Are you looking to break into the legal sector in London? If so, then you’re probably familiar with the unique challenges and complexities associated with finding a job in this highly competitive market. In this article, we’ll take an inside look at the world of in house legal recruitment and give you all the tips and tricks you need to know for securing your dream job.
Introduction to in house Legal Recruitment
In house legal recruitment in London can be a complex and daunting process, but it is also an incredibly exciting and rewarding one. At its core, in house legal recruitment is the process of finding and hiring the best legal talent for your organisation.
There are a number of ways to go about this, but the most important thing is to take your time and do your research. With so many talented lawyers out there, it can be tempting to just hire the first person you come across. However, taking your time to find the right fit will pay off in the long run.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when you are looking for in house legal recruitment in London:
1. Define your needs
Before you start your search, it is important to take some time to define exactly what you are looking for. What kind of lawyer do you need? What specific skills and experience are you looking for? Taking the time to answer these questions will make your search much more focused and efficient.
2. Use a variety of resources
There are a number of different ways to find potential candidates for in house legal recruitment in London. Try using a variety of resources, such as online job boards, personal connections, and professional networks. This will give you the best chance of finding qualified candidates.
Understanding the Legal Sectors
There are a few different types of law firms in London that you may come across during your job search. Here is a brief overview of the main types of legal sectors in London:
Solicitors: These are the most common type of law firm in the UK and handle a wide variety of legal matters for both individuals and businesses.
Barristers: Barristers specialise in advocacy and represent clients in court. They are typically instructed by solicitors on specific cases.
in house: in house lawyers work for a specific company or organisation, rather than a law firm. They provide advice on legal matters relating to their employer’s business.
The majority of in house legal recruitment in London is focused on solicitors and barristers, with many employers looking for candidates with experience in a particular area of law. However, there is also a growing demand for in house lawyers with expertise in multiple areas, as well as those who are qualified to practise law outside of the UK.
The Benefits of in house Legal Recruiting
In house legal recruitment can be an extremely beneficial process for both employers and employees. By conducting in house legal recruitment, employers can have greater control over the entire recruitment process and can ensure that only the most qualified candidates are considered for positions within the company. Additionally, in house legal recruitment can often save employers money on external recruiting fees.
In house legal recruiters are also typically very familiar with the company’s culture and values, which can help to ensure that candidates are a good fit for the organisation. Furthermore, in house legal recruiters often have extensive networks of contacts within the legal industry, which can help to identify top talent that may not be actively seeking a new role.
Overall, in house legal recruiting can be an extremely beneficial process for both employers and employees. By conducting in house legal recruitment, employers can have greater control over the entire recruitment process and can ensure that only the most qualified candidates are considered for positions within the company. Additionally, in house legal recruiters often have extensive networks of contacts within the legal industry, which can help to identify top talent that may not be actively seeking a new role.
Types of Roles Available in in house Recruitment
In house legal recruitment in London offers a wide range of roles for both experienced and inexperienced lawyers. Here are some of the most common types of roles available:
Experienced Lawyers:
- Senior Associate: A senior associate is typically a lawyer with 7-10 years of experience who works on more complex legal matters.
- Counsel: A counsel is an experienced lawyer who provides advice and guidance to clients, but does not have supervisory responsibilities.
- in house Legal Advisor: An in house legal advisor is a lawyer who works within a company to advise on legal matters relating to the business. This role can be very varied, and may include drafting contracts, advising on compliance issues, and providing general legal advice to employees.
- Head of Legal: The head of legal is the most senior lawyer within a company, and is responsible for all aspects of the company’s legal function. This includes supervising other lawyers, handling high-level negotiations, and representing the company in court proceedings.
Inexperienced Lawyers:
- Paralegal: A paralegal is an individual who assists lawyers with their work, but does not qualified to give legal advice themselves. Paralegals can perform a wide range of tasks, from conducting research to drafting documents to assisting with client meetings.
- Legal Secretary: A legal secretary provides administrative support to lawyers and other legal professionals.
How to Prepare for in house Legal Recruiting
in house legal recruitment can be a daunting process, but there are a few things you can do to prepare and increase your chances of success.
First, research the company and the role you are applying for. This will help you understand the company’s culture and what they are looking for in a candidate.
Next, brush up on your interview skills. Practice answering common interview questions and focus on selling yourself as the best candidate for the role.
Finally, don’t forget to network! Connect with people who work in house at other companies and get their insights into the process. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be.
The Selection Process for In House legal Recruiting
In house legal recruitment in London can be a competitive process. Here are some tips to help you stand out from the crowd and land your dream job.
- Do your research: learn about the company, its culture and its values. This will help you understand what they are looking for in an in house lawyer.
- Network: get to know people who work in the legal department and other departments within the company. This will give you a better understanding of the organisation and what it is like to work there.
- Be prepared: have your CV and cover letter ready to go, and be prepared to answer questions about your experience and skill set.
- Stand out: don’t be afraid to show your personality and what makes you unique. In house lawyers need to be able to build relationships with clients and colleagues, so being personable is a plus.
- Follow up: after your interview, make sure to send a thank-you note or email expressing your interest in the role. This will help you stay top of mind as the hiring manager makes their decision.
Strategies for Successful In House Legal Recruiting
In today’s market, in house legal recruiting is more challenging than ever. With an ever-increasing pool of competition, it’s essential to have a robust and successful strategy in place to ensure you hire the best talent for your organisation.
Here are some key strategies for successful in house legal recruiting:
1. Define the role and required skills clearly from the outset
This will ensure you attract candidates with the right skills and experience for the role. Be clear about the job responsibilities and expectations from the start.
2. Use a variety of recruitment channels
Don’t rely on just one channel to reach candidates – use a mix of online and offline methods to reach as many high-quality candidates as possible. This could include job boards, social media, recruitment agencies, personal networks, etc.
3. Screen candidates thoroughly
It’s important to screen candidates carefully to ensure they are a good fit for your organisation. This process should include at least one face-to-face interview, as well as reference checks. Use structured interview questions to assess each candidate against the required skill set for the role.
4. Offer competitive salary and benefits packages
To attract top talent, it’s important to offer competitive salary and benefits packages. Consider offering additional perks such as flexible working arrangements, bonus schemes, etc. which will make your organisation more attractive to prospective employees.
Conclusion
In house legal recruitment in London is a highly competitive field, and it pays to be informed of the latest trends. We hope that this article has given you some valuable insight into what recruiters are looking for, how to stand out from other applicants, and where to find the best opportunities. With the right preparation and strategies in hand, you can land your dream job within an in house legal team in London. Best of luck!
