faq

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should a candidate use a recruiter?

We have strong connections with law firm recruiters and hiring managers, which allows us access to unposted job openings and opportunistic hiring opportunities. Our submissions are often prioritized and reviewed more quickly, as we have pre-screened the candidates. We tailor your submissions to specific firms, and follow up to ensure they have not been lost in the shuffle. We prepare you for interviews in a consultative manner, where you can brainstorm with a confidante on how to put your best foot forward. So, from making sure your resume is at the top of the hiring manager’s pile to negotiating a cherry on top like an extended start date or sign-on bonus, we leave no stone unturned throughout our zealous representation of you.

When is it the right time to have a conversation?

It never hurts to have a confidential conversation to explore your unique circumstances and career goals. Typically, in a strong market, hiring is year-round and often opportunistic so there is no ideal time to lateral. Other times, a clear-eyed and more calculated approach may mean we keep an ear to the ground for you and are prepared for when the right opportunity comes around. And, it does: partners, associates, and in-house counsel alike can take several months or even multiple years to prepare for the perfect move for the perfect time. At minimum, start applying a few months before your year-end bonus or necessary departure date. During that time, let us help you prepare the best possible dossier of specifically tailored resumes and substantive deal sheets or writing samples. We will make sure you are prepared with a leg up on the competition for when the time is right.

If I've only been at my job for less than a year but I'm unhappy, should I start looking now or will it be a red flag?

Every situation is different and the answer will depend on a number of factors including your general employment history, the reason(s) you are unhappy, and your goal(s) in making a lateral move. It never hurts to have a confidential conversation for us to review your specific situation before giving you an honest assessment of whether it is advisable to begin applying before the one-year mark. Feel free to contact us and we’d be happy to help you navigate your specific situation.

What is your process and what happens when I send over my materials?

When you send over your materials to us, we work closely with you to understand your timeline and preferences, tailoring the process to your needs. For actively searching candidates who prefer a very hands-on approach, we work closely with you to specifically discuss every potential opportunity and provide guidance throughout the vetting process. For passive job searchers who prefer a more hands-off approach, we are able to take your marching orders and, with your permission, cast a wide net to explore numerous options, giving you the flexibility to assess numerous suitors with a non-committal but exploratory mindset. Ultimately, you are in the driver’s seat and the process is tailored to make sure it works for you.

How much does it cost to use a recruiter?

Our services are free for candidates since we are paid by the firms and companies who use our search firm to help expedite and enrich their recruiting processes. We place only a fraction of the total people we consult with but take pride in building relationships with and being a resource for everyone; it is an integral part of who we are.

Does using a recruiter hurt my chances of getting the job because of the associated fee?

No. Recruiting agencies are an integral part of the hiring process for most law firms and major legal departments, so they have already factored in recruitment costs when attempting to fill a job opening. For the handful of employers who are not ready to invest in a full-time hire, especially small firms or startups, feel free to ask us about part-time or non-traditional roles where we are happy to be helpful in just sharing those insights and pointing you in the right direction.

Why not submit directly or through a friend who works at the firm?

We do not encourage anyone to take a casual approach to their job search by avoiding the help of a trusted and experienced recruiter, similar to why we would not encourage a pro se litigant to avoid hiring counsel or a professional athlete to forego an agent and assume the responsibility of handling their own contract negotiations. Leave it to the pros: some endeavors are simply more successful with the assistance of experienced partners who have seen a process countless times and can help you anticipate what’s next instead of leaving it to chance.

With that friend or acquaintance who works at the firm, it can be challenging to navigate this type of situation as it is difficult to gauge how the decision-makers at the firm perceive the person you know. A proven and effective strategy is to use a recruiter to gain the firm's attention and then follow up with your contact or various acquaintances throughout the firm. This approach has been proven to increase your chances of success.

What if Khawaja Partners is the only search firm I want to work with but another recruiter called or emailed about an “exclusive” job?

Call us. The vast majority of law firm jobs are not exclusive to any recruiter or job board. We keep it real and have an extensive database to check against; if a role is truly exclusive, we’ll be able to confirm that with you.

We take confidentiality extremely seriously and require your express permission for any and all opportunities we work on. Unlike some other recruiting agencies, we will never send your resume to anyone without your consent. Your trust and privacy are of the utmost importance to us, allow us to understand and represent you effectively, and form the basis of the lifelong relationships we value dearly.

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faq

Stay Informed‍of exclusive market insights*

Stay Informed
‍of exclusive market insights*