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[CharlesJones]

I’m a patent agent, I’ve been working for a law firm for some time, and for various reasons I’m now looking around for other options.  I’m planning to contact some of the legal headhunters, but before I do that, does anyone have any advice/hints/cautions on dealing with them?  Not sure exactly what I’m looking for here, but I’ve just found that any time I’m dealing with a new (new for me) institution, it never hurts to check with old pros.  A couple of specific questions:

I only want a headhunter to send my resumes to in-house corporate counsel, not law firms.  Do I need to get something in writing from the headhunter to promise that, or is that sort of agreement typically verbal?

Is it conventional to sign some kind of agreement with the headhunters, or does one just send in the resume and let them send that around?

Is it conventional to be working with several headhunters at a time, or do you typically “contract” with one head hunter at a time?

I am seeking a job that is “work/life balance” friendly.  It seems to make sense to mention that to the recruiters, since they should know which companies are like that.  Any reason to not mention it?

Any other thoughts, suggestions, comments, warnings, advice, etc., would be appreciated.

[rg.iplaw]

I think small to medium sized firms would be reluctant to do business with headhunters charging fees for locating prospects.  Large firms maybe not as much, but it looks like they're cutting back on expenses as well.  Take action on your own.  Research www.martindale.com for attorney/firm names or your local IP organizations that may have job postings.  Research who the IP hiring partner is, and present your resume via e-mail to that person.  Always make sure to have a cover letter highlighting your achievements and your goals.  Good luck on your search.  I was in a similar boat recently, but fortunately, patience and optimism found me a new opportunity.

rg.iplaw

[EtaCarinae]

Hey, does anyone out there have any additional comments on this topic? 

I am in a similar situation and was wondering in particular if it's acceptable to forgo the headhunter and just apply to law firm jobs directly, or if this is frowned upon (since for example I definitely don't want word of this getting back to my current firm).  Any thoughts would be appreciated. 

[polarbear]

If you are only applying in the same location, it is very likely your current firm will find out.  Not from the headhunter, if they are reputable,you can preapprove everyone they send to.  But the IP firms are a small group, and word gets out.

[khazzah]

If you are only applying in the same location, it is very likely your current firm will find out.  Not from the headhunter, if they are reputable,you can preapprove everyone they send to.  But the IP firms are a small group, and word gets out.

Really? I agree that the IP community in many cities is small. But I would think that firms are careful not to talk about this sort of sensitive information.

it's acceptable to forgo the headhunter and just apply to law firm jobs directly, or if this is frowned upon

Some firms don't use headhunters (don't want to pay the fee), so you're definitely not getting the whole market if you go headhunter-only.

I've never heard of law firms "frowning upon" getting resumes directly from candidates.

[miltonian]

If you are only applying in the same location, it is very likely your current firm will find out.  Not from the headhunter, if they are reputable,you can preapprove everyone they send to.  But the IP firms are a small group, and word gets out.

Really? I agree that the IP community in many cities is small. But I would think that firms are careful not to talk about this sort of sensitive information.

I'm a bit curious about this, too.  And disturbed.  How likely is it that one's current firm would find out about this sort of thing if the places one is applying to exercise any sort of reasonable discretion?

[EtaCarinae]

If you are only applying in the same location, it is very likely your current firm will find out.  Not from the headhunter, if they are reputable,you can preapprove everyone they send to.  But the IP firms are a small group, and word gets out.

Really? I agree that the IP community in many cities is small. But I would think that firms are careful not to talk about this sort of sensitive information.

I'm a bit curious about this, too.  And disturbed.  How likely is it that one's current firm would find out about this sort of thing if the places one is applying to exercise any sort of reasonable discretion?

I dunno.  I imagine that firms are incentivized  to exercise discretion, because one flub could ruin their reputation.  OTOH, headhunters are incentivized to emphasize how necessary the are.  My best guess is that if you aren't applying to firm with a hiring partner who is best friends with a partner at your present firm, then you should be fine.