LegalSearch, Inc.

Personal Life

Mark Jacobson owns and runs LegalSearch, Inc., a search firm based in New York, NY. LegalSearch specializes in placing partners in corporate areas as well as litigation throughout the United States. The search firm has also placed attorneys in Hong Kong, Japan and Europe. Prior to founding his company, Mark worked at a large international law firm and then a smaller boutique firm. After practicing law for several years, he decided to become a legal recruiter. Mark worked in two other search firms before establishing his own recruiting firm fifteen years ago. LegalSearch was named best recruiting firm in New York by the readers of the New York Law Journal.

Mark was born in NJ and raised in New York, NY. While he was in college, as a joke, some friends (unbeknownst to him) entered him into a modeling contest - and he won. "I thought it was a joke when I got the letter, but, it turned out to be a great experience." "It was a fantastic way to meet people and I got to travel all around the world." He recalled assisting his model friends with their contracts while on shoots. Mark's friends encouraged him to be an entertainment lawyer. And this gave him the impetus to attend Law School.

When the legal recruiter isn't working, he enjoys taking in all that New York City has to offer and playing tennis. Mark roots for the New York Jets and Yankees - although he loves all of the New York teams. His two favorite restaurants are Bouley, a French restaurant and Nick's Pizza located in New York, NY. When asked about Bouley's gourmet meals, Mark said, "They have the best food all around in a beautiful environment." As for Nick's Pizza, he claims it is "the best Pizza in the world!"

Mark's Successful Career Path and Tips for Legal Recruiters

Does Mark have a top memory from school? He said he enjoyed trial competitions, which included moot court competition. The legal recruiter also enjoyed strategizing and supporting his teammates during competitions. "The competitions were fun and you really had to think on your feet so it kept it exciting."

Mark was asked what it takes to become a successful legal recruiter.He said that "understanding your market and what both your client and candidate is looking for" is what it takes. Mark continued to say that a successful legal recruiter will also be tenacious and adapt to rejection.

What motivated Mark to work as a legal recruiter? He explained that he was browsing through a law journal with a colleague when they saw a legal recruiter ad. In the past when recruiters had called him they had remarked that he would be a good recruiter, so he decided to "cross over to the dark side" and start recruiting.

The businessman discussed what he is known for professionally. "LegalSearch is known for partner and group placements as well as mergers." Mark noted that he is known to be caring and a good listener. He claimed, "I don't need to make each placement. I truly care about my candidate's careers and don't want anyone to take a position that would not work for them. It is a huge decision and this fact is not lost on me."

Mark also talked about his main strength and weakness as a recruiter. He acknowledged that he always looks for great synergy between his clients and candidates. As for his main weakness, Mark admitted he must remain patient throughout the meeting processes. He explained that his clients have called him to say: "I love this candidate and I can see this individual grow with this firm." But the deals can lose momentum and then the candidate takes another position and the client feels cheated. The legal recruiter would like to streamline the process on behalf of both parties.

What is Mark's advice to new recruiters? "Be tenacious with your cold calling. Don't be discouraged with calls with candidates that are not interested. These are busy people and your timing may not be right. Don't take it personally. Just keep on calling. Every call represents an opportunity."

Considering his fifteen years of experience in the legal recruiting industry, many readers may want to know where Mark sees the legal field in the next five years. "In the past fifteen years the business keeps changing. There are more mergers of firms. Lawyers are running their law firms as businesses to stay competitive in the legal market."

What does Mark look for to find the right fit? What makes a great candidate? "First I need to know what my clients are looking for. Their wish list so to speak. Then I work on finding a match that will be beneficial to both parties."

In regard to what makes a great candidate, Mark stated, "A great candidate has confidence in their abilities, can communicate well and is open to exploring other opportunities."

How does Mark process fear? "I face it head on and work through it. It's motivating."

How does the businessman tackle obstacles? "I get by them, through them or around them. Life isn't always rosy, otherwise it gets boring."

When asked if he learned something of value from his mistakes, Mark replied, "Absolutely. The road to success is paved with failures, errors and mistakes. I have definitely learned and continue to learn from mistakes."

What motivates Mark to be a recruiter every day? "It is a great lifestyle. I get to read law journals and keep up on the legal field and help people with their career. There is something creative to it as well. It's an amazing job. It's also competitive, fun and rewarding on many levels."

Where does the former attorney derive his confidence? "My confidence comes from my clients and candidates who appreciate what I do. For the past fifteen years, I have been working hard for both sides. Closing a deal with two happy parties is so satisfying."

Mark's Mentors, Professional Associations, Volunteer Work, Facing Obstacles, and Favorite Quote

Does Mark have any mentors? He said there are several managing partners at firms who made him a great legal recruiter.

Mark is a member of the National Association of Legal Search Consultants (NALSC), a voluntary organization of legal recruiters who adhere to the highest ethical standards in the profession and attend numerous best practice classes. He is also a member of the American Bar Association and the New York Bar Association.

The legal recruiter volunteers his time and raises money for two organizations. Mark said he is involved with Young Audience for New York (YANY), which is one of the nation's leading arts education providers. The funds for this organization help underprivileged kids participate in music lessons, painting lessons and plays. Mark is also involved with Asphalt Green, a not-for-profit organization devoted to helping people of all backgrounds and ages accomplish health through a lifetime of fitness and sports. Asphalt Green is located on a five and a half acre campus in the Upper East Side of New York. Mark stated, "The premier athletic complex saves people and it inspires them. It's a rewarding experience and I really enjoy fund raising."

Has Mark faced any obstacles? He said the hardest obstacle to overcome was losing a loved one. His father passed away due to an illness and he lost his brother at an early age because of a drunk driver. Although Mark has faced many adversities in his life, he is very grateful for what he has.

The recruiter's favorite quote is "life is about seeing and not being seen." He said people want to be noticed, but it's more important for individuals to look around, observe and learn. If you have nothing to learn you can't continue to grow as a person.

Most Inspiring Influence, a Rewarding Position and Goals

Who has the most inspiring influence upon Mark? The businessman said his mother is the most upbeat and happy person he knows. "My mother is a Psychotherapist. She has had some very tough times in her life but takes on life head on. She does not dwell on what she has lost. She is thankful for what she has." He also said that his mother always has told him that we are on loan so we need to live every day.

Why does Mark find his position rewarding? "When I can take an attorney and place him or her at a firm where their practice can grow and they are happy and satisfied I feel like I've done a good deed."

What are Mark's Goals? "My goals are to keep my business going and to serve my clients well. I also want to assist my recruiters to be the best they can be. My personal goal is to remain healthy and fit. I would like to keep my mind and body healthy as long as possible."