Hiring is the most important people function you have, and most of us aren’t as good at it as we think. Refocusing your resources on hiring better will have a higher return than almost any training program you can develop.
Like every industry, law firms operate in a constantly changing landscape, and that includes the ongoing challenge of attracting, hiring and retaining the talent that enables growth. A well-designed plan improves your odds in the competition for talent.
Four Steps That Improve Your Odds
1. Getting Back to the Basics
- Reconnect to your firm’s vision. It shapes everything: the clients you attract, the policies and procedures you establish, and the talent you recruit.
- Take an honest look at your culture. Does it reflect your vision? Does it invite a second look from potential talent? A culture worth joining is collaborative, inclusive, respectful, and built on integrity.
- Promote your success. Case studies, awards and accolades substantiate your vision and culture, within your jurisdiction’s advertising rules.
2. Marketing Your Openings
- SEO: Optimize your website for keywords that align with talented lawyers who may be considering other opportunities.
- Publish content that reinforces your vision and culture on topics that attract talent.
- Build an audience on social media. It widens the reach of every opening you post.
- Include video marketing on your website.
- Cultivate an in-depth referral network. Be active in online events.
- Work with a legal recruiting firm. It adds another layer of marketing the position and searching for talent.
3. Flexibility Is Essential
- A flexible culture that lets attorneys manage their own hours and location is a significant draw.
- Flexibility applies to your candidate requirements too. The role has real requirements, but some give on them may open the door to talent you would otherwise miss.
4. Finally, Make Competitive Offers
- Be willing to offer the market rate and a little more.
- Include sign-on bonuses.
- Do not forget the other terms: benefits, flexibility, travel expenses, even help with student loans. You do not have to offer everything, but pay attention to what talent is asking for.
At OnBoard Legal, we recognize that attorneys are the economic engine of a law firm. We find the attorneys who support our clients’ growth objectives, combining deep knowledge of the legal industry with decades of experience conducting high-level searches.