by Eden Mandrell and Courtney Goldstein

In-House Moves Handled, Too
 
Established recruiters with a long track record of successful placements often straddle three distinct practice areas or career stages: associates, partners and in-house. We have relationships with those on the hiring side as well as job-seekers, so we are in a much-coveted position when it
comes to knowing what is going on in the market – e.g., who is hiring, what they’re looking for, what it is like to work for certain companies, which candidates have gotten through to the interview stage, what questions are being asked during the interviews, etc.
 
If you’re contemplating a career in-house, recruiters can provide you with a reality check as to your viability given the market’s hot practice areas and current needs. The recruiter relationship, especially one established early in your career, can foster a path to in-house by counseling you
on which practice areas tend to open more doors to corporate work and which firms’ clients retain their attorneys for in-house positions.
 
It’s for Life
 
Recruiters understand the full life cycle of an attorney. At MLA, most of us have been practicing attorneys ourselves. We are also professional life coaches. Our market intelligence and personal relationships with law firms and in-house power brokers enable us to give you a unique and
beneficial perspective. Attorneys who partner with a recruiter throughout their career will have an insider’s view of the market.

The key to success throughout your career is networking. Having a recruiter as part of your network – one who will lead you in the right direction so you can attain your personal career goals, be in the most supportive environment, and start building your library of accomplishments
– is one of the best ways to ensure your success. 
 
If you only think of a recruiter when you decide to make a lateral move, you will miss out on the wealth of information we can provide throughout your career. A good recruiter should be considered essential to your development as an attorney – even if you never change jobs!

Eden Mandrell is the Regional Practice Manager for Major, Lindsey & Africa’s Associate
Practice Group – Central region. She can be contacted at 312-896-8557 or
emandrell@mlaglobal.com. 
 
Courtney Goldstein is the Regional Practice Manager for MLA’s Associate Practice Group –
Western region. She can be contacted at 213-689-0718 or cgoldstein@mlaglobal.com