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New transactional associate at a NYC V10 here. I’ve already had a few recruiters reach out via email/LinkedIn but am wondering how early is too early to start entertaining those conversations and/or proactively reaching out to recruiters. For added context, I’ve realized my firm doesn’t really do much of the work I’m interested in doing for my longterm career and there are probably much better fits out there. I think being remote has also minimized some of the pros I saw in choosing my current firm over some of the firms that do the work I’m really interested in (some of which I declined offers from, not sure if that will come back to bite me). With that in mind, I will probably try to lateral sooner than later. Not miserable and can stick it out but not sure when an appropriate time is to at least start putting out feelers.

I know of class of 2020 transactional associates who lateraled in 2021. Given the state of the market, I'd put out feelers now. Who knows what things will look like a year from now. Also, you have good stated reasons for moving on so it's better to do so as soon as you can.

Corporate lateral market is red-hot for midlevels who can go anywhere they want. I dont think it's as hot for juniors. May need to wait a year. I do know an associate who lateraled from Cravath to Wachtell after 1.5 years. Can talk to a recruiter to put out a feeler, but keep in mind that they just want a commission and may push you to apply just to make their money.

Why even bother with a recruiter?

ExpOriental wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 21, 2021 8:26 am

Why even bother with a recruiter?

Good recruiters know of non-public postings and can even pitch you to firms with no immediate plans to hire. Plus they handle all the applications. Though if you know of an opening and have a contact at the firm you're probably better off having him or her forward your application materials.

hdr wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 21, 2021 12:39 pm

ExpOriental wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 21, 2021 8:26 am

Why even bother with a recruiter?

Good recruiters know of non-public postings and can even pitch you to firms with no immediate plans to hire. Plus they handle all the applications. Though if you know of an opening and have a contact at the firm you're probably better off having him or her forward your application materials.

How do you know where to find the good recruiters?

If a recruiter reaches out with a non-public opening that you're interested in, go for it. If the openings are public, though, you may have better luck just going through the website (no recruiter fee). If you know someone at the firm, you definitely will have better luck going through them.

If there are firms you liked that you turned down, it doesn't mean you have to stop communication with them completely, depending on whether you burned bridges, of course. If they gave you an offer, you probably connected with a partner or an associate. Reach out now, set up a lunch, stay in touch. Then if you want to make a move you can easily reach out.

hdr wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 21, 2021 12:39 pm

ExpOriental wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 21, 2021 8:26 am

Why even bother with a recruiter?

Good recruiters know of non-public postings and can even pitch you to firms with no immediate plans to hire. Plus they handle all the applications. Though if you know of an opening and have a contact at the firm you're probably better off having him or her forward your application materials.

I understand that recruiters can be a value add for things like niche practice groups and in house roles. But we're talking about a transactional associate in NYC. It's pretty safe to assume that basically every firm in NYC with a transactional practice would at least be interested in the current market.

I don't see what a recruiter adds in this situation. Just pick whatever firms you're interested, apply through the website, and negotiate signing bonuses with the ones that bite.

Does the general advice change at all for someone considering switching markets?

I'm a junior corp associate, also at a V10 in NYC. I am planning on applying directly online or getting a referral at firms where I know someone, but am trying to lateral to a market where I will need to take a second bar.

I'm a 2020 grad who lateraled after working at a v20 for like half a year to a tech firm - used a recruiter and got a 20-30k signing bonus + special and annual bonus if that data point is helpful.

Anonymous User wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 21, 2021 2:28 pm

I'm a 2020 grad who lateraled after working at a v20 for like half a year to a tech firm - used a recruiter and got a 20-30k signing bonus + special and annual bonus if that data point is helpful.

Do you mind PMing me?

ExpOriental wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 21, 2021 1:56 pm

hdr wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 21, 2021 12:39 pm

ExpOriental wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 21, 2021 8:26 am

Why even bother with a recruiter?

Good recruiters know of non-public postings and can even pitch you to firms with no immediate plans to hire. Plus they handle all the applications. Though if you know of an opening and have a contact at the firm you're probably better off having him or her forward your application materials.

I understand that recruiters can be a value add for things like niche practice groups and in house roles. But we're talking about a transactional associate in NYC. It's pretty safe to assume that basically every firm in NYC with a transactional practice would at least be interested in the current market.

I don't see what a recruiter adds in this situation. Just pick whatever firms you're interested, apply through the website, and negotiate signing bonuses with the ones that bite.

The recruiter may have personal relationships with hiring partners. The recruiter I used to move up and retool placed many people in the group including partners and is Frieda with the head of the group (they’re golfing this week in another state lol). Lots of value add. They can convince partners and or spin certain answers in interviews. Assuming they have the relationship, they can help. Obviously they care about their pocket too so this may be hard to believe but it worked for me. Good luck!

Anonymous User wrote: ↑

Thu Dec 23, 2021 10:50 pm

ExpOriental wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 21, 2021 1:56 pm

hdr wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 21, 2021 12:39 pm

ExpOriental wrote: ↑

Tue Dec 21, 2021 8:26 am

Why even bother with a recruiter?

Good recruiters know of non-public postings and can even pitch you to firms with no immediate plans to hire. Plus they handle all the applications. Though if you know of an opening and have a contact at the firm you're probably better off having him or her forward your application materials.

I understand that recruiters can be a value add for things like niche practice groups and in house roles. But we're talking about a transactional associate in NYC. It's pretty safe to assume that basically every firm in NYC with a transactional practice would at least be interested in the current market.

I don't see what a recruiter adds in this situation. Just pick whatever firms you're interested, apply through the website, and negotiate signing bonuses with the ones that bite.

The recruiter may have personal relationships with hiring partners. The recruiter I used to move up and retool placed many people in the group including partners and is Frieda with the head of the group (they’re golfing this week in another state lol). Lots of value add. They can convince partners and or spin certain answers in interviews. Assuming they have the relationship, they can help. Obviously they care about their pocket too so this may be hard to believe but it worked for me. Good luck!

Anon, I am v interested in hearing about your experience. Mind DMing?