October 15, 2015
So, you have decided that perhaps it is time to make a move from your current law firm and look for a new legal role. You probably have an idea as to what type of firm you would like to move to and probably an idea as to how much you want to be paid. What you have probably not considered is which recruiter to use to assist you in your search for a new legal role.
Your choice of legal recruiter is an important one. Unfortunately, in the past the profession has been tainted by a particular reputation. However, such a reputation is largely unfounded and there are many benefits to using a legal recruiter.
What are the main benefits of using a good legal recruiter?
Firstly, a good legal recruiter will know the market in which you and they operate. They should be able to give you impartial, unbiased and informed advice as to how the legal market is performing, which law firms are performing well and what the general legal market trends are.
Secondly, a good legal recruiter should have an extensive contact base. This means they will be aware of the best legal opportunities on the market at any given time – not just those that are advertised. As a result of relationships they have with partners and senior solicitors, a good legal recruiter may be able to open a door in to a law firm that would not be an option otherwise. The key is for a strong understanding of the law firm’s business, where there is potential for growth and what they are looking for in a new recruit – both in terms of quality and cultural fit. A good legal recruiter would possess this understanding.
Thirdly, a good legal recruiter will be able to assess your strengths, wants and desires as to a new role and a new employer and advise accordingly. This may seem like an obvious point, but solicitors tend to want a consultative approach rather than to feel shoe-horned into any available position because that is simply an easier job for a legal recruiter! Only a good legal recruiter will offer you that consultative approach and an open and honest appraisal of your options.
Fourthly, a good legal recruiter is a trusted ally in the recruitment process. There is an element of detachment for the solicitor from the process, allowing them to concentrate on their current job. A good legal recruiter will be able to highlight your strengths and positive attributes to a legal employer, but also maintain a middle ground and an impartiality which will be invaluable in any kind of negotiation surrounding remuneration or benefits.
At CapeClarke, we are proud of the feedback we have received from clients and candidates throughout our careers as legal recruiters. Such feedback shows that CapeClarke are a “good legal recruiter” and can be trusted handling the confidential matters of either a particular need of a law firm or the interests of a legal professional looking for a move.
CapeClarke is a niche legal recruitment consultancy, newly formed and operating in Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool and Newcastle as well as other legal centres across the North of England.
The Directors at CapeClarke are both legally qualified, having worked at Addleshaw Goddard and Walker Morris (two of the traditional “Big 6” law firms in Leeds). We know what it is like to work in competitive commercial law firm and are able to appreciate the pressures the modern solicitor or legal professional is under. Furthermore, we have been on the other side of the recruitment process and have been privy to both the good and bad sides of legal recruiters. We know what your expectations are and we know how to exceed those expectations.
Unlike other recruiters, we do not operate using KPIs… therefore as a client, you only receive relevant applications and as a candidate we only discuss appropriate vacancies.
Confidentiality is of paramount importance to CapeClarke. We still hear horror stories (even about some of the biggest, most established recruitment firms) of CVs being sent without the consent of the candidate or when a recruiter “is just going to check if they have your details”. We guarantee our candidates that their CVs and any identifying details will remain confidential at all times, unless we are given express authority by the candidate to disclose such CV or details. We will always discuss options with you as part of the consultative approach we offer.
We hope you decide to choose CapeClarke, but if you do want to look elsewhere the key to choosing the right legal recruiter will be to speak to your friends and trusted sources about their experiences of particular recruitment specialists, then get to know those who you think might be able to help you find the perfect new role!
If you have been thinking about a move or would just like some general advice about options in the market, please feel free to contact Terry Cape or Chris Clarke on 0113 2385965.
CapeClarke is a leading niche legal recruitment consultancy operating across Leeds, Manchester, Sheffield, Newcastle and London. Please feel free to check out our priority legal vacancies by clicking here. Please note these legal vacancies are only a small selection of those we have been instructed on, so please get in touch if you do not see a role which looks suitable.
