Guide to Legal Recruiting in Philadelphia
Legal recruiting in Philadelphia is a dynamic and competitive field that reflects both the city’s rich legal history and its status as a modern business hub. As the fifth-most-populous city in the U.S., Philadelphia is home to a vibrant legal community and a wide range of legal recruiting firms that cater to both law firms and businesses seeking legal talent. The demand for legal professionals is consistently strong in the region, with both boutique and large firms, as well as corporate legal departments, competing for talented lawyers and legal staff.
The legal recruiting landscape in Philadelphia is diverse, with firms specializing in everything from attorney placement to corporate legal recruitment. Many top legal recruiting firms in Philadelphia have established long-term relationships with law firms and corporations, allowing them to offer a deep understanding of the legal market in the area. In an industry where local knowledge is key , this experience and expertise are invaluable to both employers and prospective employees.
The demand for legal talent in Philadelphia is fueled by many factors, including the city’s strong economy, the presence of several major universities, and its proximity to Washington, D.C. With more than 50 law firms of 100 attorneys or more, Philadelphia is a significant player in the national legal market and continues to be a destination for legal talent from around the country and the world. As such, firms are always on the lookout for new talent to fill their ranks, making legal recruiting an essential part of the business.
Overall, legal recruiting firms in Philadelphia play a vital role in the city’s legal community. They help law firms and corporations find the right talent to meet their needs, while also providing job seekers with valuable information about the legal market. Whether you are a law firm looking to fill vacancies or an attorney seeking new opportunities, understanding the landscape of legal recruiting in Philadelphia is essential to making the best possible choices.
Advantages of Legal Recruitment Firms
Working with legal recruiting firms can help both employers and job seekers. For employers, there are two main benefits to working with legal recruiters, and those are speed and savings. A legal recruiter can speed up the hiring process tremendously by doing hours of market research for the employer. In addition to sifting through resumes and making calls to potential recruits, many legal recruiters have done a lot of market research about the potential hires salary expectations, desired areas of specialization, etc.
A good legal recruiter can save employers money over time. While employers have to pay the recruiter up front for their services, and these fees can seem high, the cost of making the wrong hire in the wrong position can be much higher.
For job seekers, there are also many benefits to teaming up with legal recruiting firms. These firms help employers and job seekers find spots that are the right match for the employee and the firm, and that is beneficial for everyone involved. Legal recruiters have contact with all of the law firms in the area that are hiring, as well as the law firms that need lateral hires and are not actively recruiting them.
For the potential hire, that means greater potential to get a job that is the right fit, as well as more options for getting jobs with competitive salaries. Legal recruiting firms are a win for everyone involved in the legal hiring process.
Best Legal Placement Firms in Philadelphia
Our go-to sources here at Lateral Link for legal recruiting and information are the following firms. We’ve been in the industry a long time and have gotten to know the consistency of performance of the following companies.
1. Carter McGregor "CM" (Formerly Pluto Legal.)
CM has been around for decades providing us with multiple placements in different markets and practice areas. They really do what they say they will.
2. The Heller Group.
One of the oldest Lateral Legal Search firms. If they say they can help you, they can help you. They work with many firms maintaining a track record of accuracy and effectiveness.
3. Attorney Resource.
In Chicago, they run a very tight ship and have had recent successes for many of my clients, both firms and candidates. I have also seen excellent results in Philadelphia as well. In a highly competitive market, this company is known for its high success rate.
4. NALSC (North America Legal Search Consortium)
We only know these people because Legal Authority trained them years ago. It’s impressive that those lawyers have stayed true to their founders’ vision of keeping the rights of law firms and associates protected as well as creating a viable business model for the future.
5. Joseph E. Seibert Lawyer Search Firm.
As a lawyer serving the legal community for almost a decade, I met Joe Seibert when he joined the ranks of respected legal recruiters—when I was making my final decision to leave the FBI and become a legal recruiter. He immediately taught me the fundamentals of ethical legal recruiting. Joe seeded my career. I still value his place in my past.
