Above The Bar Legal Recruiting

Business Details

Trusted Legal Recruiting Services in Los Angeles

Founded over three decades ago, Above The Bar Legal Recruiting Legal Recruiting has established itself as a premier legal recruitment firm dedicated to connecting top-tier legal professionals with leading law firms and corporate legal departments nationwide. Our team comprises former attorneys with firsthand experience in law firms, ensuring a deep understanding of the legal industry's demands and nuances. We prioritize diversity-focused recruiting practices aligned with the Mansfield Rule, guaranteeing at least 30% representation of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and attorneys of color in leadership roles. With a client base including Am Law 50 firms and international corporations, we emphasize personalized service over transactional interactions, building long-term matches that transcend mere resumes.

Our commitment to ethical standards is reflected in our 1% for the Planet membership, directing 1% of annual revenue to environmental and animal welfare causes. We offer free services to candidates, maintaining transparency and integrity throughout the placement process. Our three-step approachresume submission, dedicated recruiter collaboration, and strategic matchingensures candidates find roles aligned with their career aspirations. Headquartered in Los Angeles, we serve clients across the United States, combining local expertise with national reach. Our blog provides ongoing insights into legal recruiting trends, diversity initiatives, and career development strategies. As an equal opportunity employer, we champion accessibility and inclusivity in all aspects of our operations.

Services

Legal Recruiting Attorney Placement Diversity Recruitment Career Counseling Employer Services

Highlights and features

We offer 30+ years of specialized legal recruiting expertise
Our team includes former practicing attorneys with industry insights
We maintain 30%+ diversity representation in leadership placements
Our services are completely free for job-seeking attorneys
We provide personalized career guidance beyond transactional matching

Associations and certifications

1% for the Planet
Mansfield Rule

What people say

Exceptional service Personalized approach Successful placements Industry expertise Long-term matches

Website

Update Listing

Services

Legal Recruiting

Our legal recruiting service connects top legal talent with premier law firms and corporate legal departments. We specialize in placing attorneys in leadership, associate, and in-house counsel roles across all practice areas. With former practicing attorneys on our team, we provide unmatched industry insights during the placement process.

Diversity Recruitment

We implement diversity-focused recruitment aligned with the Mansfield Rule requirements. Our process ensures at least 30% representation of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and attorneys of color in leadership positions. This approach helps law firms and corporations build more inclusive legal teams while maintaining high professional standards.

Career Counseling

Our career counseling service offers personalized guidance to attorneys seeking career advancement. Former practicing attorneys provide strategic advice on resume optimization, interview preparation, and long-term career planning. We help legal professionals identify opportunities matching their specific skills and aspirations.

Employer Services

We help law firms and corporations build high-performing legal teams through targeted talent acquisition. Our services include leadership recruitment, associate placements, and in-house counsel selection. Employers benefit from our deep industry network and understanding of current legal market trends.

Attorney Placement

Our attorney placement service matches legal professionals with permanent and temporary positions across all practice areas. We assess both candidate qualifications and cultural fit to ensure successful long-term placements. The service includes comprehensive support through every stage of the transition process.

People

Matthew Pond

Founder / Recruiter

Matthew Pond, Esq., founded Above The Bar Legal Recruiting with a vision to transform legal recruitment through integrity and industry expertise. As a former practicing attorney, he brings deep understanding of law firm operations and attorney career development to his recruitment practice.

Anita Helms

Senior Director / Recruiter

Anita Helms, Esq., leverages her extensive legal background to connect top talent with premier law firms. With experience in both corporate and boutique settings, she specializes in placing attorneys in complex litigation and transactional roles nationwide.

Raj Nair

Director / Recruiter

Raj Nair, Esq., applies his former law firm experience to help attorneys find ideal career matches. He focuses on intellectual property, corporate law, and regulatory compliance placements, maintaining strong relationships with both candidates and employers.

Questions

Who does Above the Bar serve?

We serve attorneys seeking career advancement and law firms/corporations needing skilled legal professionals. Our services benefit both job seekers and employers across all legal practice areas.

What types of legal positions do you recruit for?

We place attorneys in leadership roles, associate positions, and in-house counsel roles across litigation, corporate law, intellectual property, regulatory compliance, and other legal specialties.

How can I apply through ATB?

Upload your resume on our website. One of our former-attorney recruiters will contact you to discuss matching opportunities based on your qualifications and career goals.

Are your services free for candidates?

Yes, we provide completely free services to job-seeking attorneys. We work directly with employers to cover recruitment costs while offering personalized career support.

How does ATB ensure diversity in placements?

We follow Mansfield Rule guidelines requiring 30%+ representation of women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and attorneys of color in leadership roles while maintaining rigorous professional standards.

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Melody Maleitzke

Feb 05, 2022 Report

The team at Above The Bar Legal Recruiting has been a pleasure to work with. Their commitment to elevating and recruiting diverse candidates in the legal industry is what impressed me. Not only are they diversity focused, but they really get to know candidates. By understanding the candidate's values, they match them to the right company culture thats a perfect fit for them. I highly recommend any lawyer considering a legal job search to contact the ATB Team.

Lukas Dudkowski

Sep 27, 2021 Report

Matthew worked with me on a lateral move returning from in-house to private practice, something that is usually a more challenging placement. Given COVID restrictions, remote work, and summer schedules we all had to adapt to the new normal of Zoom interviews and longer timelines. Despite the challenges Matthew was great in helping me navigate the process from start to finish (an accepted offer) and matching my goals and experience with an awesome opportunity. Two weeks into the new role I'm more and more convinced it was the right move and would recommend AtB and Matthew to anyone considering a

Chris Orozco-Wallraff

Sep 05, 2021 Report

Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness
Matthew really went out of his way to find me a new position and did a lot of thinking out of the box. He was extremely responsive and stuck with me until he found me something I was happy with. I definitely recommend him most highly.

Jacquelynn Kwong

Sep 01, 2021 Report

Working with Matthew Pond made my job search experience pleasant and very manageable. Working and applying for new jobs at the same time can be stressful, but Matthew was able to guide me through the process seamlessly. From reviewing my resume to helping me prepare for interviews, I always felt secure knowing that there was someone I could ask for advice.

William Lok

Jan 08, 2021 Report

Taylor at Above the Bar is truly amazing! She takes the time to figure out what you are looking for in a new position and is extremely responsive when it comes to simple questions and following up on applications. She kept me updated on every step of the application process with numerous firms this is something a lot of recruiters lack in. Unlike a lot of firms that take a "shotgun" approach, Taylor and her team have personal relationships with the firms that they recruit for. This makes a huge difference when firms are trying to differentiate between dozens, if not hundreds, of applications

Francesco Di Cosmo

Jan 24, 2020 Report

I went to law school with Cam and know hes super focused on being as helpful as possible for his clients.

Ellis Raskin

Nov 22, 2019 Report

It has been an honor to work with Taylor Friedlander at Above the Bar. I am particularly impressed by her diligence, professionalism, and attention to detail. I am proud to give Above the Bar my highest recommendation.