Top Law Schools

Hello,

I reached out to a recruiter because I was exploring moving to a smaller market to be closer to family. Long story short, he got me an interview and ultimately an offer from the best firm in town (not AmLaw 100, tells you how small the town is). Anyways, after learning more about the firm and the legal market in the area generally, I don’t think the career hit and pay cut is worth moving closer to family. I think I’m going to turn down the offer and tell the recruiter I’m staying at my current firm.

I realize I have to do what is best for me, but does this happen often or is this a scenario where I’m really screwing the recruiter?

For what it’s worth, even though the recruiter “got me” the interview, I’m a mid level at a top ranked firm so I’m not sure he had to do much work to get me an interview at this small market place. I just wanted to use a recruiter because I didn’t want to have to deal with anything. But still feel bad about it.

Don’t feel bad. This is your career/life and this happens all the time.

Agreed - don't feel bad and definitely don't make any decision taking the recruiter into consideration. Sounds like you gathered the info you needed and analyzed to make a decision that's best for you. The recruiter knows this is all part of his job and a "risk" that comes with it. Besides, who's to say he doesn't still fill the position?

don't feel bad - it's just the name of the game. Yes, the recruiter is missing out on a lucrative commission, but, if the recruiter is any good, he or she will find someone else to fill the position. And now you've given someone else an opportunity.

If anything, feel free to share that recruiter's name with anyone else you think might be interested in said market. Particularly here on TLS