As a young girl, I fondly remember my great-grandmother saying that there is a cover for every pot. As a child, the saying did not have much meaning to me. However, as I grew up, I realized that was her way of saying there is a significant other for each of us. I also now understand that my dear Grandma Esther may not have been the originator of this phrase. I equate this to learning that the Tooth Fairy is not real. Anyway, there is a book with a similar title. It is Every Pot Has a Cover: A Proven System for Finding, Keeping and Enhancing the Ideal Relationship by Michael J. Salamon. At this point, you are probably asking yourself, what the heck does this have to do with legal recruiting?
No Need to Settle
Well, it has everything to do with my job and pledge to my candidates. After all, I am a “law firm matchmaker” who helps successful partners find their perfect fit at a new law firm. The perfect fit is defined by the individual attorney. Like a personal relationship, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What is a perfect law firm match for one lawyer may seem like a nightmare to another. The good news is that there are all kinds of law firms. You are the cover and the law firm is the pot. There is a match out there for you.
Law Firm Matchmaking
I have developed a process to learn what you like, want, and need in a new firm. Likewise, and just as importantly, I learn what you do not like, want or need. I take this information and create a list of possible firms. I am able to do this because of my deep knowledge of the legal industry combined with my many connections and custom research tools. In other words, I know which firms will meet your criteria. And if I do not know for certain about a particular firm, I will find out if they have what you are looking for. Like I said above, you are the cover and the firm is the pot. There will be a match – it may just take some time and diligence.
Examples
It should be apparent at this point that I believe that all law firms are not the same. I know that there is often the feeling why should I change firms; they are all the same. Not true. The following are just some real life examples of the types of firms that I see every day:
- There are law firms with compensation models based upon collaboration and team-based success. Not all firms have eat what you kill compensation models. Likewise, there are firms with strict compensation formulas, while others are quite subjective. Which compensation model works the best for you?
- So many firms, so many cultures. When it comes to culture, every law firm is different. What kind of culture best fits you? Do you want a super serious environment where it is all work and no play? Or would you prefer one where colleagues like spending time with one another in a more relaxed setting?
- Practice area mix is important to you. Some firms will have practice areas that compliment yours and some do not. Will the right practice area mix help you grow your client base? Will your practice be a good fit for another law firm?
These are just a few of the examples and it is a rather simplistic approach. To clarify, maybe your perfect match law firm is a combination of these examples. You like, want, and need a formulaic compensation model in a collegial, fun law firm with a large, sophisticated litigation practice. Let us help you find your pot. Call us today to start the process.