Should I Sign a Contract with a Legal Recruiter to Use Their Services?

Absolutely Not.

As an attorney, your career decisions are some of the most important choices you’ll ever make. Whether you're just beginning to explore new opportunities or ready to make a move, it's crucial to work with people who have your best interests at heart.

Unfortunately, I’ve recently spoken with several attorneys who were pressured into signing contracts with recruiters before being shown any potential opportunities. Some of these agreements even contained language that bound the candidate to the recruiter for up to a full year—or worse, included clauses making the candidate personally responsible for the placement fee if hired by a firm.

Let me be very clear:

You should never be required to sign a contract to engage with a legal recruiter.

These types of contracts are not industry standard. They’re not ethical. And they’re certainly not aligned with the best practices of a candidate-centered recruiting approach.

At Fujitani Consulting, we operate with a simple belief: when you treat people with integrity, the relationship will follow. As proud members of the National Association of Legal Search Consultants (NALSC), we uphold a strict Code of Ethics that protects both the employer and the candidate. Among its many standards, the NALSC Code strongly discourages exclusivity agreements and opposes any contractual language that places financial liability on the candidate.

A reputable recruiter does not need to lock you in. They should earn your trust through thoughtful representation, transparency in communication, and alignment with your professional goals.

If you’re approached by a recruiter asking you to sign a long-term commitment before showing you a single opportunity—or asking you to be responsible for their fee—that’s your signal to walk away.

There are ethical recruiters out there who will represent you the right way. Your career journey should be based on trust, not entrapment.

Have questions? I’m always happy to offer insight or take a look at an agreement before you sign anything. Your career belongs to you—make sure you’re surrounded by people who respect that.