Is partnering with a retained legal search firm still a good idea for finding in-house talent? Despite the rise of recruiting automation, the wobbly stock market, inflation, and some lay offs, the answer continues to be a resounding yes. Experienced legal consultants offer expertise rarely found within a company’s HR department—or even at traditional recruiting firms. They not only understand all the different legal functions within corporate legal departments, but they also understand and know the legal marketplace. And because they focus on legal searches only, they have a large network of legal talent at all levels.

An experienced recruiting partner can make a legal search more manageable by actively sourcing, vetting, and communicating with candidates. Not only does this save you time, but such a partner can cultivate a favorable first impression with job seekers by promoting a streamlined, well-managed, positive search experience. In any market, that’s a significant benefit to you and your company brand. Although your search partner will handle most of the legwork, here are four ways to foster their success and get the best return on your recruiting dollars.