Our Process
Most important to a successful recruiting mission is a thorough understanding of your operations, the specific requirements of the position to be filled and the firm/corporate environment and management style into which the new attorney/partner will be placed. Using a proprietary process called Dimensional Search®, we determine the skills, experiences and personal characteristics necessary to be successful in the position.
Our recruiting process is conducted through referrals and by contacting people in the practice disciplines and law firms/businesses where qualified attorney candidates are most likely to be. We do not rely on unsolicited resume flow or blind ads.
The talented attorneys we approach are generally not looking for a new position. Most likely, they have not circulated their resumes, nor are they currently reading help-wanted ads. They are, however, people who may be interested in an opportunity when it is brought to their attention in a professional and discreet manner.
Shapiro Legal Search recruiting assignments rely on our knowledge of the legal market and practice area disciplines in which we recruit. We also leverage the use of sophisticated computer technology to manage large amounts of information.
Evaluating Candidates
Once we have identified potential attorney candidates, we perform in-depth interviews with each to determine if they meet all client requirements. Additionally we will uncover any personal or family issues that would restrict the candidate’s ability to join our client’s firm or organization. In evaluating potential candidates, the Shapiro Legal Search consultant will use our Dimensional Search® process and:
- Match the attorney’s educational, professional and legal skills to our client’s specific requirements and needs.
- Confirm that the attorney’s past experience and successes will effectively contribute to achieving our client’s current and future goals.
- Verify that an attorney’s personal style will complement the firm/corporate culture and will mesh well with the hiring attorney’s personality.
Our inquiries are made in strict confidence, and your firm/company is not identified until a candidate expresses definite interest in the opportunity. If we feel there is a fit, we then take steps to recruit the attorney candidate.
Presenting Candidates
As candidates express interest in the opportunity, we evaluate each against the Dimensional Search® criteria for the open position. We present for interview only those individuals who best fit the assignment profile.
After the interview or interviews, we debrief both you and the candidate, then follow up to ascertain the attorney candidate’s interest, provide additional information and resolve any misunderstandings. We assist with composing and extending the offer and in negotiating any changes. When and if needed, we can also provide relocation assistance and cost-of-living comparisons. Once the offer is extended, we stay in constant touch with the attorney candidate to resolve remaining issues and facilitate a prompt acceptance and timely starting date.
