When you launch a search for a legal support team member, it’s because you need the skills that a legal support staff member provides – and you need them now. It’s natural to focus on what the candidate can provide immediately. However, considering what the candidate can provide in terms of future growth can improve your firm or department’s long-term growth and health without sacrificing current work quality.
Balancing “hiring to fill the position” and “hiring for potential” takes work, but it pays off. Here are some questions to consider:
Filling the Position
The “pros” of focusing on filling the position now include:
- The candidate can provide immediate support to lawyers and other legal support staff,
- You can focus on candidates who will need minimal onboarding, allowing them to contribute more quickly.
However, consider the “cons”:
- The candidate may perform well in the short term but lack the potential required for growth into a leadership position,
- The candidate may not effectively expand their knowledge into new methods, new systems, or additional practice areas.
Seeking Potential
When you hire for potential:
- The focus is on candidates who are self-directed learners – able to grow and adapt quickly to changes in legal practice, precedent, or research.
- Choosing the right “potential” along with the right personality fit maximizes your firm or department’s potential for long-term growth with better retention of essential legal support team members.
Nevertheless, a focus on potential to the detriment of filling today’s position can also present some drawbacks:
- The candidate may need extensive “onboarding” in order to learn how the job should be done in your organization,
- The candidate may still be learning the practical elements of legal support.
Law firms and legal departments seeking the “best of both worlds” do so by focusing on finding a balance between current skills and growth potential. Look for candidates who offer the essential skills required on the job, who have demonstrated achievement in these areas, and who bring the motivation and passion for learning required to expand their abilities in the future.
At Kent Legal, our experienced recruiters can help you find the right legal support professional to meet today’s needs and face tomorrow’s challenges. Contact us today to learn more.