Legal recruiters could (and arguably should) be considered the unsung heroes of the legal field. For lawyers looking to make career moves, legal recruiters serve as well-informed confidants with valuable connections. For law firms looking to secure top talent, these recruiters do the hard work of identifying and engaging with prospects to ensure the right candidates are recruited.
As 2023 unfolds, legal recruiters stand ready to help their clients navigate an evolving new season. Changes in the economy are forcing firms to reconsider their staffing needs, which has already resulted in layoffs at some notable big law firms. Elaine Oh, Senior Legal Recruiter at The Foster Group, believes these developments will cause a shift in the type of talent law firms will be looking for.
“There will continue to be a steady demand for high-quality laterals,” Elaine offers. “However, the demand will shift to certain practice areas. This will be driven by client demand, the firm’s performance, and changes in the economy.”
The Foster Group is a leading full-service legal recruiting firm that is trusted by lawyers worldwide. Its team of experts works with attorneys looking to advance their careers, as well as law firms and corporations in search of talent that can support their strategic growth and provide the services their clients need. The Foster Group’s decades of specialized experience uniquely positions it to provide the knowledge and expertise needed to effectively navigate the legal market.
“Uncertain economic times can result in more reticence and hesitation in the job market, which rings true for the legal market,” Elaine explains. “It’s in seasons like this when it’s most important to work with a legal recruiter. They can provide candidates with the appropriate guidance and best understanding of the overall lateral market, as well as manage the process effectively on your behalf.”
The challenges law firms will face
Should big law firms continue with layoffs, The Foster Group believes that middle-market and smaller law firms will have plenty of opportunities to add new talent to their ranks. But they will need a strategic approach.
“Lateral candidates with a solid and portable book of business will continue to be highly sought after in this market,” offers Drew Foster, Managing Director at The Foster Group. “It will be important for firms to conduct a strong recruiting process to engage with these laterals and effectively recruit them to their firms. We are seeing a differential in how firms conduct their partner-level recruiting and it makes a difference to laterals who are entertaining multiple offers. It’s oftentimes the firms with the strongest processes and touch points with the laterals that ultimately get them onboard. This can look different from firm to firm, but generally, the firms that engage with both the candidate and recruiting firm on a substantive level with updates, insights, and consistent communication are the ones that succeed.”
The expectations lawyers will bring
For the most part, lawyers seek out opportunities that encourage their growth. Firms that provide both flexibility and support will be the ones that attract the most interest from lawyers making lateral moves.
“Attorneys are looking for firms that are invested in their particular practice area and that will value their clients,” explains Michelle Foster, Founder and Managing Partner at The Foster Group. “Attorneys tend to seek out firms that give them a fair level of autonomy to operate their practices successfully. On the partner front, they are looking for firms that provide robust support for marketing,business development, and internal cross-selling opportunities. On the associate front, we definitely see an emphasis on firms that provide mentoring, which is an element that became more difficult to find in the new work environments inspired by the pandemic.”
The assistance recruiters will provide
Moving into 2023, The Foster Group has already seen high demand for assistance in making meaningful connections between clients and candidates. The tireless advocacy it has provided in the past continues to open doors to conversations with key decision makers. This high-level access allows The Foster Group to provide its clients with the type of invaluable information that is necessary to make informed decisions.
“The long-term relationships we have built with candidates, law firms, and in-house clients all contribute significantly to the success that we have in this field,” explains Michelle. “Maintaining long-standing relationships and having tenure in an industry like recruiting is not common, so having achieved those things is something that we take great pride in. Those relationships afford us information and access to key people throughout the hiring process, which is an extremely valuable asset that we are pleased to provide to our clients and candidates.”
