Editor’s Note: Welcome to the first in a monthly column by recruiter Dan Binstock of attorney search firm Garrison. This column will answer the questions many of us have about how legal recruiting actually works, focusing on topics relevant both to the hiring organizations and the attorneys making a move. If you have questions to submit to Dan, email him at the contact provided below.

The Question: Dear Dan, I’m a mid-level partner at [Am Law 50 firm] and I’m receiving recruiter emails indicating that a firm asked them to specifically call me. I can’t tell if they are legitimate because they are often vague and something feels off, but I don’t know if I’m being paranoid. How do I know if the other firm actually told them to call me? —A.D. in Washington, D.C.