Law Firm Associate Recruiting

Who We Are

• Associates—we are you. 98 percent of Major, Lindsey & Africa’s more than 200 consultants graduated from law school and went on to legal careers before becoming legal recruiters. Now, they synthesize personal experience, in-depth market knowledge, and unparalleled reach to guide associates from the earliest career stages through partnership and beyond. With more than 180 associates placed in 2024, our tried and tested methods will take you where you want to go.
• Law firms—we are global leaders in associate recruiting. We have amassed decades of global move data across 27 offices to provide you with the leading insights not only into current trends, but that allow us to forecast where and how you may need to build your practice next.

What We Do

For lawyers

• Making the right move: At Major, Lindsey & Africa, we know these crucial first steps of your career have lifelong ripple effects. We take that responsibility seriously. Our legal recruiters have the experience, volume, and market-leading insights to put you in control of advancing your career.
• Career-long partners: Our associate recruiters work with 1Ls through to senior associates and Counsel to guide you in the first steps of your career journey, through to the partner track and beyond.
• Thoughtful counseling: Outside of placements, we counsel associates about pressing questions from summer associate dos and don’ts and on-campus law firm interviews to key information for fifth-year associates heading down the partner track or considering going in-house.

For law firms

• Attuned matchmaking: We pair you with new associate talent who uniquely match not only the practice area or skill set you’re looking for, but the cultural fit—ensuring that your newest team members carry forward the mission and values of your firm.
• Forecasting trends: Our industry-leading data helps you stay informed about competitive associate compensation and areas for growth across practice areas and geographies—helping you determine where and how to focus your resources ahead of the curve. We proactively use this data in our materials to ensure we are always on the pulse of any changes ahead.

How We Work

• Moving in partnership: Our consultative approach centers listening—to your goals, your needs, and your questions. From there, we’ll partner with you to chart a bespoke career or firm growth path that aligns with your vision.
• Data-driven decisions: To create that path, we will give you the facts—plain and simple. Major, Lindsey & Africa’s leading market intelligence eliminates guesswork and ensures you are in the best position to make an informed decision.
• Full-process support: You will not be on your own. Associates, our recruiters will guide you from your first contact with us through to offer negotiation and even during onboarding once you’ve been hired. Law firms, we will assist you not only through finding the right talent, but through making them a part of your team.

Why Work with MLA

• Up-to-date concerns: Major, Lindsey & Africa’s consultants are uniquely attuned to the key questions on associates’ minds—from wellbeing in the legal profession to Gen Z’s approach to Big Law.
• Unmatched data: We have compiled years of data on global firms’ compensation, hiring trends, and cultural shifts to help you understand the current moment and forecast into the future. For just one example, view our Associate Regional Practice Trends report.
• Global reach: We have built relationships with the world’s foremost law firms and have identified talent as early as law school. Our ability to work across verticals creates stronger connections between associates and law firm leadership, ensuring the best fit.