Ask A Recruiter - Law

I’ve started applying to in-house roles after several years in a firm, and the process feels completely different. Some companies move quickly while others seem to take months to make decisions. It’s … more

How damning is a short resume gap after consistent biglaw roles? What are the most understandable explanations? I needed a mental health break but I worry that may not be viewed positively, especially… more

When trying to lateral firms into a counsel/non-equity partner role, how much will a two year old DUI that's since been dismissed hinder my chances?

Hey guys do you all have any suggestions from a person who was incarcerated and studied law. Eventually got a paralegal certification through a correspondence course. I have won several motions repre… more

I’m debating whether to move firms now or wait until I have another year of experience. I feel like more experience will open more doors but I'm worried that waiting just delays the move. For peop… more

Curious how much people lean on recruiters when they’re trying to switch firms. I’ve had a few reach out and some seem helpful while others feel like they’re just pushing roles that need to be filled … more

Something I didn’t expect during my search is how much networking seems to matter even when firms post open roles. A few colleagues told me most hiring still happens through referrals. How are you all… more

Has anyone here worked as a contractor lawyer or fractional GC? I’m curious about alternative paths like contracting or serving as a fractional GC. The flexibility and variety sound appealing, but I w… more

Recently, I was laid off and sent on my way with a nice severance. I had outstanding reviews and a very handsome salary. It has now taken me 4 mos. to find a job. I've interviewed at least 3 times… more

How do you weigh the risk of joining a startup? I am in the process and close to getting an offer from a start up. But recently seeing a friend’s role eliminated shortly after her startup was acquire… more

Which big law firms are not enforcing being in office these days?

Recruiters: ever consider that spamming someone with calls and VMs to their personal and work numbers, as well as a text, all within 15 minutes, might have the opposite effect that you intended?

Does working at a well-known company really boost your career long term? I sometimes wonder how much brand-name employers actually matter once you’re a few years into your career. For in house jobs, d… more

Is it unusual for a first interview to be with HR?

Hey folks, I am wondering the average time for one to hear back after submitting application? Is 1-2weeks normal? And can I assume a rejection if there is a silence for over 2 weeks from submitting my… more

I've been a public interest lawyer since I graduated in 2020. I am now looking to pivot away from direct services. I work in academia so my summers are flexible. Is it possible for licensed attorn… more

I don’t get it. Have discussion on LinkedIn with recruiter telling them exactly what I’m looking for. Get message a year later saying “we have something that fits!” I respond … “great!” Sends details … more

I really don't know what can i do anymore. ……..🥹I’m working in Shanghai and have been with my current company for over a 1 year. I’ve found that the company lacks a friendly and fair atmosphere, … more

I’m only a couple years in and already realizing I probably picked the wrong practice area. The work just doesn’t fit me. Switching now feels better than waiting, but I worry about looking scattered e… more

My search keeps turning up roles tied to deal volume targets that sound way heavier than my current workload. The experience upside is real, but lifestyle drop is obvious. I’m early enough that traini… more

I’m in talks with a firm that would give me much broader case responsibility but has a weaker reputation than my current firm. My role now is narrower but the platform is strong. I’m unsure whether to… more

When a partner laterals, what does the target firm’s background check usually entail?

Hey!
I am a licensed Paralegal with almost (2) years of experience in Workers Compensation. I am also an Internationally trained lawyer and have completed my NCA equivalency exams in Ontario. I am trying to … more

I’m interviewing for a company with interesting work but much smaller legal team than I’m used to. The scope would be wider but support thinner. I’m unsure how risky that shift is. Did anyone move to … more

When it comes to offer letters, besides compensation, office location, practice group, and class year, are there any other things you'd recommend asking for in writing (e.g. billables requirement,… more

I’m interviewing for a role that would require relocating to a city I’m unsure I want long term. The job itself looks strong and could accelerate my career. But moving feels like a big personal commit… more

How realistic is it to return to Big Law after a few years in-house?
I’ve been wondering about this lately. After spending a few years in-house, does the door back to Big Law stay open, or does that sh… more

In what state can paralegals actually represent clients? I heard they could for some S.S. applications.

What's the best position to start at if you have no experience at all and want to get into criminal defense.

Which companies/industries seem to be seeking experienced contracts professionals?

Is networking still the most reliable way to land legal roles? keep hearing that many opportunities — especially in-house — never make it to public postings and are filled through networks. At the sam… more

Hello, all! I’m updating my resume and I’m curious as to what is the “etiquette” on references. Is it better to list references or have them be “available upon request”?
My current bosses are not too … more

Is loyalty becoming irrelevant in today’s legal careers?Lately, I’ve had the impression that staying long-term with one employer isn’t rewarded the way it used to be. Meanwhile, people who move every … more

Do pre-law careers actually matter later in legal hiring?
how much weight recruiters give to experience before law school, for example, backgrounds in consulting, finance, tech, etc. Are those seen as … more

In an upper mid-law firm and generally happy and comfortable. I could probably stay here, making decent money, forever. Have an offer from a biglaw firm where I’ll make significantly more but will be … more

Do lawyers underestimate the role of timing in job searches? I’ve seen strong candidates struggle for months, while others seem to land roles quickly, sometimes it feels less about credentials and more ab… more

if you know someone at a firm in a completely different area (associate not partner) does it make a difference to have them refer you vs. just self apply?

I moved in-house early and now firms seem to discount my experience compared to firm attorneys at the same years out. I didn’t expect the gap to be this strong. Did anyone return to firm practice afte… more

I joined a firm expecting broad experience but ended up staffed mostly on one partner’s niche matters. Now my resume looks narrower than intended. Has anyone broadened experience after early specializ… more