When you're working with a legal recruiter, communication matters. One of the most important - and most overlooked - courtesies is letting your recruiter know if you've decided to leave your current firm.
Candidates often assume they'll update their recruiter once they have landed somewhere new. Unfortunately, by then the damage may already be done.
Here's what frequently happens: A recruiter is actively presenting your background to prospective employers and discussing your experience at your current firm. Then, without warning, your biography disappears from your firm's website. Naturally, the hiring firm asks, "has something changed?"
If the recruiter doesn't know you've left, they're forced to answer with, "I'm not sure." That is an uncomfortable position for everyone involved and can undermine the credibility of both the recruiter and the candidate.
More importantly, your departure is not necessarily a problem. Attorneys leave firms for many legitimate reasons: practice group changes, partnership opportunities, firm economics, relocation, or simply seeking a better fit. An experienced legal recruiter knows how to present those changes in the proper context.
When your recruiter knows in advance that you're planning to leave - or have already given notice - they can help you develop the right messaging before employers start asking questions. They can explain the transition confidently, answer questions honestly, and position your move as part of your overall career strategy rather than allowing others to speculate.
Your recruiter is your advocate. The more information they have, the more effectively they can represent you.
If we're working together, please don't hesitate to let me know if your employment status changes. Even a quick phone call, text, or email can make all the difference in ensuring your job search proceeds smoothly and professionally.