To say the least, 2009 has been a year of challenges for the industry. Attorneys, law students, law firms and recruiters have all been touched by this recession. Lay offs, deferrals, and virtually no associate lateral moves marked 2009 as 'Annus horribilis' for virtually everyone. In it's wake however, we see signs of a industry that is reforming itself. Law schools and law
firms are deciding upon a new recruiting model. Law firms are taking the bold step to change their compensation models, unemployed attorneys are opening their own practice and law students are looking at life beyond big law. Law firms that had grown too fat, trimmed down and will not bloat again in 2010. Many recruiters who where downsized opened their own shop and found surprising success. The smaller, tighter business model is one that works, and America's business sector has learned that they can do more with less. The lesson of 2009 - adapt, change, rethink and reinvent. The world is changing all around us, and only those who are willing to adapt will survive.
We predict that 2010 will see an increase in hiring; firms will realize that they trimmed down a little too far and rebuild some of their ranks. Recruiters will have to work harder, bringing in those elusive candidates to earn their fees. Law firms will continue to do some hiring on their own - the list of firms who do not accept recruiter submissions continues to grow - but recruiters will most certainly have a piece of the pie. Professionalism is key in the relationship between firms and recruiters. Recruiters who follow the rules, and deliver the 'hard gets' will continue to succeed. This is no time for sloppy practices, this is the time to raise the level of service and to deliver the goods.
Leopard Solutions continues to adapt and grow. 2010 will see expansion into smaller markets - Minneapolis, Seattle, Pittsburg, Baltimore, Charlotte, Phoenix and Las Vegas - to name a few! We will also debut our own social network, designed to bring attorneys, recruiters and law students together into one community. An upgrade to our law firm profiles will help you research law firms in a terrific new way. We have big plans! We hope that you stay with us for an exciting ride in the new year. We all wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! Good bye 2009 - 2010 is here with a brand new attitude!
Frank Kimball's law school series returns next Friday.