The Art of Seduction
August 2001

"To attract good lawyers, says Steve Mims of Houston's Prescott Legal Search, you have to build your story. That story, he explains, doesn't have to be about corporate perfection. In fact, challenges can be attractive: 'Top attorneys are not as concerned with whether the company has been moving up, down or sideways. If there's been upheaval or a downturn, they know there's more opportunity to shine."

"The question, 'Will I stagnate?' says Mims, is on the minds of most firm lawyers, even if they dare not articulate it. So don't just talk about the job for which you're hiring. Be sure to also ask recruits what they want to do in the long run. Mims says, 'Don't be afraid to explore a candidate's ideal career path, whether it's to end on the business side or be a GC elsewhere."

Vivia Chen