FAQs

FOR LAW FIRMS

Q: What types of law firms does Nomenlex work with?

A: We work exclusively with mid-size New York law firms — typically between 50 and 200 attorneys. This is a deliberate focus. We believe this segment of the market is underserved by most search firms and deserves a recruiter who actually understands its dynamics, culture, and pace. We do not work with BigLaw firms or solo practices.

Q: What practice areas do you place in?

A: We place across all major practice areas including litigation, corporate/M&A, real estate, employment, finance and banking, intellectual property, tax, white collar/investigations, and bankruptcy and restructuring. If you have a need in a practice area not listed, reach out — we will tell you honestly whether we can help.

Q: What levels do you place?

A: We place associates from 0 to 5 years of experience, senior associates from 6 to 9 years, of counsel, and partners. For partner searches, we handle both individual placements and practice group buildouts.

Q: How does your fee structure work?

A: Our fee is contingency-based — meaning you pay nothing until a candidate we introduced starts work at your firm. There are no retainers, no upfront costs, and no fees if a placement is not made.

Q: What is your guarantee?

A: We provide a 90-day guarantee on every placement. If a placed attorney voluntarily resigns or is terminated for performance-related reasons within 90 days, we will provide one replacement candidate at no additional fee, or a pro-rated credit applicable to a future placement. See our Referral Fee Agreement for full terms.

Q: How long does a typical search take?

A: For most mid-level associate searches, we can typically present initial candidates within 2 to 3 weeks of engagement. Senior associate, of counsel, and partner searches typically take 4 to 8 weeks depending on the specificity of the role and market availability. We will give you a realistic timeline upfront — not an optimistic one.

Q: How many candidates will you present?

A: We do not have a set number. We present candidates when they are genuinely ready — when we have vetted them, interviewed them, and confirmed their interest in your firm specifically. We would rather present three excellent candidates than ten average ones. Our goal is to make your decision easy, not to show you volume.

Q: Will you advertise the role publicly?

A: No. We never post open roles publicly or on job boards unless you specifically request it. Your search is completely confidential — we conduct it through direct outreach to targeted candidates, not through advertising.

Q: Do you work on exclusive or non-exclusive bases?

A: We work on both. We will tell you honestly if we think exclusivity will produce a better outcome for a specific search — and why. For most mid-size firm searches, exclusivity allows us to invest more deeply and move faster.

Q: What information do you need to start a search?

A: A single conversation is usually enough to get started. We want to understand the role, your firm's culture, the practice group dynamics, compensation range, timeline, and what a successful candidate looks like to you — not just on paper but in terms of how they work. The more honest you are with us, the better we can match.

Q: Why should we choose Nomenlex over a larger search firm?

A: The large search firms operate on volume. A recruiter at a major legal search firm may be managing 20 to 30 searches simultaneously. They do not have the bandwidth to deeply understand your firm's culture or a candidate's full career picture. At Nomenlex, we work with a deliberately limited number of clients so that every search gets real attention. We screen for culture fit as rigorously as we screen for credentials — because we know that a placement that does not last costs you far more than the recruiter fee.

FOR ATTORNEYS

Q: How much does it cost to work with Nomenlex?

A: Nothing. Our services are completely free to candidates — always, with no exceptions. We are paid exclusively by the hiring law firm upon successful placement. You will never be charged a fee, deposit, retainer, or any other amount.

 

Q: What kinds of attorneys do you represent?

A: We represent attorneys who are currently admitted and in good standing with the bar of at least one US jurisdiction and who are seeking lateral positions at mid-size New York law firms. We work with associates at all levels, of counsel, and partners. We do not represent law students or attorneys seeking their first position out of law school.

 

Q: Is the process confidential?

A: Completely. Your name and identifying information will never be shared with any law firm without your explicit approval for that specific introduction. We will tell you which firm we want to submit you to, explain why we think it is a good fit, and wait for your go-ahead before any submission is made. Your current employer will never know you are exploring opportunities unless you tell them.

 

Q: Do I need to be actively looking to reach out?

