Can I Use More Than One Legal Recruiter in My Job Search?

Answer:

You ask a very good question about using a legal recruiter, and although I cannot speak for all legal search professionals, here are my thoughts. Legal recruiters are paid by the law firms into which they place candidates, and they are only paid if the attorney they present to the firm is hired there. Because of this, recruiters are going to focus on helping those candidates that they think have the greatest chance of successfully placing into a new position.
 

• See A Comprehensive Guide to Working with a Legal Recruiter for more information.

While no one is obligated to use only one legal recruiter for his or her search, there are a number of benefits to doing so, assuming the individual is willing to find the right professional who will work diligently on his or her behalf. It is basic human nature that most people are going to be more loyal and dedicated to someone who is loyal and dedicated to them, and this rule certainly applies to legal recruiting. When I represent someone who is invested in the process and dedicated to using my services exclusively, I will do absolutely everything in my power to get them as many new opportunities as I can. This includes spending significant time getting to know the candidate, putting forth the best possible resume and supporting materials to each firm, and thinking outside of the box to find hard-to-find opportunities at a variety of firms. Having said that, when I work with a candidate that believes he or she will have a better chance of hearing about "all of the opportunities out there" if he or she works with multiple recruiters, I will work with them and I will give them the best representation I can, but I would be lying if I said that I am equally as motivated to go the extra mile to help that candidate. Simply put, my efforts are going to be better served with a candidate who believes that I can provide them comprehensive representation instead of someone who will use whatever recruiter that calls him or her first about a new opportunity.


Make no mistake, I would never "fire" a candidate because he or she is using more than one recruiter, and I work with countless candidates who are also working with other such professionals. But I can understand why your friend's legal recruiter may have made the decision he or she made. A good recruiter spends an inordinate amount of time getting to know his or her candidates, putting together effective marketing materials for the candidate, researching the relevant market for the candidates, finding the best possible job opportunities and sticking with the candidate through the entire process. Given the time and effort that goes into properly representing a candidate to law firms, I can understand that some legal recruiters would focus their efforts exclusively on candidates that are dedicated to him or her.

I also understand the temptation to work with multiple recruiters. After all, many candidates believe that if they work with more than one, they increase the chances that they will be alerted to more of the job openings in the relevant market, because in their minds, it is not likely that one recruiter will have relationships with all of the law firms and therefore have knowledge of all of the openings. While this may be true (I do not necessarily believe that it is), doing some initial due diligence, finding one highly-regarded legal recruiter and developing a strong working relationship with him or her will exponentially increase the candidate's chances that the recruiter will go the extra mile to find them a new position. Many of the candidates with whom I have worked have done just this, and without exception, I have given each of them 110% of my effort and attention. Not only have I placed the majority of these candidates into exciting new positions, but they have remained good friends that come to me for advice and information on the market for years to come.

With regard to your friend, I am sorry that her recruiter "fired" her, but I encourage her to take a good look at the other recruiters with whom she is working. If she has concerns that one or more of them is not doing a comprehensive job then instead of finding additional recruiters to fill in the gaps, she might want to consider taking the time to find one recruiter that will help her through the entire process. I feel very strongly that this will do nothing but increase her chances of exhausting the market and finding the best opportunities for her practice area and career goals.

As for you, I encourage you to do the same. Make no mistake, I understand that putting all of your eggs into one legal recruiter's basket requires having a great deal of faith in that recruiter, but there are plenty of very capable, experienced and loyal recruiters that do this job with the best of intentions, and using one of these recruiters is going to be far more beneficial than using six random recruiters who happen to be advertising a few jobs here and there.

No matter which route you choose, I wish you the best in your job search.

See the following articles for more information:
 

• What Characteristics Should I Look for in a Legal Recruiter?
• Interview yourself first - questions to ask before starting your lateral search
• How to Choose a Good Attorney Recruiter
• Why You Should Be Talking to a Legal Recruiter Right Now
• Choosing a Legal Recruiter
• Your Legal Career as a Small Business
• Should I Use a Legal Recruiter? Top 10 Reasons to Use a Legal Recruiter
• How to Select the Best Legal Recruiter and Maximize the Effectiveness of Working with One
• What makes a world class recruiter
• 10 Things That Most Legal Recruiters Will Not Tell You

  How much do legal recruiters make? Learn the answer in this related article.
 

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BCG Attorney Search is looking for driven recruiters to join our team. BCG Attorney Search covers the entire United States, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. We offer first-rate training and coaching, pay top of market commissions, pay our recruiters as employees and not independent contractors, and offer medical insurance and other benefits. Additionally, BCG is the best known brand in the industry and is part of a 200+ employee legal employment company. We offer a supportive cooperative atmosphere and provide you with everything you need to be the most effective recruiter possible (continually updated internal job database, massive advertising support, incredible back office support, and many other perks designed to ensure you match every possible candidate with every available position).

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.