6. Legal Search Partners.
A referral source I have always returned to and used extensively. I have seen Bill Rapoport build a high-end boutique firm from scratch. I can’t think of anyone else who has ever accomplished that. They look for high-end hires for clients who want the best—they deliver.
How to Choose a Legal Recruitment Firm
Partnering with the right legal recruiting firm is essential for finding and hiring the best legal talent in Philadelphia. Here are some key factors to consider:
Experience and Expertise: Look for a recruiting firm with a proven track record of success in placing attorneys of all levels. A firm with deep knowledge of the local legal market will be better equipped to identify and attract top candidates.
Niche Specialization: Some recruiting firms focus on specific practice areas or types of positions within the legal field. Choose a firm that specializes in your particular hiring needs to ensure they can effectively target the right candidates.
Personalized Service: Your firm should feel that it is a top priority for the recruiting firm you choose. A good recruiting firm will take the time to understand your culture , values and specific hiring needs, and use that information to target candidates who will be a strong fit.
Client Feedback: A reputable legal recruiting firm will have a history of successful placements and satisfied clients. Don’t hesitate to ask for references and read online reviews to assess a recruiting firm’s reputation.
Fees and Contract Terms: Be sure to review fees and contract terms before choosing a legal recruiting firm. Understand how they charge for their services and clarify any potential red flags in the contract to avoid confusion or surprise charges in the future.
Trends in the Legal Recruitment Industry
As the legal ecosystem continues to evolve, law firms in Philadelphia are actively seeking ways to stay ahead of the curve. The recruitment of new talent has shifted its focus to not only promise of a legal career but to the lifestyle and culture the city can provide. Law firms have been influenced by the work-life balance many of their clients expect in the current business world and seek candidates who will fit into the legal culture they have worked hard to provide. The introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a common tool for law firms who seek efficiency in their hiring practice. These systems review resumes, analyze candidate responses and then help create a shortlist for review answering one of the most difficult questions facing recruiting teams. Technology is at the forefront of recruitment and coming to a city like Philadelphia has become a selling point to the new hires. Tech incubators, coworking spaces and a millennial-friendly culture attracts prospective associates and partners who might not have considered an alternative to the New York legal market. Technology is shaping the way law firms operate and the trend shows contemporaries such as South Carolina have recently released a study showing that the legal tech market is expected to reach $17B by 2025.
The Future of Legal Recruitment in Philadelphia
The legal landscape in Philadelphia is on the brink of potentially transformative changes, thanks to advancements in technology and shifts in workforce dynamics. As we look ahead, it’s clear that the industry will be facing an increasingly dynamic environment for legal careers.
In the short term, legal professionals can expect to see a continued push for technology integration. Many firms are investing in advanced analytics and artificial intelligence tools to efficiently manage casework and document review. While the idea of machines taking over the lawyer’s role has been greatly exaggerated, these tools do offer opportunities for firms and individuals to focus on higher-level, more strategic work. Now, success in the legal field will require a strong foundation in technology and program management.
Moreover, the arrival of additional Fortune 500 headquarters in the city will lead to an uptick in in-house legal positions, particularly for those with experience in patents, labor and employment, and corporate law. The growth of these corporate giants mean greater opportunities for legal professionals in the city and surrounding areas .
The millennial generation, poised to make up half of the workforce in the ensuing decades, will also have an impact on the legal field. Their desire for work-life balance and experience with technology will drive a shift in workplace culture. Many law firms are beginning to adopt a more flexible work environment, where associates work remotely or from home on occasion. This flexibility could be beneficial for millennials looking for an improved work/life balance.
At the same time, law firms will still play a pivotal role in the industry. While technology may ease the burdens of some tasks, clients will always seek out the invaluable experience, counsel and insights that only seasoned professionals bring. This indicates a sustained demand for legal professionals and an ongoing need for strong recruitment firms to match candidates with the appropriate firms.
The future of the legal industry in Philadelphia is one of both continuity and change. While traditional principles and solid mentorship remain highly valued, the pace of technology and the acceleration of work/life balance will also play a crucial role in shaping legal careers. This creates a perfect storm for law firms to rely on legal recruiting firms now more than ever.