When you start thinking about making a career move, it’s tempting to reach out to several recruiters at once. After all, more recruiters means more job options – right?
Not quite.
In reality, building a relationship with one trusted, specialist recruiter is far more likely to get you the outcome you want: a role that suits your ambitions, supports your wellbeing, and aligns with your values.
At Realm, we don’t just match lawyers with law firms – we match the right lawyers with the right law firms. Here’s why working with one recruiter who really understands you is the smarter approach in 2026.
They won’t just match your CV – they’ll match your ambitions
When you partner with a recruiter who specialises in your practice area, you’ll get more than a list of job adverts. You’ll get advice that’s relevant to your career stage, market insight you can trust, and someone who’ll take time to understand what really matters to you, whether that’s better progression, more flexibility, or a healthier culture.
It’s not just about getting you a job. It’s about helping you take the next step in your career with confidence.
You stay in control of your career narrative
When multiple recruiters send your CV to the same firm, or worse, do so without telling you, it can create confusion and damage your credibility.
A specialist recruiter will always act with integrity, keep you in the loop, and only introduce you to firms you’ve agreed to explore. That means no surprises, no awkward overlaps, and complete clarity about where your details are going.
You benefit from unrivalled legal market expertise
At Realm, we’re incomparably specialist. Each of our consultants focuses exclusively on a single legal practice area in a specific region, which means we have unmatched insight into your market, from which firms are hiring (often before a role is advertised), to how your salary and experience compare within your PQE band.
When you work with one recruiter who lives and breathes your niche, you get tailored, strategic guidance – not guesswork. That level of specialism means we don’t just understand the legal market. We understand your legal market.
It’s a more proactive, focused approach
Rather than chasing the same handful of live jobs, a specialist recruiter can open doors that aren’t visible on job boards. We often connect lawyers with firms who weren’t actively hiring but are open to the right person. That kind of targeted approach simply isn’t possible when you’re scattered across several recruiters.
It’s about more than one move
The best relationships in recruitment are built over time. We often work with lawyers across multiple stages of their careers – helping them secure promotions, navigate changes in priorities, and benchmark their salary or benefits along the way.
If you want a recruiter who’s genuinely in your corner – not just now, but for the long term – working exclusively with one who specialises in your area is the first step.
Looking ahead to 2026?
If you’re starting to reflect on what you want next in your legal career, we’re here to help you figure it out. Whether you’re exploring quietly or ready to move soon, Realm’s specialist consultants will meet you where you’re at, with honest advice, deep market knowledge, and a people-first approach that puts your goals first.
Get in touch for a confidential chat about your next steps.
