By Law Firms and Companies

Q. What added value does a legal recruitment company provide to a firm?
A. An effective recruiting firm such as Able Fisher assists a firm in determining the parameters of a search, identifying, evaluating and recruiting potential candidates, managing the interviewing process, and providing valuable feedback at each step of the way.

Q. Where do you find the level of qualified candidates that fit our organization's specific parameters?
A. We are in the legal community talking to leading lawyers on a daily basis. Able Fisher's wide range of contacts provide us with a tremendous network of referrals and recommendations, and we rely upon our state-of-the-art database. Finally, as a result of our experience, we also simply know most leading Partners and Associates who we can network.

Q. The needs of my firm are confidential. Can our search be handled in a discrete, proprietary manner?
A. One of the reasons Able Fisher have been successful is that we are utterly discrete. As lawyers, we understand the meaning of confidentiality for both candidates and clients.

Q. Do you pre screen candidates before they are referred?
A. Yes. We meet and interview every potential candidate before a referral to avoid wasting your time and to ensure an appropriate fit for all retained search assignments.

Q. How will our organization be represented to best reflect our image and objectives?
A. Before undertaking a project, we meet with your key people as well as do our own research in order to gain a complete understanding of the organization, its culture and needs. Only then, armed with that information, do Able Fisher approach potential candidates on your behalf across Europe, Middle East, Asia and USA.

Q. We know our competitors - shouldn't we just contact candidates on our own?
A. Probably not. Sometimes it is awkward for you to do so. Able Fisher can do it in a more organized and effective manner. Most importantly, we can ensure that it is done in a timely manner. This is our full time occupation, and we can accomplish results promptly, not on a catch-as-catch-can basis. Plus, we can help manage the process and assist in "landing" the candidate.

Q. Why is Able Fisher the right firm for us to use in our search?
A. Our knowledge of the market, the breadth of our contacts, the fact that we are easy to work with, and our ability to achieve results in a discrete manner all serve to make us a compelling choice.

By Lawyers

Q. Why should I use the services of a search firm when I have made contacts on my own?
A. A search firm such as Able Fisher can provide you with much wider access to opportunities than is possible on your own. In addition, we can assist you through the process and provide feedback that you could not obtain by yourself. We are experts in the way successful careers are built and can help you gain perspective on your potential move.

Q. What ethical considerations are taken into account in making the move to another firm?
A. As a partner, you have a fiduciary duty to your firm. On the other hand, the law recognizes that clients have a right to have their matters handled by the lawyer of their choice. The net result is that, while you can bring clients with you to your new firm, you cannot talk to the clients about going with you until you inform your firm that you are considering a move, so as to provide a level playing field with respect to potential clients.

Q. What level of opportunity can you present me with?
A. Given our extensive contacts, client base and retained searches we work on, we are constantly aware of an extremely broad range of available opportunities. Depending on your background, experience, compensation expectations and level of business, we can present you with relevant opportunities that would advance your career. We do not believe in change for the sake of change.

Q. How will I know if I'm making the right choice with the right organization?
A. This is something we can and do help you with. It is important that you feel comfortable with the people with whom you will work, and that the work you will do is interesting and challenging. In the case of a law firm, you also need to ascertain whether its reputation and practice capabilities provide a strong platform for your own practice development.

Q. As a partner, how much portable business do I need to move to another firm?
A. It depends on the situation and the firm. In some instances, there is a particular need that requires little if any business. There is currently a range of firms seeking only about £350,000 in portables. However, as a general proposition, most major firms look for at least £1 million in portable practice.

Q. What if my firm makes a counter offer - how do I handle it?
A. It is important to treat a counter-offer with respect and to consider it fully and carefully. If you leave, you do not want to burn any bridges. It is possible that a counter-offer will address your reasons for considering a change. On the other hand, simply increasing your compensation may not satisfy your other issues, and while promises under these circumstances may be made in good faith, things often revert to the prior condition after the passage of some time. There have been many studies indicating that people who accept counter offers end up leaving their organizations after one or two years in any event.

Q. Do I go through the interview process on my own?
A. No. A professional search firm such as Able Fisher will prepare you for your meetings, provide background on your interviewers, discuss and strategize potential issues, and provide you with meaningful feedback.