How do find a recruiter in the legal field? Have been looking for a job for a year now and trying to transition into another practice area. Applied to more than 20 jobs and still no offers. I feel like I might need some help.
Also, I have no idea how these arrangements work. Do you pay the recruiter to look for the jobs or do you pay them when you get the job? Or does the employer pay them?
That's helpful to know. I do humanitarian immigration right now and want to switch to business immigration (not entirely a new field but by the number of times I've been told "sorry you don't have experience" feels like it is) or government work (city attorney/DA's office would be great). I know I can do well once I get the job but I'm just not sure how to get my foot in the door.
I do. It's something I've been interested in, but I don't have any litigation experience unfortunately. I'll just keep applying until something works out.
They are free
Legal recruiters are paid by the employer, they are their client. Most if not all employers are going to want someone with at least 3 years of direct experience if not at least highly related experience. If they wanted someone with little to no experience they would invest in training rather than invest in a recruiter’s s fee (generally 30% of the placed candidates initial salary not including bonus).
Your best strategy to transition from humanitarian immigration to business integration would be to take relevant CLE’s and any related certificates if there are any to prove your interest and knowledge. Humanitarian immigration is going to be very different process than someone looking for a work sponsored visa. I would focus on an entry level position with a solo practitioner or small boutique firm. Once you have some experience then you can apply directly to in-house company positions but right now you wouldn’t be a strong candidate.
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Transitioning into another practice area can be difficult on its own and usually not best with a recruiter but it can depend. What practice are you in and what practice are you going to? The employer pays the recruiter so the employer is looking for the recruiter to deliver someone who is “plug and play”3$8,$ is why a recruiter is not best when trying to change practice areas.