Career Initiatives, LLC

Personal Life

James C. Jacobus, Esq. is the Founder and President of Career Initiatives, LLC, a legal search firm based in Morristown, New Jersey. Career Initiatives specializes in placing attorneys in all substantive legal areas primarily in the Garden State, but has also worked in other locales as needed. Prior to founding his company, Jim served as a Labor and Employment Litigation Associate at McCarter & English. After practicing law, he joined AV Search Consultants, where he worked for two years, before establishing his own search firm in 2006.

Jim was born in East Orange and raised in Bloomfield, NJ. He graduated with a B.A. Cum Laude in English and Communications from Rutgers College. Jim also earned his J.D. from George Washington University Law School, Magna Cum Laude, where he served on the Journal of International Law and Economics. He is married to Jennifer, an attorney who runs a real estate tax appeals practice. The couple has one son, James, and two tougher-than-they-look poodles, Tiki and Ruby.

When the legal recruiter isn't working, Jim enjoys spending time with his son and watching movies. He is an avid New York Giants, Yankees, Knicks, and Rangers fan. If he had to pick, Jim's favorite restaurant is Bella Napoli, an Italian restaurant located in Bloomfield, NJ - his recommendation is to "get the Veal Valentino - not light, but sooooo tasty." His favorite series of books (more of an obsession, Jim says) is George R. Martin's "The Song of Ice and Fire" series which is the basis for the HBO show, "A Game of Thrones."

Jim's Successful Career Path and Tips for Legal Recruiters

Does Jim have a top memory from his time in Washington attending law school? He said that his top memory was attending Bill Clinton's second inauguration, as well as the Arkansas Ball. He was very happy to be in DC during this exciting time.

What does it take to become a successful legal recruiter? Jim emphasized that the best legal recruiters will "treat their process with respect from the very beginning. A successful recruiter will make a good faith effort to match their candidates' goals with their clients' needs - it's a collaborative effort, a true partnership."

What motivated Jim to work as a legal recruiter? "Being a legal recruiter gave me the opportunity to be autonomous and allow me to be more directly rewarded for my successes than I was at a law firm. In its noblest form, a good legal recruiter can help make their candidates' lives better helping them find more meaningful, satisfying and happy careers."

The businessman discussed what he is known for professionally. "Honesty and integrity above all else. My candidates and clients see me as a person they can trust to do the right thing, and make an entirely good faith effort to make a match while always putting their goals before my own."

Jim also discussed his strengths as a recruiter. "I have nine years of experience as a legal recruiter and I have a thorough understanding of the legal market in New Jersey as well a pretty thorough knowledge of the nuances between the various legal specialties. I use this knowledge to be creative in seeing, and ultimately making, matches that are not immediately obvious."

So what is Jim's advice to new recruiters? "Legal recruiters should take their time to embrace the profession and understand the business of law. Truly take the time to really listen to candidates and have the patience to take the time needed to do this right. Don't just look for quick placements."

Considering his nine years of experience in the legal recruiting industry, many readers may want to know where Jim sees the legal field in the next five years. "In the next five plus years, I expect to see an increase of intellectual property lawyers as new technologies emerge. Personally, I hope that transactional lawyers will be needed as well as the country moves back to making deals."

What does Jim look for to find the right fit? What makes a great candidate? The candid recruiter replied, "My best candidates actually enjoy practicing law and are passionate about their profession. Obviously, academic and law firm credentials make a great candidate, as well as those working in 'in demand' practice areas. However, working with someone who likes what they do helps a lot. In terms of 'finding the right fit', I think the most important thing I bring to the table is an ability to understand the goals of my clients and candidates, and honoring these goals - this is a recipe for not just making a placements, but making a successful placement where everyone wins."

How does Jim process fear? "I believe fear in recruiting is fear of failure. For the most part, I face fear by working hard. Even though I sometimes don't know whether what I am working on will ever bear fruit, I stay the course." He also added with a chuckle, "Drinking a glass of wine or two doesn't hurt either."

When asked if he learned something of value from his mistakes, Jim said, "Yes, recruiting is a good example of a field where learning through trial and error is a significant part of your growth as a recruiter. I don't think you learn some lessons until you fail - I have learned as much from matches that have not happened as those that did."

What motivates Jim to be a recruiter every day? "I have a real desire to be the best recruiter in the field. I have a real desire to be successful and I like dealing with individuals. Even if I ultimately can't place candidates, I will make every effort help them think things through and be an asset to their process regardless of what I get out of it."

Where does the Rutgers College alumnus derive his confidence? "I have been recruiting for nine years and have had a lot of success. I really feel like a true asset to my clients and candidates."

Professional Associations, Facing Obstacles and Jim's Mentor

Jim is a member of the National Association of Legal Search Consultants (NALSC), an organization of legal recruiters that adheres to the highest ethical standards in the profession.

The recruiter was asked what the biggest obstacle he faced in recruiting was. How did he get through the obstacle? "The biggest obstacle was the recession. I got through the recession by remaining diligent and maintaining good relationships. I also have loyal clients, who went out of their way to help me and Career Initiatives during this time."

Does Jim have a mentor? Is he a mentor? "Arleen Sengstack, who was the owner of AV Search Consultants was my mentor. I am currently mentoring the three legal recruiters who are affiliated with Career Initiatives."

A Rewarding Position and Jim's Goals

Why does Jim find his position rewarding? "Like I think I may have said earlier, I believe at its noblest form, legal recruiting can make a very positive difference in candidates' lives. I also enjoy the rush of the deal. I feel proud to run a very successful recruiting business. However, it is a constant challenge to maintain that success."

Does the New Jerseyan have goals? "My professional goal is to make Career Initiatives as successful as possible while doing things right. Personally, I want to be as good a husband and father as I can be."

What to Expect When Working with Jim

KLP, a senior staffing professional claimed:

"Jim is an exceptional legal recruiter who has been a real find for our organization. After being referred highly by one of our attorneys, Jim was successful in filling three hard to find 'niche practice' positions within a relatively short period of time. He truly has formed a partnership with us in this process, which from its inception through hire, has been flawless. He clearly does his due diligence and knows our company, he is extremely ethical with no hint of a hidden agenda, he gets to know his candidates on a personal level, and the quality of his candidates is impeccable. It got to the point where we were excited to see a submission from Jim just because it came from him. Jim will be the first person I call when we are looking in the future."

SH, an associate at a law firm stated, "Jim's extensive knowledge of the New Jersey legal job market was an incredible asset in my job search. He efficiently and effectively leveraged my skill set and marketed me. Additionally, Jim's cordial nature helped ease my transition from firm to firm. I am extremely happy in my new position."

PT, a hiring partner at a law firm acknowledged:

"I have worked with a number of recruiters in my capacity as hiring partner. Jim Jacobus is, by a fairly wide margin, the best of the bunch. He has a very agreeable approach, and is always in tune with my firm's needs. He seems to genuinely care both about our needs and the needs of the candidates he presents to us. He effectively pre-screens candidates and does not over-submit like so many other recruiters. He does an effective, efficient, excellent job."