How long to recruit a permanent in-house lawyer?
We often get asked how long the permanent recruitment process takes. Below is a table showing the typical time it takes to recruit a permanent in-house lawyer.
25th Sep 2021
Below is a table showing the typical time it takes to recruit a permanent in-house lawyer.
Why does it help to know?
If one of your team resigns with a 4 week notice period and it typically takes 14 weeks for the new lawyer to commence, you may want to consider covering the ten weeks in between with an interim lawyer.
As a lawyer looking for their next role this may assist you managing multiple job processes.
Stage |
Time taken |
| Sourcing the lawyers
Contacting suitable lawyers on our database and send the details of the position to the lawyers for their consideration. Lawyers usually take a week to consider whether they would like to be considered for a role. Details of the interested and suitable lawyers are provided to company including notice period, salary and expected salary. |
1 to 3 weeks |
| Review of the applicants details by the company | One week |
| First round interviews
Everyone is busy – scheduling interviews can take longer than expected. Although it’s easier during lockdown with vid-cons. |
Two weeks |
| Second round interviews | Two weeks |
| Offer/Acceptance
Allow up to a week for the offer to be considered by the lawyer. |
One or two weeks |
| Notice Period being served
Notice periods are usually one month but can be up to three months for more senior positions. |
One to three months |
Total time, including notice period |
14 weeks to 22 weeks |
