Dan Binstock

The Attorney's Guide to Using (or Not Using) Legal Recruiters Dan Binstock

Legal recruiters can play an important role in the careers of attorneys, but there is surprisingly little information available regarding the process of selecting and engaging a recruiter and best protecting your interests. For example, when should you use a recruiter versus applying to a position on your own? What types of employers do and don't use recruiters? What type of information will the recruiter keep confidential versus having a duty to disclose to the employer? How do you determine whether the smooth and confident phone demeanor of a cold caller is rooted in actual substantive knowledge, or whether you are simply hearing well-rehearsed buzzwords? Most importantly, what steps can you take to ensure the maximum level of insight, guidance, and confidentiality during your search process? Yes, you have a level of control over these things. This Guide-focused on major legal markets in the United States-will provide you with an insider's perspective into these and other important questions. While targeted more toward attorneys who are new to working with recruiters, this Guide will contain practical tips and advice applicable to attorneys at all levels - from junior associates to seasoned partners - who wish to gain more insight into the process. Whether you choose to read this from beginning to end or only reference particular sections, you will walk away more knowledgeable about how recruiters may (or may not) fit into your search, how best to respond to calls and emails, and how to avoid the most common missteps.