People don’t make recommendations like they used to. When did you last refer someone to a great restaurant, hairdresser, or doctor? Probably not recently. When it comes to recommending someone for a job, that’s even trickier.
If you want to help a friend, send them to a recruiter you trust. A recruiter has just as much on the line as you do—every candidate they present reflects on their reputation. That’s why working with a well-regarded legal recruiter with a proven track record is so important.
Everyone wins when the right match is made.
But here’s the reality: Your friend might not be the best fit for your firm. What could go wrong? Plenty. It’s just not worth the risk.
Now, let’s say you hand your resume to a friend. Have you thought through the implications? What if your friend feels YOU are a better lawyer than them? Are you sure they’ll even pass your resume along? Or could they feel threatened by the idea of you joining the team?
And then there’s the other side—what if your friend isn’t well-received at their current firm? Would the firm even want to interview you? A bad impression can damage your chances before you even step in the door.
“I was sitting in a managing partner’s office with the door open, having a pleasant conversation, when another attorney popped in, smiling, and handed over a resume. The managing partner accepted it and said, ‘Thank you, and please close the door on your way out.’ As soon as the door shut, the managing partner turned to me and said, ‘I can’t deal with another one of these,’ and ripped the resume right in front of me,” recounts Shari Davidson, President of On Balance Search.
If things go wrong, your firm might start questioning your judgment—or worse, your loyalty.
Before you hand off a referral, think about these questions:
- What’s your reputation worth? Don’t gamble with your career on a recommendation that could go south.
- Do you know all the facts about their situation? If they’re struggling in their current firm, being too closely associated with them might do more harm than good.
If you’re making the referral, think carefully about how this could impact your standing in your firm. Are you part of the firm’s strategic plan? Could downsizing be on the horizon? Referring someone—even a friend—could backfire if the firm is considering cuts.
And finally, is it worth risking the friendship? Referrals aren’t just about jobs; they’re about relationships. Putting your career and friendship on the line can lead to unintended consequences. Sometimes, it’s wiser to pass the referral over to a recruiter and keep your personal and professional lives separate.
About On Balance Search Consultants
On Balance offers great insight and industry intelligence. Shari Davidson, president of On Balance Search Consultants, advises law firms on how to take a firm to the next level and helps rising talent make the transition to the right law firm.
Contact us today. Call 516.731.3400 or send us an email.
Please note that the content of this blog does not constitute legal advice and is only intended for the educational purpose of the reader. Please consult your legal counsel for specifics regarding your specific circumstances and the laws in your states pertaining to social media and any legal restrictions regarding the law.
