RAINMAKERS NEEDED

Survey: Law Firms Focused on Expertise That Can Boost Revenues

For Immediate Release
November 10, 2009

RAINMAKERS NEEDED
Survey: Law Firms Focused on Expertise That Can Boost Revenues

MENLO PARK, CA -- While many law offices remain cautious about adding new staff, those firms that are hiring want associates who can help them expand lucrative practice areas and bring in new business, a recent survey confirms. Asked what criteria is the most important when evaluating prospective midlevel hires, nearly half of lawyers interviewed cited practice area expertise (49 percent) followed by business development skills (30 percent).

The survey was developed by Robert Half Legal, a leading staffing service specializing in attorneys, paralegals and other highly skilled legal professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and includes responses from 150 attorneys from among the largest law firms in the United States and Canada. All respondents have at least three years of experience in the legal field.

Lawyers were asked, “Which one of the following criteria, if any, is most important to you when deciding to hire midlevel associates?” Their responses: 

“With no time to waste in a highly competitive legal services market, law firms need associates who can make immediate contributions to generating revenue,” said Charles Volkert, executive director of Robert Half Legal. “Experienced attorneys with a roster of clients and proven business development expertise are sought by firms looking to expand service offerings in active practice areas such as bankruptcy, litigation, and labor and employment law.”

About Robert Half Legal
Robert Half Legal is the legal staffing division of Robert Half International. The company provides law firms and corporate legal departments with highly skilled professionals, including attorneys, paralegals and legal support personnel, on a project and full-time basis. Robert Half Legal offers online job search services at www.roberthalflegal.com.