Overview
Level: Fifth Year Associate
Move: Transition to a firm with a broader litigation practice (AMLaw 30 firm)
Practice Area: Litigation (including Real Estate Litigation)
Location: New York
The Candidate’s Journey
In the competitive legal industry, transitioning to a new firm can be daunting, especially with specific criteria and unique challenges. Earlier this year, we had the pleasure of working with an experienced attorney seeking:
- A broader litigation practice, including capabilities across real estate litigation
- Clear promotion opportunities and a defined partnership trajectory
This attorney was at the cusp of becoming a sixth-year associate, which presented a challenge in a market that predominantly sought junior to mid-level associates. His seniority was a potential roadblock, particularly since many firms were focused on candidates with BigLaw experience. Additionally, his current firm was not well-known, making it harder to gain entry into other firms.
Furthermore, the candidate sought a firm with capabilities in a niche area of litigation, which narrowed the pool of potential firms to reach out to, especially in a slower hiring market.
How We Helped
Leveraging our market knowledge and relationships, we identified firms that would appreciate the candidate’s skills. Our outreach involved direct discussions with partner contacts, emphasizing the candidate's background and credentials. Each approach was tailored to highlight the candidate in the best light, considering the specific needs of the firms.
While we faced some pushback regarding seniority, one firm of high interest quickly requested an interview. We promptly scheduled it and provided detailed interview preparation materials. Our Senior Consultant, Jessica, who has first-hand experience as an attorney, guided the candidate through the interview process. She prepared him for expected questions, strategies for handling difficult topics, and addressed specifics related to his CV and prior experience.
The preparation paid off; within one hour of the first-round interview, a callback was requested.
From the first interview to the offer stage, the entire process took less than a month—a stellar timeline in today’s market. The candidate accepted the offer from the firm and looks forward to starting his new role soon.
This success story illustrates the importance of persistence, our direct communication with partners, and the value of thorough interview preparation. Jessica's reputation and strong relationships with partners ultimately facilitated this successful search.
Recruiter Insight
"Being proactive and addressing the specific needs of both the candidate and the firms is crucial. Our deep understanding of the legal landscape, combined with our experience, allows us to prepare candidates thoroughly for their next steps."— Jessica, Senior Consultant
If you're a lawyer looking to transition to a new firm, contact us at info@sonderconsultants.com for a confidential discussion. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest updates, tips, and advice to advance your legal career.
Note: As part of our candidate-consultant confidentiality, we have kept this candidate’s information private while sharing his inspiring story.
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