We had an amazing opportunity to connect with Jessica McDaniel, Vice President of Legal Recruiting Services at C&M Legal Search. It is an honor to gain insight from her and better understand her professional journey. In this article, we discuss C&M Legal Search’s culture, successful strategies for finding legal talent, and how working with both clients and candidates drives her personal satisfaction.

1. What has your journey been like at C&M Legal Search?

Over the last three years at C&M Legal Search, I have put in a lot of hard work, and the best thing about that hard work is that I was rewarded for it. I have had tremendous growth here, and not just because of myself, but a lot of credit goes deservingly to our leadership, for believing in me and trusting me. Just for a little context, I started off as recruiting manager, so in three years’ time, C&M Legal Search gave me a path to grow to the role of VP of Legal Recruiting Services. My journey here is a testament to what you can achieve when you put your mind to it and strive for success.

2. Tell us about the C&M Legal Search culture.

C&M Legal Search has a great culture. We have a collaborative and inclusive working environment where everybody’s insights are of value and are taken into account. The founders also have an open-door policy to hear and accommodate the ideas of those at every level of the company. Doors are opened here; decisions are made as a team – and we aim toward success for everyone.

C&M Legal Search stands out from other legal search firms by providing its employees with unique benefits. Our work-from-home allowance and unlimited PTO enable employees to manage their professional and personal lives while continuing to provide top-notch legal services. One important thing to note is that results matter here, however, you’re appreciated and recognized for your wins. The employee-friendly atmosphere here, combined with our cutting-edge technology and expertise, makes us the go-to choice for clients looking for the most reliable legal recruitment services.

3. What are your strategies to find quality legal talent?

I am not a recruiter, I am a matchmaker. My process for finding the right candidates includes looking at a variety of factors, such as their current legal experience and work history. The skills and qualifications of a candidate must match the job description perfectly. I make sure to seek out candidates who have something remarkable to offer and avoid leaving any potential applicants in limbo. By doing so, I help nurture them for future positions that come up in my organization.

Speaking of limbo, one area I take seriously is “follow up” and “follow through”. This defines your reputation as a recruiter, and this is how culture is built and at C&M Legal we have these values that support a strong culture.

4. Why should clients and candidates choose to work with C&M Legal Search?

We strive to provide an exceptional level of service to clients and candidates alike. Our team takes on an ownership mentality, treating clients and candidates with respect and care as if they were a part of our own team. This level of commitment and dedication sets us apart from other recruiters in the industry. Other recruiters may view the candidates as stacks of papers on a desk; or view the client as a newspaper to throw in the gutter in front of your house and say “delivered”. Avoiding this mindset enables us to achieve superior results that bring real value and satisfaction to all stakeholders.

We stay in tune with job seekers and their expectations, ensuring a successful outcome. Additionally, we provide insight and feedback about any openings to our applicants to always keep them in the loop. Our footprint in the U.S. is expansive, having developed connections within many different law firms and companies. We truly care about our clients’ need to find the right candidate and our candidates’ need to find a great career.

5. What’s one thing people don’t know about you?

Many people can’t believe I am a proud farmer. I have both chickens and pigs and enjoy my time with our animals. A couple of years ago, I made the move to the Southern part of the U.S. from California and couldn’t be happier. My partner and I gain immense joy from the experience of living off the land. Apart from this, I am avid about fishing and love spending time on and near the water. Additionally, I am an enthusiastic viewer of the Netflix series “The Blacklist”, which offers some great action/drama-filled entertainment. Gotta love Netflix, right?

So, whether you’re a candidate, a law firm, or a corporate legal department looking to work with recruiters like me and a legal recruiting firm that holds itself accountable, please don’t hesitate to reach out and see how we can help. The results you’re looking for in legal recruiting or career placement are not far away.

Connect with Jessica McDaniel on LinkedIn!

About C&M Legal Search

C&M Legal Search provides unique legal recruitment services for law firms, legal service providers, and corporate legal departments nationally. Our experienced team can recruit a wide range of legal staff, including attorneys and other operational personnel. We aim to help you succeed, whether you’re a client or legal talent. We listen carefully to your needs and offer practical advice; furthermore, we build trusting relationships with all we work with. That’s the key to our success!