Q. I am an associate attorney and I’m looking to relocate to Chicago next year. What is the best time of year to begin my job search?
A. There is no time like the present to begin your search. While many large firms fill their first-year associate needs in September/October through their law school campus interviewing and summer associate programs, lateral associate hiring is less cyclical and more reactive. It is true that most law firms put together their annual budgets, which include hiring requests from their most active practices, sometime between the end of the calendar year and the beginning of the new year, and that may spur Quarter 1 and early Quarter 2 hiring.
Most Lateral Hiring Persists throughout the Year
Most lateral legal hiring occurs on a continual basis throughout the year in reaction to the ebb and flow of law firm business outlooks, economic realities and associate attorney migration. An active IPO calendar, an uptick in M&A activity or a large lawsuit can occur at any time and bring about an urgent need for specific, experienced legal talent. Additionally, as corporate law departments continue to grow, associates, typically in the 3- to 7-year range, are increasingly leaving their law firms for in-house opportunities.
The prudent course of action is to seek out an experienced, local legal recruiter who is tapped into the local job market and who can keep you abreast of new openings as they happen. Through a comprehensive and candid conversation, your recruiter should not only be able to determine if there are current suitable associate positions available but should also provide you with the peace of mind that as opportunities develop, that you will be kept in the know. Many law firms don’t post their positions on-line, preferring to work with select recruiters instead to avoid the crush of unqualified resumes. Others will share their upcoming hiring needs sparingly. Choosing the right local recruiter can make all the difference in staying in front of law firm hiring needs.
Thinking about a job change? Atticus Recruiting helps lawyers find the right opportunities at the right time. Contact us today.
When to Accept a Legal Job Offer
While there is no time like the present to begin your search, timing becomes crucial when deciding whether and when to accept a legal job offer. Factors such as year-end bonuses, tax planning, lease terms, and family considerations, particularly school enrollment dates, can all influence the best time to make a transition.
In addition to logistical timing, strategic career planning plays a role. You may be walking away from a bonus or stepping into a firm with a demanding ramp-up period, so it is important to weigh the short-term costs against long-term gains. A skilled recruiter can help you navigate these conversations, including whether it is appropriate to negotiate a signing bonus or delayed start date.
Accepting too quickly can result in missing out on better-suited opportunities. On the other hand, waiting too long may signal hesitation to prospective employers. A recruiter who understands both your goals and the realities of the market can help you make a well-timed, confident decision.
How Long Does a Lateral Job Search Typically Take?
Most lateral job searches take between three to six months from initial outreach to start date. For associate roles, the interview process alone often spans six to eight weeks. After that, candidates should plan for another four to six weeks to complete conflicts checks, background screening, reference calls, and onboarding.
Partner-level or specialized searches typically take longer due to additional layers of approval, business planning, and client alignment. In-house legal roles tend to follow a slower hiring cadence as well, often averaging around three months from application to offer.
Several factors can affect the pace of your search, including seniority, market demand, responsiveness from both parties, and the hiring firm’s internal process. Engaging a legal recruiter can help keep things on track, ensure consistent follow-up, and reduce delays.
While each search is unique, being prepared and proactive increases your chances of a smooth and timely transition.
Worst Times to Search for a New Position
Although lateral hiring happens throughout the year, there are periods when legal job searches tend to slow down. Two common slow seasons are late summer and the end of the calendar year.
In August, many law firm partners and hiring committee members take vacation, which often stalls interview coordination and decision-making. Similarly, late December into early January is a slower time, as firms finalize budgets and attorneys turn their attention to closing out billable hours or managing holiday-related time off.
While hiring does not stop completely during these periods, candidates may experience longer response times and fewer new openings. For those with flexible timelines, it may be beneficial to begin a search in early fall or after the new year, when law firms typically revisit their hiring needs and business projections.
Regardless of the season, an experienced recruiter can keep you informed about time-sensitive openings or opportunities that are moving forward behind the scenes, even during slower months.
Legal Recruiters Can Help Your Move
Changing firms or relocating to a new market involves more than just submitting applications. It requires market insight, discretion, and a strategic approach to your career goals. This is where a legal recruiter becomes an invaluable resource.
A knowledgeable recruiter understands how to match your skill set and aspirations with firms that offer the right environment, practice mix, and advancement opportunities. They can also provide advice on compensation trends, timing considerations, and how to navigate interviews while employed. Because many law firms prefer to work with a limited group of trusted recruiters, candidates represented by those recruiters often gain access to unlisted or early-stage openings.
At Atticus Recruiting, we help attorneys move with confidence. Whether you are relocating to Chicago or exploring a new practice setting, we provide personalized guidance every step of the way. Our process is thoughtful, efficient, and designed to protect your confidentiality throughout the search.
If you are considering a move, contact Atticus Recruiting to start a conversation.