What Makes a Good Legal Recruiter?

Andrew François

July 24, 2023

A good legal recruiter possesses a combination of skills, knowledge, and characteristics that enable them to excel in their role of connecting law firms and legal professionals effectively. At Sonder, there are some key qualities that we think are essential to be a good legal recruiter.

Legal knowledge: A strong understanding of the legal industry, including different practice areas, types of law firms, and legal career paths is crucial. This knowledge helps us identify the right candidates for specific roles and ensures they can accurately communicate the job requirements to potential candidates.

At Sonder, we value legal knowledge significantly. Our recruiters are 90% lawyers and have worked within the field for years.

Communication skills: Effective communication is paramount in legal recruiting. A recruiter should articulate job opportunities clearly to candidates and provide valuable insights about the legal market and potential career paths. Additionally, be excellent listeners to understand candidates' career goals and motivations.

Networking abilities: Building and maintaining a vast network of legal professionals and law firms is essential for a legal recruiter. The broader their network, the more likely they can connect the right candidate with the right opportunity.

At Sonder, we pride ourselves on our extensive network, which we have built through our reputation and well-regarded presence in the market. This allows us to engage with both active and passive candidates that other consultancy firms would not otherwise have access to, meaning we can offer you the best candidates for the role.

Relationship building: Successful legal recruiters focus on cultivating strong, long-term relationships with both candidates and employers. Trust and rapport are crucial in this profession, as candidates often rely on recruiters to navigate their career paths and make important decisions.

Understanding client needs: A good recruiter understands the specific needs of their law firm clients, such as the firm's culture, values, and specific requirements for the role they're hiring for. This knowledge allows them to match the right candidate with the right firm effectively.

Market insight: Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the legal industry is vital for legal recruits. At Sonder, we are aware of changes in demand for particular legal expertise and can offer extensive valuable market insights to our candidates.

Time management: Legal recruiting can involve managing multiple clients and candidates simultaneously. A good legal recruiter must be well-organized and skilled in managing their time efficiently to meet the needs of all parties involved.

Emotional intelligence: Understanding the emotions, motivations, and needs of candidates is crucial for making successful matches. A good legal recruiter can assess candidates' suitability beyond their qualifications and experience.

By combining these qualities, a good legal recruiter can provide invaluable assistance to both law firms and legal professionals, contributing to successful and satisfying legal career paths.