The benefits of using a legal recruiter for your job search

Finding a new job can be stressful and a time-consuming process. With so many websites and job boards dedicated to advertising job vacancies, it can be difficult to sift through and find the one you want and that you are qualified for, plus there are those jobs that are not advertised or visible for direct application. And whilst using a recruitment agency may seem like yet another step in the whole process, partnering with an experienced legal recruiter as opposed to simply conducting your own search, will actually help you simplify the process, give you access to a wide variety of vacancies and increase your chances of securing a new role.

There are a number of good reasons why you should choose to work with a legal recruiter, here are just a few:

Confidentiality
As an experienced lawyer looking for a new law firm or in-house legal team to join, confidentiality is probably the most important aspect of the relationship you will have with a recruiter. The legal world can be small; so, it is important to ensure no one else knows you are seeking to transition to a new role. Utilise a recruiter with a proven track record of creating trusting relationships and who will communicate confidentially on your behalf with potential employers as you navigate the legal job market.

Industry specialisation
The most useful and successful recruitment agencies concentrate on a single industry. They spend all day, every day, focusing on the careers and opportunities available within that industry. They know where the demand is, the different firm cultures and the personalities of businesses across the sectors. By using a recruiter who specialises in the legal industry you will receive a specialised service and in-depth industry knowledge including up to date compensation package information, tips for the interview process and often access to exclusive opportunities within the legal industry sector.

Current and established relationships
An experienced legal recruitment agency will have multiple opportunities across multiple law firms and in-house teams for you to compare and will be able to assist in helping you to decide which business may be the best cultural fit for you, as well as the one that are best aligned to your desired career path.

Ensuring you and your CV shine
A specialist recruiter will know exactly how to help you stand out in your job search. Besides editing and amending your CV, a recruiter is skilled in making sure it highlights your legal career in the best way. They will also help you to tailor it so that it’s appropriate for each job opportunity you are applying for.

Explaining the hiring process
The hiring process can be confusing, but your recruiter will be an expert. They will explain the full hiring process for each business they are working with and what you can expect during the recruitment process. You will also get feedback from your recruitment agency, which is essential for helping you with future applications.

Briefing and preparing you for your interview
Once you get to the interview stage of the process, a recruiter becomes an invaluable source of information. They should be able to give you a personal insight into the personality of your interviewer, as well as the culture of the law firm or organisation you are interviewing at. They will know exactly what the firm or legal department is looking for with each new position, so they can prepare you for the questions they might ask and help you to highlight desirable qualities in yourself.

Career coaching

A good recruiter will double as a career coach. They will have specialist industry expertise and understand the ins and outs of employment and progression in your sector and be aware of your market value and where your legal talent can fit in. They will provide advice when you are juggling multiple offers and can help you to negotiate your salary. Your long-term career should not only be a priority for you, but also for your recruiter.

Taylor Root are specialist legal recruiters. We lawyers in private practice law firms and in-house legal teams around the world. Many of our consultants are qualified lawyers and can personally relate to the needs of our candidates and clients.

If you have any questions about this article and if you need support hiring or finding the right role for you, contact our Taylor Root team of dedicated legal, risk and compliance experts.