Legal recruiters typically charge law firms 25-33% of the placed candidate's first-year total compensation. Partner-level placements often command higher percentages due to complexity and revenue potential.
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.
Legal recruiters typically earn through contingency fees (15-33% of placed candidate's first-year salary) or retained search fees paid upfront. Third-party recruiters work on commission while in-house firm recruiters receive base salaries plus bonuses.
Lateral partner placement fees are typically paid entirely by the hiring firm, not the candidate. These fees usually range from 25-33% of first-year compensation and don't directly reduce your package, though they may influence firm negotiations.