Given the state of this economy, I thought this topic deserved some additional attention (See Part I). Even in an economic downturn, companies continue to hire lawyers – but they hire lawyers with different specialties than the ones who are in demand when business is good.
Corporations are trimming budgets now, and in an effort to reduce outside counsel spending, many are adding to their legal departments. At the same time, candidates are skittish about making career moves in this market. “Bonus-driven cultures” are growing more distant in the rearview mirror, and prospective in-house attorneys are now focused on base salary, job security, and corporate financial viability. Despite lay-offs, falling stock prices and general gloom and doom, recruiting top candidates is not any easier!
A strong first offer still makes a powerful impression, and will increase the odds of landing an in-house counsel that may save the company hundreds of thousands in legal fees.
