Join us on this episode of Steve’s Rules, where Steve Nelson, Executive Principal at McCormick Group, dives into the evolving roles within law firms, particularly focusing on the rise of professional staff in key leadership positions. We explore the recent trend of hiring COOs from non-traditional backgrounds, such as legal operations, and what this means for the future of law firm management. Whether you're a law firm leader, legal operations professional, or just interested in the business side of law, this episode offers invaluable insights into what’s next for the industry. We will also hear from Steve about what is going on in Washington DC and Texas two of the countries hottest lateral partner markets.

Contact Steve
McCormick Group

Contact Murray
M Coffey

In this episode, Murray Coffey and Steve Nelson delve into the intricacies of legal recruiting, offering a blend of practical advice and personal anecdotes. They discuss the best ways to manage recruiter inquiries, key considerations for those contemplating a career move, and the importance of building solid relationships with reputable recruiters. Additionally, they cover current market trends and emphasize the significance of carefully evaluating counteroffers. This episode is designed to equip you with the insights needed to navigate your legal career with confidence.

Episode Highlights:

• Best Practices for Managing Recruiter Inquiries: Learn how to effectively handle calls and messages from recruiters.
• Controlling Your Identity: Safeguard your resume and personal information by only sending them to authorized firms.
• Importance of Ethics in Recruiting: Recognize and avoid unethical practices by some recruiters.
• Candidate Preparation: Ensure you have your statistics and relevant information ready before engaging with a recruiter.
• Choosing the Right Recruiter: Identify recruiters who have strong relationships with hiring firms and understand your market and practice area.
• Working with One Recruiter: Build a strong, trusting relationship with a single recruiter to increase your chances of successful placement.
• Personal Relationships and Referrals: Use your network to get referrals for reputable recruiters.
• Recruiter Methodology: Understand the recruiter’s approach and ensure they can effectively reach suitable firms.
• Assessing Opportunities: Utilize a recruiter’s expertise to determine if a move is in your best interest.
• Long-term Relationships: Work with recruiters who are committed to your career growth and provide honest assessments.
• Evaluating Offers: Be cautious with counteroffers and consider their long-term implications.
• Market Trends and Insights: Stay updated on the latest trends and dynamics in the recruiting market.
  
  

Key Takeaways:

• Be Prepared: Have your market statistics and relevant data ready when engaging with a recruiter.
• Ask the Right Questions: Ensure the recruiter has a genuine relationship with the hiring firm and understands your needs.
• Control Your Identity: Avoid having your resume sent to multiple firms without your consent.
• Work with One Recruiter: Develop a strong, trusting relationship with a single recruiter for better results.
• Evaluate Offers Carefully: Consider the long-term implications of counteroffers and trust the insights of experienced recruiters.

Join Murray and Steve as they share valuable insights and experiences, helping you navigate your career with confidence and professionalism.

Contact Steve
McCormick Group

Contact Murray
M Coffey

Overview:

This episode provides a deep dive into the essentials of business planning for attorneys considering lateral moves. Steve Nelson leverages his extensive experience in legal recruitment to guide listeners on crafting high impact business plans that align with market trends and firm expectations. This episode may be our most practical and actionable let. We even have Steve’s business plan templates in our show notes.

Key Insights:

• Business Plan Importance: Detailed discussion on the necessity of a business plan for lawyers aiming to move laterally.
• Components of a Strong Business Plan: Steve outlines the critical elements that should be included in a business plan, such as market analysis, client needs assessment, and personal value proposition.
• Strategies for Differentiation: Tips on how attorneys can set themselves apart in their business plans by linking their unique experiences to the needs of potential firms.

Episode Highlights:

• Crafting the Business Plan: Steps for developing a plan that addresses both the current landscape and future market opportunities, focusing on the lawyer’s role in navigating these changes.
• Demonstrating Market Knowledge: The importance of showing deep understanding of regulatory trends and how they affect potential clients.
• Networking and Resources: How to effectively utilize existing networks and resources to bolster the business plan’s effectiveness.

Bonus: Steve gives us his analysis of the lateral recruiting market in the the nation’s capital (hint: it is an election year.)
Business Plan Template Option One
Business Plan Template Option Two
Business Plan Template Option Three

Contact Steve
McCormick Group

Contact Murray
M Coffey