How to Spot a Bad Recruiter (and What a Great One Actually Does)

If you’ve spent any time in the legal industry, chances are you’ve encountered a recruiter and the mixed reputations that come with them. We’ve heard the stories firsthand: pushy sales tactics, candidates ghosted mid-process, even resumes submitted without permission. As recruiters who genuinely care about the people we work with, hearing these experiences is frustrating because your job search is a major life decision, and it deserves to be handled with respect and integrity.

With over 30 years of combined legal recruiting experience, we’ve built lasting partnerships with clients and candidates based on trust, transparency, and results. Unfortunately, we’ve also seen the damage caused by recruiters who cut corners or prioritize commissions over careers.

Like any profession, legal recruiting has its share of bad actors. But the right recruiter can make all the difference—bringing insight, advocacy, and access to opportunities you might never find on your own. The wrong one? They’ll waste your time, compromise your trust, and leave you questioning the process.

Here's some ways to help you spot the difference:

🚩 Red Flags: Warning Signs of a Bad Recruiter

❌ Vague job descriptions with no real details about the role or firm.

❌ Pushy or aggressive behavior that feels more like a sales pitch than a partnership.

❌ Ghosting after initial contact or failing to follow up when they say they will.

❌ No understanding of your practice area or career goals.

❌ Tries to talk you into roles that don’t fit your experience, salary expectations, or long-term goals.

❌ Unclear on process timelines or next steps.

❌ Overpromises on salary, flexibility, or title without facts to back it up.

❌ Doesn’t ask you much about you.

❌ Submits your resume to a firm without your knowledge or permission.

✅ Green Flags: What a Great Recruiter Actually Does

✅ Has deep knowledge of the legal market, including hiring trends, firm reputations, and salary expectations.

✅ Listens to your goals and tailors the search accordingly.

✅ Communicates clearly and consistently.

✅ Preps you for interviews, gives honest feedback, and stays in touch through every step.

✅ Knows the details on roles and firms, not just what’s listed on a job posting.

✅ Is transparent about what they know (and don’t know).

✅ Offers guidance even when there’s no immediate placement on the table.

✅ Respects your time, your confidentiality, and your career path.

Smart Questions to Ask a Recruiter Before Working With Them

Questions such as these can help you spot a bad recruiter and help you assess whether a recruiter is worth your time:

1. How long have you worked in legal recruiting? Do you specialize in any particular practice areas or roles?

   • Why it matters: You want someone who understands the nuances of your practice area and location.

2. What can you tell me about the role and the firm you’re representing?

   • Why it matters: A good recruiter will have knowledge about the role and the firm beyond the job description such as the compensation structure and firm culture.

3. How do you typically work with candidates throughout the process?

   • Why it matters: This reveals how involved and communicative they are.

4. What’s your process for submitting candidates? Will I be informed before my resume is shared?

   • Why it matters: Transparency and consent are non-negotiables. Confidentiality in the legal industry is key and a recruiter should not be sharing your information unless given permission to do so.

5. Can you share examples of placements you've made recently?

   • Why it matters: Past success (especially in similar roles) can indicate quality.

You Deserve a Partnership

At the end of the day, you deserve a recruiter who treats your search like the serious, personal process it is—not just a transaction. The right partnership should feel collaborative, honest, and empowering. Whether you're exploring new opportunities or just testing the waters, work with someone who listens, advocates, and respects you every step of the way. That’s the kind of recruiter we strive to be because your career deserves nothing less.

Contact us if you'd like to schedule a confidential conversation with one of our recruiters to discuss your career goals and current opportunities.