Calif. Recruiters Say Job Market Tougher for Laterals

The job market for associates seeking jobs at new law firms is getting tougher, especially for junior associates in specialties hard-hit by the economic downturn, California legal recruiters say.

Offers can take months instead of weeks, and some law firm managers are changing their minds about hiring in the middle of the recruiting process, the Recorder reports. The situation is even worse in New York, where recruiters consider job opportunities in California to be relatively good.

"A little bit more thought goes into the hiring process now, and I think consequently it's more competitive for associates," said Delia Swan of Swan Legal Search in Los Angeles.