Legal Staffing Agencies and Recruiters: How They Work for Attorneys

Recruiter or staffing agency?

Legal recruiter (search firm)

Places attorneys in permanent roles, mostly lateral associates and partners with a few years of experience. Paid a placement fee by the hiring firm.

Legal staffing agency

Places contract attorneys, document reviewers, paralegals and support staff for projects or temporary needs, sometimes leading to permanent roles. Bills the firm by the hour.

How to work with them

Ask which firms they work with and in what practice areas.
Require them to ask your permission before submitting you anywhere.
Keep your own list of where you have applied, to prevent duplicate submissions.
Keep doing your own direct outreach to firms they don’t cover.
Never pay a recruiter or agency to place you.

Are recruiters right for new lawyers?

Usually not for the first job. Most firms won’t pay a placement fee for an entry-level associate. New lawyers do better with career services, networks and direct outreach, plus contract work through staffing agencies to gain experience.

Frequently asked questions

What is a legal staffing agency?

A firm that places attorneys, paralegals and legal staff with law firms and legal departments, either in temporary or contract roles, contract-to-hire, or permanent positions. The employer pays the agency.

How much does a legal recruiter cost?

Nothing for the candidate. Permanent-placement recruiters are typically paid a fee by the hiring firm, often calculated as a percentage of the first-year salary. Contract staffing agencies bill the firm an hourly rate and pay the attorney part of it.

Should I use more than one recruiter?

You can, but never let two recruiters submit you to the same firm. Duplicate submissions can cause fee disputes and may disqualify you. Ask each recruiter to get your permission before sending your resume anywhere.