Why Your Friend Working at a Law Firm of Interest May Not Be a Successful or Reliable Referral Source in Your Job Search

If you are looking for a new job, you may be tempted to ask your friend who works at a specific law firm you are interested in to refer you. Some law firms offer financial incentives to their current attorneys for bringing lateral attorneys into the firm. However, relying on your friend as your source of referral can be a risky move. Here are four factors you should consider before choosing to let your friend submit your materials to a firm of interest to you.

Reason 1: Your friend is likely biased.

Your friend may have good intentions, but they may not be objective when it comes to your career choices. They may want you to join their firm for their own reasons, such as having a familiar face around, getting a referral bonus or boosting their own reputation internally. They may even downplay the drawbacks of their firm in the hopes of having you join.

A professional recruiter, on the other hand, can be your agent in the market and guide you through all your law firm options, helping you make the choice which is best suited to your needs and goals. A recruiter has access to a wider network of contacts and information, and we are motivated to find you the best fit possible. Unlike your friend, we do not have a vested interest in any particular firm and will not pressure you to make a decision in which you are not comfortable. We also have our reputation in the market to consider—the last thing we want to do is place you into a new position in which you will not be happy or satisfied.

Reason 2: Your friend may not be reputable at their firm.

Another reason to be cautious about using your friend as a referral source is that they may not be highly regarded at their firm. This could reflect poorly on you, as you may be seen as hitching your horse to the wrong wagon. Your friend may not have a good reputation among their colleagues. They may also not be familiar with the hiring process or the expectations of the firm, and they may unknowingly give you inaccurate or misleading advice.

A professional recruiter has a reputation to uphold and a track record of success. We know the ins and outs of the industry and the firms; thus, we can help you present yourself in the best light possible and to make a fully informed decision. We will also give you honest and constructive feedback and help you avoid any pitfalls or red flags that might jeopardize your chances of getting hired.

Reason 3: Your friend may not be helpful enough.

A friend is not able to provide you with the other services that a professional recruiter can offer—services that are no cost to you and can make a huge difference in your job search. A professional recruiter can help you with identifying opportunities, crafting your resume, drafting cover letters, preparing for interviews and negotiating deals. We can do all the legwork so you can still focus on your current job while we help find you a new one.  We can leverage our relationships with the firms and the hiring managers and advocate for you throughout the process. Firms are used to us pushing them when you have secured other interviews; in fact, they appreciate it when we let them know of those interviews before they lose the opportunity to meet you. Your friend may not have the time, the skills or the resources to help you with these aspects of your job search. They also cannot negotiate on your behalf with their own firm, as it is a clear conflict of interest.

Reason 4: Your friend may not be discreet.

Finally, your friend may not be focused on protecting your confidentiality. This is especially important if you are currently employed and do not want your current employer to find out that you are looking for a new job. Your friend may unwittingly share your information with others who may not have your best interests at heart, and they may not be aware of the confidentiality clauses or the non-disclosure agreements that the firms have in place with recruiters, which are designed to protect you throughout the lateral recruitment process.

Savvy, reputable and experienced recruiters have contracts with law firms that give you that confidentiality protection. We will not disclose your information to anyone without your consent, and we respect your privacy and your preferences. We will also advise you on how to handle any sensitive situations that may arise during your job search, such as references, background checks and/or counteroffers.

Conclusion

While it may be tempting to use your friend as a referral source for your job search, it can be a risky and limiting option. Your friend may not be the best person to help you find the right job for you, and they may not be able to offer you the services, the reputation or the confidentiality that a professional recruiter can.

So, before you let your friend refer you, reach out to a professional recruiter and discuss your situation so you can be fully informed as to who may be best suited to find the right opportunity for you. You will likely find that your best course of action is to use a recruiter for your job search and have your friends at various firms put in a good word for you after your process has begun at that firm, giving you two bites at the apple. If you go through your friend first, you will only get one much riskier bite.