Best Practices for Working with a Headhunter

FOR YOUR PRACTICE | NAVIGATING CAREER CHANGES

THE GREEK PHILOSOPHER, Heraclitus,

is attributed to have said that “Change is the only constant in life.” Implicit in the concept of change is uncertainty and the exploration of the unknown or unfamiliar and this terrain is often intimidating.

Best Practices for Working with a Headhunter

BY ARTHUR POLOTT, ESQ.

In the context of professional change, the stakes and anxiety surrounding a career move are particularly high. Understandably, when professional ambitions, compensation, and support for family goals, as well as personal happiness and security are all riding on a successful professional change, one way to help navigate the challenges and stress of a professional move in the legal sector is to partner with a professional search consultant. A legal search consultant is someone who has helped many others similarly situated to yourself navigate the ambiguities of the legal market. In addition to having insights and experience legal search consultants deliver industry connections that may help you manage the challenges of a change.

Does this mean that a legal search consultant, or headhunter, can help everyone find that ideal new position? No, not necessarily, but the right professional can definitely help you along the way and inform your process.

MARYLAND BAR JOURNAL | VOLUME 7 ISSUE 1 89

FOR YOUR PRACTICE | NAVIGATING CAREER CHANGES

THE GREEK PHILOSOPHER, Heraclitus,

is attributed to have said that “Change is the only constant in life.” Implicit in the concept of change is uncertainty and the exploration of the unknown or unfamiliar and this terrain is often intimidating.

Best Practices for Working with a Headhunter

BY ARTHUR POLOTT, ESQ.

90

MSBA.ORG | VOLUME 7 ISSUE 1

In the context of professional change, the stakes and anxiety surrounding a career move are particularly high. Understandably, when professional ambitions, compensation, and support for family goals, as well as personal happiness and security are all riding on a successful professional change, one way to help navigate the challenges and stress of a professional move in the legal sector is to partner with a professional search consultant. A legal search consultant is someone who has helped many others similarly situated to yourself navigate the ambiguities of the legal market. In addition to having insights and experience legal search consultants deliver industry connections that may help you manage the challenges of a change.

Does this mean that a legal search consultant, or headhunter, can help everyone find that ideal new position? No, not necessarily, but the right professional can definitely help you along the way and inform your process.

Best Practices for Working with an Attorney Search Consultant: Navigating Career Changes When a lawyer is considering making a career change, whether it’s moving from a national or international law firm, transitioning between regional or small firms, shifting from government work into private practice, or exploring an in-house position, navigating this process can be both exciting and overwhelming. In these pivotal, life changing moments, working with an attorney search consultant can provide invaluable guidance. A headhunter’s expertise and knowledge of the market can help lawyers understand their marketability, assess their career options, connect with potential opportunities that match their skills, goals, and aspirations, and support the lawyer in salary discussions.

To maximize the success of a search and to ensure a smooth and effective partnership, there are certain best practices that lawyers should follow when working with an attorney search consultant.

The Role of an Attorney Search Consultant A legal recruiter helps lawyers navigate career transitions by leveraging our extensive networks, market knowledge, and expertise. We help guide attorneys through the job search process, offering advice on how to enhance their marketability, and facilitating connections with law firms, corporate legal departments, or other potential employers.

It is important to understand the value they bring to the table. And it is also important to understand that the fee

Be Transparent About Your Goals and Preferences The first step in working effectively with an attorney search consultant is ensuring that both parties are on the same page regarding your career goals. Share as much information as possible about your current situation, motivations for wanting to make a change, and long-term career goals. The more details the consultant has, the better they will be able to identify opportunities that match your interests and aspirations. In addition to career objectives, make sure to discuss any deal-breakers, such as geographical preferences, work-life balance, specific practice areas, compensation, or firm culture.

Transparency will help the recruiter you’re working with narrow down the pool of potential employers and save you both time in the process.

Trust Their Expertise The headhunter’s role is to listen and understand the lawyer’s goals and career objectives and then provide the lawyer with a roadmap. It’s essential to trust their guidance and to discuss openly the advice given. Reframed, it’s vital that the headhunter earn your trust by demonstrating that they understand what you’re looking for and can help you execute on your goals. Search consultants have deep industry knowledge and are often aware of job openings or potential positions that aren’t publicly advertised.

We also understand the nuances of different firms and in-house legal departments, which means we can match

In the context of professional change, the stakes and anxiety surrounding a career move are particularly high. earned by the search consultant is contingent on their making a successful placement. Recruiters work on behalf of law firms, corporate legal departments, or other employers to find qualified candidates. Nevertheless, many headhunters will also work with individual lawyers who are looking to make a change and we offer career counseling, help in identifying opportunities, advice on resume and business plan documents, and assistance with negotiating job offers.

your experience and skill set with opportunities that may be a good fit.

Be Open to Feedback and Constructive Criticism An experienced attorney search consultant can give you an honest assessment of your marketability and offer suggestions on how to improve your candidacy. This may include refining your resume, enhancing your interviewing skills, or suggesting areas of professional development. It’s important to approach these critiques with an open mind and recognize that feedback is part of the process to help you succeed in your job search.

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The headhunter’s role is to listen and understand the lawyer’s goals and career objectives and then provide the lawyer with a roadmap.

Stay Engaged and Responsive Whether you’re seeking an associate, counsel, partner, or in-house position one must recognize that a job search takes time. It may be cliché to say that “waiting is hard” or that “silence is deafening,” but to the lawyer anxious to make a change that’s particularly true. When facing delays the recruiter can nudge the process along and maintain open lines of communication to keep the principals informed.

Nevertheless, attorneys may experience uncomfortable periods of waiting and it’s critical to stay engaged in the process and remain responsive to your consultant’s updates, requests for information, or need to schedule interviews. Keep the recruiter informed of any changes in your availability, preferences, or status. Likewise, if you’ve received offers from other firms or in-house positions, let your headhunter know so they can adjust their strategy accordingly. It’s also important to stay engaged with your search during the “waiting” periods so that you can remain positive and ready for next steps.

Maintain a Professional Relationship The relationship between you and your attorney search consultant is built on trust and professionalism. Ensure that you communicate in a professional manner and respect timelines and expectations. Maintain an open line of communication and, throughout the search process, be sure to keep the consultant informed about any progress you may be pursuing on your own. And expect the same in return. Even if you’re not interested in a particular opportunity, communicating this clearly and professionally is crucial.

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Working with a professional legal search consultant can help a lawyer navigate change and uncertainty in the course of their search. A successful process is collaborative, consultative and transparent. A legal recruiter will alert the attorney to unposted openings, help them prepare for interviews, use their connections to procure interviews, and work to solicit feedback. The job search process can often feel like a rollercoaster ride, especially when dealing with the uncertainty of career transitions. Staying motivated and positive throughout the process is critical to making a successful change.

Working with an attorney search consultant can be a highly beneficial process for lawyers looking to make a career change. Whether moving from a large firm to a regional firm, shifting to in-house, or transitioning from government to private practice, the right consultant can provide essential guidance and support throughout the journey. ____________ Arthur Polott, Esq. is a graduate of The University of Texas and earned his JD from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. He practiced commercial and civil litigation in Houston before relocating to DC. Arthur founded Gateway Legal Placements in 2007 to focus on law firm and in-house placements in the DC metro area; his current practice focuses on facilitating lateral partner moves. Polott speaks fluent Russian and volunteers in the community.