Articles From the Team

Attracting and hiring top lawyers: what you need to do now

No one can sell your firm like you can, so make sure you give it your best shot. I can assure you, it makes all the difference when it comes to securing that lawyer you’re on the hunt for.  

The mechanics

It goes a little something like this, right? Working with a recruitment agency is easy. We find you the people; everyone who interviews with you wants to work with you; consequently, all offers are accepted and we all skip off into start-date heaven, hand in hand. 

WRONG. 

There’s a lot of work that goes into generating interest with experienced solicitors and legal professionals. Particularly so at the moment, where there’s a distinct shortage in certain practice areas. As a result, most firms recognise they need to keep up with the demands of the modern lawyer and offer competitive salaries and benefits, flexible working options and in many instances, remote working access. 

Questions that need answers

When you don’t talk to us, how are we supposed to sell your opportunity to a potential solicitor or legal professional? What makes your role stand out? What is it about your firm that’s going to make someone want to work with you, and for you? What are you offering that their current law firm isn’t? All these questions need answers and it’s why it’s imperative all recruiters take the time to have these conversations up front.

There are a number of factors that prompt lawyers to consider their options and look elsewhere: money, working hours, travel, the calibre of a firm, quality of work, culture, security… all are motivators in the decision to move jobs. 

Why you need to remain competitive

Many of the solicitors and lawyers we work with are actually quite happy at their current firm - they don’t have any pressing frustrations that’s making them want to move. 

This is why it’s hugely important that as a law firm to remain competitive with your benefits. In a candidate-short market, it’s important to ensure the interview is a two-way street. Whilst you want to secure the right lawyer, they want to make sure they choose the right firm. No one can sell your firm like you can. We often receive feedback from lawyers at the post-interview stage who say they didn’t get a good picture of what it’s like to work there and there was no real ‘sell’.  In contrast, many lawyers will come out of their meeting uber excited; they had a tour of the office and were introduced to other team members. This could be the difference in whether they choose one firm over another. 

Offering a positive experience pays off

Remember, even if you don’t think the solicitor is the right fit for you and you’re not going ahead with a job offer, at least offer them a positive experience; it’s important. Lawyers talk to other lawyers and if they leave an interview wanting to work for you, it does wonders for your firm’s profile.