3. Is this an exclusive search?

It is not critical that the recruiter say he or she is handling an exclusive search, but if they do -- assuming they are telling the truth -- it does add an extra element of credibility and indicates a special relationship with their client. I don't view the related question, "Is this a retained search," as having the same import. While in the UK a retained search may be the norm for top recruiters, in the U.S. many of the leading headhunters work a mix of retained and contingent searches. This is especially true in the current climate where law firms are trying to limit paying retainers.

4. How long have you been placing partners?

Ideally, you would like to hear 5 years or more of partner placement experience, but one year should be a minimum length. You are looking for a recruiter possessing the kind of wisdom and savvy that only comes from experience: someone who knows immediately what information to never put in an LPQ (if your recruiter doesn't know what an LPQ is -- run, and run fast) even if requested; a headhunter who can get you the most lucrative deal without having a target painted on your back; a recruiter who can effortlessly walk you through the mine field of legal and ethical issues that arise in moving from one law firm to another.

5. Can you give me some examples of the deals you have done in the last couple of years?

This is the real acid test. Recruiters have to be able to cite chapter and verse on both names of candidates and law firms for whom they've made major placements. This is not a breach of confidentiality provided the deals described are long done. If a recruiter is reluctant to mention specific candidate names, at the very least he or she should provide clients, such as, "I placed a three-partner litigation group at XYZ firm," or, "I placed a private equity partner at ABC firm." Any recruiter reluctant or unable to cite current or fairly recent placements is either hiding something, or doesn't have the background to deliver for you.

6. Did you place those partners or did someone else at your firm do so?

This is a critical question, but regrettably few partners ever ask it. You want to be sure that the person recruiting you is actually the one who made the placements as opposed to merely working for the same recruiting firm where someone else made the placements. There is no substitute for direct client contact on the part of the person you choose to represent you in a sensitive lateral move.

7. What part of my background is of greatest interest to your client?

The goal of this question is two-fold. You want to be certain that the person calling you has some familiarity with your bio and representative matters or cases you have handled. If he or she hasn't taken the time to at least look you up on the Web, odds are the recruiter is just dialing off a printout, and is not a professional. The question also serves to force the person on the phone to address substance. While the person may not know all of the nuances of a particular practice, he or she must at least have a solid understanding of the core aspects of your area of concentration. For example, knowing the difference between patent prosecution and litigation in IP, or fund formation and transactional work in private equity.

In the coming months, as many law firms continue to look for quality candidates to shore up weaknesses or enhance important practice specialties, your phone will be ringing more than ever. If you are genuinely interested in making a move -- or at least curious about your options in the current market -- be sure to ask these questions and choose carefully. Your career deserves nothing less than a sure bet.

Neil Handwerker, Esq., is a managing director with Handwerker Hren Legal Search in New York. He can be reached at nhandwerker@hhlegalsearch.com.

Reprinted with permission from the May 11, 2009 Special to Law.com publication http://www.law.com/jsp/law/careercenter/lawArticleCareerCenter.jsp?id=1202430572458 © 2009 Incisive US Properties, LLC. All rights reserved. Further duplication without permission is prohibited. For reprints and permissions contact: 877-257-3382 or reprints@incisivemedia.com.