Ask A Recruiter - Law

I recently turned down a role that paid more than I’ve ever made because the schedule felt terrifying. Ever since I’ve been questioning whether that was a horrible career decision. I keep thinking abo… more

Is ‘overqualified’ just a polite way of saying ‘too expensive’? We have a few candidates get passed over with the feedback that they are overqualified and have flight risks. That thing upsets me, as I… more

Are legal job descriptions asking for too much? I keep seeing postings that want one person to be a specialist, a generalist, and a business partner all at once, are these real expectations, or just w… more

I have over 25 years of experience as a paralegal, legal assistant, and legal secretary, including 14 years in one role before a COVID-related layoff. Since then, I’ve held shorter positions—some out … more

I finally updated my LinkedIn profile and within 48 hours had three recruiters reach out with similar roles. None of them were posted anywhere. How much of your search is happening off the job boards.

I had a first round interview with a firm and they asked for a full writing sample packet before scheduling the second. That feels like a lot up front. Is this becoming standard?

I am trying to decide whether to stay in my current practice area or pivot this year. The market feels different than it did two years ago. How are you thinking about long term moves in this hiring cl… more

Every posting I see now lists at least 7 years of experience. Even the roles labeled mid level. How are people with five or six years supposed to make the jump.

I’m a lawyer with over 15 years of experience, yet I still occasionally get recruiter messages about law clerk or very junior positions and it happens more often recently. It makes me wonder — is this… more

I am noticing a lot more contract and project based legal roles in my searches this year. Discovery projects compliance reviews short term counsel positions. Are firms pulling back on permanent hires … more

Would recommend looking for a different place to work if you’re not wanting to see 30+ clients a week, this place will cause burnout.

Can anyone give advice to a person who would like to be a paralegal, but has experience as a jailhouse lawyer.

Are counteroffers ever worth taking? Just received one and it look great on paper, more pay, new title, big promises. But I have heard mixed outcomes. Folks, when does accepting a counteroffer actuall… more

If a recruiter approaches me for a position, I just applied to on my own through the website this morning what do I need to do? Would the recruiter still get paid if they apply for me? I don’t want to… more

With AI tools handling drafting, research, and even contract review, I’m starting to wonder how hiring managers now define strong experience. If tools do more of the heavy lifting, are depth and judgm… more

I’ve heard all kinds of advice, negotiate everything, wait until the offer, anchor high, don’t push too hard. In reality, it’s hard to know what strategies actually work without risking the offer. A r… more

I’ve come to realize that who you report to can matter just as much as the role itself. I’ve seen similar in-house jobs feel completely different depending on the manager’s style, expectations, and su… more

I’m worried that I am stuck in Resume Hell. I’ve been in practice for fifteen years but 1.) never worked for a firm, 2.) worked 2/3 of my career as the sole lawyer at a tiny company (“GC” role but nobody seems to… more

Recently joined an small company that diverted from everything it promised work-wise. I joined after multiple references who vouched for organization.

Upon entry, found out that there are long standing multiple le… more

I am seeing a lot of early career and mid level roles but very few senior openings. It feels like companies are rebuilding from the bottom up. What does your feed look like.

I am trying to plan my next move based on where the market is actually going not what it was two years ago. What skills do you think are going to matter most this year?

Preparing follow up messages tonight for applications I sent before the break. I have four emails drafted so far and ready to go. How aggressive is too aggressive in January.

What is the biggest career risk you are willing to take next year. Staying safe did not move my life the way I thought it would. 2026 feels like the year to be bold. What are you choosing?

Who else is using this quiet last week of the year to rewrite their career plan. I am sitting with my resume open thinking about what I actually want next. It feels like the real reset. How are you pr… more

Does cross border experience actually matter for in-house roles? Just see a in-house job posting asking for “international” or “global” experience, but in practice, I’m not always sure how much weigh… more

Getting to a law firm from accounting firm? How is it done

In the stage of getting an offer but company needs background checking, seems a lengthy process. Wondering how standard are background checks now for legal roles? And what actually matters vs. what pe… more

Is it possible to apply a position based in Silicon Valley or SF but working from same firm’s NY office? I see many venture capital firms are hiring in NoCal but not many in NYC. I know some firms use… more

Recruiters - Do firms take freshman interns? Or is it hopeless for me to get career experience until closer to graduation? If it is possible, how do I get there? I’d love to get industry exposure as s… more

Any recruiters focused on in house roles? State clerkship and big law here. Focused on business litigation, trade secrets, trademark, and copyright matters. Mid/senior associate.

Does Nelson Mullins still hold a portion of an associate’s salary if they do not meet their collections goal?

How much does industry background matter for in-house roles?I’ve noticed that many in-house postings strongly prefer candidates with prior experience in the same industry (tech, fintech, retail, healt… more

Off the website at the end of the month. What do I tell other law firms at interviews?

My company posted a position that I am very interested but that will mean I move from a legal role to a compliance role. Not sure if that is good or bad in long term. But I am wondering does internal … more

Anyone have insight on comp for NEPs (10+ PQE) in the IP & Tech Transaction practice at top tier firms in NYC?

Does anyone know roughly what Firm Prospects or Leopard costs for legal recruiters? Trying to understand the market for legal recruiting tools. Looking for ballpark - are we talking hundreds/month or … more

Is it a red flag if a role has been reposted multiple times? I’ve seen the same legal roles come up again and again over months. Does that usually signal high standards, internal issues, or just a tou… more

Sorry if this is a weird question but I’m a lawyer turned legal recruiter and am looking for a really good CPA for tax prep and perhaps some small financial planning. Any good recommendations to share… more

I’m stuck waiting on an offer decision while still interviewing at other places. Every day I wonder if I should pause the other processes or keep pushing. The timing stress is worse than the interview… more