts. If you prefer truth to stagnation, growth to comfort, and actionable ideas instead of fluffy concepts, you and Harrison will get along just fine. If, however, you want to stay where you are, talk about your past successes, and feel comfortable, Harrison is not for you.
Truly great mentors are like parents, doctors, therapists, spiritual figures, and others because in order to help you they need to expose you to pain and expose your weaknesses. But suppose you act on the advice and pain created by a mentor. In that case, you will become better: a better attorney, better employees, a better boss, know where you are going, and appreciate where you have been--you will hopefully also become a happier and better person. As you learn from Harrison, he hopes he will become your mentor.
To read more career and life advice articles visit Harrison's personal blog.
