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Relocating attorneys powered our 1st quarter with four of our six placements hailing from outside of Chicago. In January we replaced a litigation associate from North Carolina in a Chambers recognized Chicago litigation boutique. In February we placed a University of Chicago Law School educated commercial finance associate from Washington, D.C. in the Chambers ranked finance practice at Chapman and Cutler LLP. In early March we placed a Harvard Law School educated corporate associate from New York at Kirkland & Ellis and at the end of the month we placed a soon to be announced Employees Benefits and Executive Compensation associate from outside of Chicago. We also placed two Chicago based litigation associates, (University of Chicago Law School and University of Michigan Law School) in separate Chambers ranked platforms.

While not quite “astronomic”, legal hiring is on the rise. Decision cycles remain long with many firms opting for multiple rounds of interviews and vetting various candidates before making a hiring decision. Fortunately, a few firms can pull the trigger when presented with a star. In January we placed three such bright lights (two litigation and one finance) at a Chambers and Partners’ ranked litigation boutique and in the Chambers and Partners’ ranked Corporate Finance group of a renowned finance focused Am Law 200 law firm.

Diversity and inclusion are more than just buzzwords; they are essential components of successful legal practices. As legal recruiters, we wield significant influence in shaping the makeup of legal teams. Our role extends beyond filling positions; it involves strategically identifying and advocating for candidates who not only meet the technical requirements of the job but also enhance the diversity of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds within the firms we serve.

Wait for it, Wait for it, GO! While we were fortunate to begin the year with two 2023 Partner placements starting in January at MoloLamken and UB Greensfelder respectively, January and February recruiting activity was beyond slow. That changed rapidly in March with 3 litigation offers from Kirkland & Ellis (Partner, Mid-level Associate and Junior Associate) and an offer from Sidley for a relocating Capital Markets / Finance Senior Associate.

Evaluating cultural fit is paramount in the meticulous process of recruiting the ideal candidate for your law firm. Beyond assessing legal expertise and professional accomplishments, understanding how a potential hire aligns with your firm’s core values, work environment, and team dynamics plays a crucial role in fostering long-term success and satisfaction on both ends.

Attracting top legal talent goes beyond the mere listing of job vacancies; it’s an intricate process deeply intertwined with an organization’s brand perception in the legal community. Legal recruiters play a pivotal role in shaping and communicating an employer’s brand, serving as the crucial link between prospective candidates and the firm’s culture, values, and aspirations. Their expertise and strategies in employer branding can significantly influence a firm’s ability to attract, engage, and retain the legal industry’s best, turning opportunities into strategic hires that propel an organization forward. 

In the competitive world of law, building a strong professional network is a cornerstone of success. This guide explores how lawyers can effectively leverage legal recruiters to expand their network, uncovering opportunities that align with their career aspirations and expertise.

2023 was a below average year for us in terms of number of attorney placements but the credentials and diversity of our candidates remained exceptionally high.  We placed 3 partners and 5 associates for salaries totaling $2.4 million. Not surprisingly given the slowdown in corporate and M&A activity, 7 of our 8 placements were litigators.  All but one of our litigation candidates had federal clerkship experience and all but one of our total candidates graduated from top 20 law schools (the other one was 22).  75% of our placements were women and 88% of our placements were attorneys of color.

We enter 2024 with 3 candidates in final interviews and continue to develop a pipeline of extraordinary attorneys.  We are bullish on the 2024 legal hiring market and look forward to working with you on your career goals and hiring needs.

Atticus Recruiting – Chicago’s Legal Recruiter© Extraordinary Opportunities for Exceptional Attorneys

Embarking on the transition from a law firm to an in-house counsel position represents a significant career milestone for many legal professionals. This shift, while promising, can often be laden with unique challenges and opportunities.  

In the complex and nuanced world of offer discussions, legal recruiters are invaluable assets to law firms and companies. Their expertise in navigating intricate negotiations transforms a potentially challenging process into a strategic and smoothly conducted operation.