A recent article in American Lawyer highlighted the growing trend of Big Law associates seeking the greener pastures of smaller law firms. This is where well connected and knowledgeable local legal recruiters can really add value. Midsized and boutique law firms tend not to broadly advertise their open positions and instead rely on a few local legal recruiters with whom they’ve established strong, longstanding working relationships. In 2021, 62% of our attorney placements were at law boutiques and law firms outside the Am Law 200. In one instance, a relocating Debevoise corporate attorney, who fully intended on lateralling to a similar sized firm, chose the 35 attorney, full-service commercial law boutique firm we introduced to her over the three other Am Law 25 offers she received through our representation. Currently we are working with a relocating litigation associate whose New York law recruiter was unable to place him in the flow of Chicago’s busy legal job market. Through us he has an offer and is interviewing at two other firms. When it comes to your job search, local knowledge and local relationships matter.