Collier Legal Search

career planning

A Legal Recruiter Relationship is Important

One missed call from a legal recruiter could be costing you money! The phone rings, you answer and it’s a legal recruiter…UGH! You are so busy – but, if your first reaction is to end the call. STOP AND THINK ABOUT IT. Good recruiters are your spotlights onto the marketplace, they are loaded with information and that information costs you nothing! Even if you are happy with your current position and have no intention of leaving, staying abreast of superlative “HOT” opportunities at all times, is purely beneficial to you.  Obviously, when a recruiter is a talented professional, they are making quality matches.  If those matches lead to you, it could literally be invaluable to your career, income or lifestyle. So, TAKE THE CALL!! (or else set up a convenient time to talk) It’s a 2-way street Allow the recruiter to learn about you, but you mirror that effort as well.  How long has the legal recruiter been in the industry?  Are they protecting you, the candidate, in a confidential manner?  What is the process?  Evaluate the communication skills of the recruiter and listen – to learn whether or not they care about making intelligent, quality matches.  Make sure the recruiter will not waste your time. At Collier Legal Search, our company motto is “to waste no one’s time” – because, quite simply, it’s bad for business.  We thrive on providing a service so seamless that it produces quality placements and endless referrals.Gain Valuable Information Just as accurate, timely and useful information can make or break the outcome of a case, the same applies to your career.  An experienced recruiter knows what’s going on in the market locally, regionally, and nationally and will share that information with you.  They have their finger on the pulse of the legal market and can tell you who is moving, hiring, opening up in Houston, the most competitive salary and benefits packages, evolving vertical markets, and shifts in the legal landscape.  They conduct extensive research, continually update their information and are very well connected. Career Planning Speaking to a recruiter and building that relationship as early as possible in your career can help put your career on the path you want.  Whether your goals are to make partner eventually, to work for a multinational firm, to work in-house, or to retire early, you will be able to turn to your recruiter for general guidance regarding your career development.  When opportunities match your goals, your recruiter will assist you in pursuing the position.  Keep in mind that a job search can often take up to a year or longer, so don’t wait until you are ready to leave your current firm to reach out to a legal recruiter. Networking Powerhouse We live and work in a highly connected world where who you know (and who they know) is very important.  Professional legal recruiters are established as some of the most valuable fixtures in the legal community.  So, become part of that powerful, though a private network. Confidentiality Interested in speaking with a recruiter, but worried about your current employer finding out?  A good professional search consultant provides a thorough service while fiercely protecting the candidate’s confidentiality.  Discretion is key to their business success, and legal recruiters will not submit your information to any potential employer without your authorization.  If you have any concerns about confidentiality, your recruiter should be able to explain exactly how and when your information will be shared. Full-Service Legal Staffing You Can Depend On If you are ready to start developing a professional relationship with a trusted advisor, contact a consultant at Collier Legal Search to find out how we can help you attain your career goals. Collier Legal Search is a full-service legal staffing company that specializes in placing well-credentialed partners, associates and legal professionals at every level in law firms and corporations.  Our experience in the industry, inside knowledge of all law firms and unique vast network all work together to deliver top results. We are committed to maximizing success for our clients and our candidates.  Contact us at 832-239-5253 and let us go to work for you.  Or, next time we phone you, TAKE THE CALL!

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Your Firm’s Professional Development Program

It is important to create a strong professional development program that benefits the attorney, the client, and, ultimately, the firm. Corporate clients expect attorneys working on their cases to be well versed in law, business, finance, and other substantive issues in today’s legal environment. On the flip side of the matter, millennials and new associates place a high value on training and professional development and want assurances that their career will progress successfully. Training and professional development have become an important issue for firms of all sizes. Some large firms have the resources to create training universities, mock trial boot camps or comprehensive programs that include a wide range of organized activities and courses. Smaller firms that offer little more than informal mentoring or an email reminder about mandatory CLE requirements. Here are some practical areas of professional development that benefit the attorney, the client, and, ultimately, the firm: Mentoring Programs – Most law firms tout a mentoring program, often pairing up new attorneys with a partner on their first day with promises of career guidance, training and networking connections. Many of these relationships are abandoned within months and are unproductive for both parties despite good intentions.  A successful mentoring program must have clearly outlined objectives and accountability. Many firms have successfully introduced group or team mentoring programs instead of the traditional one-on-one system. Career Coaching – Millennials are keen to have a roadmap that outlines their path to success. Career coaching can assist in identifying short and long-term ambitions and goals, strategize the necessary steps to achieve those goals and create a framework for success.  It is important to periodically revisit the career plan and fine-tune the details as needed whether the career coach is a partner at the firm or an outside consultant. Sales & Marketing – New associates will eventually be expected to procure business for the firm and must be proficient in a myriad of marketing activities including network building, pitching, RFPs, gathering business intelligence, delivering excellent client service, managing client relations, and cross-selling. Even seasoned attorneys may benefit from a refresher class on marketing their skills and closing business. MBA Knowledge for Lawyers – Corporate clients expect their legal team to know how their business operates and the challenges of their industry. New lawyers need to quickly learn the language of business and finance to communicate effectively with clients. Some law firms have turned to training programs and give their associates crash courses in business or a mini-MBA. Your firm’s professional development program must be strongly supported and initiated by the leadership of the firm to be an effective tool. Management must commit funds, time and other resources to allow partners, associates and support personnel to actively participate in training programs.

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