Ann Israel is the legal profession's Dear Abby. A New York legal recruiter since 1979, Ann is a past president of the National Association of Legal Search Consultants. Advice for the Lawlorn is updated every Tuesday.

Q:I graduated four years ago in the lower half of my class from a third-tier law school. While I have excelled in the jobs I have had since law school, I am only able to find employment at one- to two-attorney firms that pay about one-third of the salary of a first-year at a large firm and do not offer any benefits. Am I stuck in "small" law forever? How can I find a better-paying employer? Are there any recruiters that would work with me?

I would really appreciate any advice you may have to offer.

Dear Stuck: First, the bad news. No, I do not believe that there are any recruiters out there that would work with you. It's not that we wouldn't like to work with you, especially since you are now a midlevel attorney and describe yourself as someone who excels at the practice of law.

The problem stems from the fact that recruiters work with a very specific group of clients who have very specific guidelines that they give to the recruiters regarding their searches. Why do we work with these specific groups of clients? Because they are the types of firms and corporations that are able to pay fees for the people they hire. It would be wonderful if we could work with every firm and company out there, but that is not a reality. A small firm such as the one where you are currently working more than likely cannot afford to pay a recruiter's fee.

So, when we work with the firms that are willing to pay the required fee, these clients spell out exactly what they want. They might very well hire someone from a third-tier school when they are hiring on their own, but when a fee is attached to the candidate's resume, the firm is looking for very specific credentials and experience. Recruiters work in a very competitive world and must satisfy the client's needs, or else they are replaced by another search firm right away. The client sets the tone; the recruiter serves the client.

Now the good news. There are firms out there that will be interested in your experience rather than your law school transcript. They will be happy to hear about your positive experiences as a lawyer and will not even ask to see your transcript. Some of these firms are quite large and have extensive and well-respected practices. The pay can be quite attractive, the benefit packages are strong and these firms can offer a stable and secure future.

The issue here is how you find these firms, and that is something you are going to have to research yourself. As I always recommend, you need to get out there and network and meet everyone you possibly can. Attend bar association events, lectures and meetings, contact your career services office and do anything connected with the legal community.

It would be great if you could fall back on a recruiter to find these firms for you and market your background, and then all you had to do was show up for an interview. But this is not going to happen. The reality is you went to a third-tier school, ended up in the bottom half of your class and now work for a very small law firm. This is not the typical profile of a recruiter's candidate. So, don't dwell on the past -- that's history, and you need to move on. Focus on the great achievements you have had in your practice and be ready to discuss them on interviews. There are firms out there that will be happy to meet with you -- you just need to find them on your own.

Best of luck!

Sincerely,
Ann Israel
President, Ann Israel & Associates