A: No. Many of the best lateral moves happen with attorneys who were not actively looking but were open to the right opportunity. Reaching out to us costs you nothing and gives you market intelligence — what firms are hiring, what compensation looks like at your level, how your profile is positioned — that is genuinely useful even if you ultimately decide not to move.

 

Q: What bar admissions do you require?

A: You must be admitted and in good standing in the jurisdiction where you are seeking placement. For New York placements, you must hold an active New York bar license. Nomenlex does not place attorneys in jurisdictions where they are not licensed to practice. If you hold a bar license in multiple jurisdictions, we can discuss opportunities across all markets where you are admitted.

 

Q: What if I have a non-compete or non-solicitation agreement?

A: You must disclose any non-compete, non-solicitation, garden leave, or other restrictive covenant that could affect your ability to accept new employment. We will assess the situation honestly and tell you whether it creates a realistic obstacle to specific opportunities. Many restrictive covenants are less limiting than attorneys fear — but we need to know about them upfront.

 

Q: How does the representation agreement work?

A: We ask candidates to sign an exclusive representation agreement for the term of our engagement. This means we are your sole recruiter during that period — you work with us and not with other headhunters simultaneously. The agreement is 12 months but can be terminated by either party with 14 days notice. You can still apply directly to firms on your own, with notification to us, as long as we have not already identified or approached that firm on your behalf.

 

Q: How do you decide which firms to submit me to?

A: We only submit your profile to firms where we genuinely believe there is a fit — based on your practice area, experience level, compensation expectations, and importantly, what you tell us about how you work and what you want in a firm culture. We will never submit you somewhere just to generate activity. Before any submission, we discuss the opportunity with you and get your approval.

 

Q: What if I get an offer and want to negotiate?

A: Negotiating compensation on your behalf is a standard part of what we do. Most attorneys are uncomfortable negotiating for themselves, and having a third party handle it protects the relationship while typically producing a better outcome. We will discuss strategy with you before any negotiation and keep you informed throughout.

 

Q: What happens after I accept an offer?

A: We do not disappear after the offer is signed. We stay involved through your start date — managing any notice period logistics, handling any last-minute issues, and making sure the onboarding process goes smoothly. We also stay in touch after you start to make sure the placement is working well on both sides.

 

Q: How long does the process typically take?

A: It varies significantly depending on your practice area, level, and the specificity of what you are looking for. Some placements happen in four to six weeks from first conversation to offer. Others take three to four months. We will give you a realistic expectation based on current market conditions and your profile.

GENERAL

Q: Where is Nomenlex based?

A: Nomenlex Inc. is based at 315 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10017. We operate remotely and serve clients and candidates across New York and, for the right opportunities, nationally.

Q: Is Nomenlex a licensed employment agency?

A: Nomenlex operates as a legal search and referral firm, not a licensed employment agency. We introduce qualified attorney candidates to law firms in exchange for a referral fee paid by the firm upon successful placement. We are not a staffing agency and do not place temporary or hourly workers.

Q: What is the Nomenlex Legal Tech platform?

A: Nomenlex is building a legal technology platform that will function as a marketplace connecting law firms and businesses with verified, bar-admitted attorneys on demand. Think of it as a platform purpose-built for the legal talent market — instant matching, verified profiles, real-time availability. This platform is currently in development. To express interest in early access, email partner@nomenlex.com with subject line "Early Access — Nomenlex Legal Tech."

Q: What is the global legal consultant search?

A: We are expanding our capabilities to place legal consultants and counsel across major international legal markets — London, Singapore, Dubai, Toronto, Hong Kong, Sydney, and others. Every consultant placed through our global platform will be verified in the jurisdiction where they practice. This service is currently in development. To express interest, email partner@nomenlex.com with subject line "Global Search Interest — Nomenlex."

Q: How do I get in touch?

A: Email partner@nomenlex.com with a brief description of what you are looking for — whether you are a firm looking to hire, an attorney exploring your options, or have a general question. We respond to every inquiry within one business day.

Q: Does Nomenlex charge any fees to candidates under any circumstances?

A: No. Candidates are never charged fees under any circumstances. This is not a policy we revisit — it is a fundamental part of how Nomenlex operates. If you are ever asked to pay a fee in connection with our services, please contact us immediately.

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