What can a recruiter do for me in a job search?
Recruiters are in the business of matching job seekers with suitable opportunities.
They earn fees by saving the employer and the candidate time in the process. The time
required to research the job availabilities at any given time, develop the relationships
with the key people at the hiring firms is a full time job. Also, a recruiter is able
to maintain confidentiality in the process. You wouldn't want messages being left for
you by people at the firm you are interviewing with, would you?
Does changing law firms affect my chances for advancement and partnership?
Definitely, but it can affect it positively or negatively. Changing firms several
times with no clear "path" obviously paints you as someone without defined goals. On the
other hand, if a move or two shows development in a given direction (or overcoming a hurdle
in your career) it shows you are able to be decisive and pursue your goals.
Many professionals actually view a long career at the same firm as evidence of simply
"playing it safe", and a positive move or two as contributing to a more flexible, well
rounded attorney.
I am starting a family, and I really need to have a job that will give me time for outside
obligations. Shouldn't I look for an in-house position?
That's one option, but you should be very careful in evaluating each opportunity. The business
of law is a demanding one: litigations have a schedule, and deals are about money - flexibility is
just not high on the list. Corporate attorneys in large investment banks often work grueling hours
just like big firm associates, and litigators (who face a much smaller market on the in-house
side) are just as immersed in the process as their outside counsel. Not that there aren't exceptions,
but smaller firms tend to be somewhat less demanding, and more dedicated to the employee's outside
interests.
If I am looking for a "lifestyle" firm, should I be upfront about my needs?
This is a dicey issue. It's never advisable to go in talking about specifics like
"can I count on leaving at 6:00 every day?" or "will I have to work weekends?" This line of
questioning is best left to the final considerations after you have an offer. We can advise
you as to which firms do have lower hour billing expectations, and you can feel free to ask
your peers-to-be, but again post offer. Be aware, too, that no matter where you practice law,
there will be times where time critical situations arise and you'll be expected to pitch in.
There are no guarantees.
If I move to a smaller firm, won't I have to take a big pay cut?
Not necessarily, and with some exceptions not likely. In major markets most firms, regardless
of size choose to remain competitive in order to attract the best talent. Some, of course
do pay less, but these firms generally are upfront about offering a much less demanding
work schedule. Some firms even have pay scales which allow an attorney to earn according to
the hours worked, without penalty for those who come in at the low end. EXAMPLE: At one firm,
associates billing 1800 hours annually are paid a base salary which is not significantly
lower than other firms. Associates at the firm who bill 2000, 2200, 2400 and up, receive
incremental bonuses, which can add 35 to 50% or more to the base. In some firms a basic
year end bonus is awarded as well. We can advise you as to the pay scale at a specific
firm and give you a good idea as to the lifestyle there.
I'm considering making a change, but if I leave before the end of the year, won't I lose my
year-end bonus?
Naturally, most firms are not going to give out bonuses to attorneys who have left before bonus time,
but many firms will consider paying a pro-rata bonus share to laterals joining in midyear. This is not
an issue to bring up early in the interview process, but after you have an offer in hand and the
compensation details are being discussed.
