Legal recruiters are paid by law firms, not candidates, typically earning 20-33% of the attorney's first-year salary as a placement fee. This creates important dynamics attorneys should understand when working with recruiters.
Legal recruitment consultants are specialized headhunters who connect attorneys with law firms, handling everything from market intelligence to interview coaching. They're typically most valuable for lateral moves rather than entry-level positions.
Charlotte's financial services market is exceptionally strong due to Bank of America and Wells Fargo headquarters driving substantial deal flow. Associates typically work on high-stakes transactions with excellent mentorship, though hours remain demanding at top-tier firms.
Seattle offers strong work-life balance opportunities for attorneys, driven by tech industry culture and regional firms that prioritize sustainable practices. Corporate lawyers find good opportunities at regional powerhouses and tech-focused firms with competitive compensation adjusted for the market.
Generally, keep your job search confidential until you have a firm offer. However, there are strategic exceptions where early disclosure might benefit your relationship with current employers.