Prior to becoming president of Greenwood Legal, Ken first served as the Director for the Wallace Law Registry, predecessor to the Kelly Law Registry. Ken then served as a Director of Legal Placement for Howard Sloan Legal Search, where he learned the true art of active recruiting.
Ken was born in Fort Knox, KY, and raised in South Jersey. He graduated with a B.A. in Economics from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, and earned his J.D. from Vermont Law School.
When the legal recruiter isn't working, Ken is usually traveling the globe. Stops have included India, Thailand, Guatemala, Belize, Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil, Columbia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and Peru. During the height of the most recent economic crisis, Ken opted to further his passion for Inca and pre-Colombian history with a year-long journey through Tawantinsuyu, or the Inca Empire. To date, he has organized five long-distance treks to Machu Picchu from every direction and has been working closely with one of the world's leading Inca archaeologists in organizing future educational treks. Ken is a passionate amateur photographer and enjoys cycling and guitar. He is an avid Philadelphia teams sports fan.
Ken's Successful Career Path and Tips for Legal Recruiters
What does it take to become a successful legal recruiter? Ken said, first and foremost, legal recruiters must have the keen ability to communicate in every way effectively.
What motivated Ken to become a recruiter? "I fell into the position. It was blind luck and a perfect match since being a recruiter allows me to perform to my natural skill set. In hindsight, becoming a recruiter turn out to be a stroke of great luck." Ken explained that he transitioned into working as a recruiter after he graduated from law school. At that time we were in a recession, and he spent a year looking for an associate position while holding down anything he could find. Ken's brother's friend and ex-AmLaw associate opened a regional office for a national legal staffing firm and offered him a position as a temporary placement recruiter. At the time, it seemed like a good segue to New York and into a bona fide legal role. He never left.
The businessman discussed what he is known for professionally. "I think I'm known to be an honest straight shooter. My candidates and clients appreciate my candor and integrity. And of course, I am also very enthusiastic. One great client even referred to me as Mr. Moviefone which I still laugh at today."
Ken also discussed his strengths and one weakness as a recruiter. "I think I'm 100% my natural self when recruiting. You just can't tell the difference between how I deal with my friends and family." As for his weakness, Ken acknowledged that he can always strive to be better and always wonders whether he's maximizing his time. The candid recruiter added, "I've also convinced candidates out of positions because those companies weren't the right fit for them or vice versa. I don't know whether that's a strength or weakness, but it is my style for better or for worse."
So what is Ken's advice to new recruiters? "If you want to be a recruiter, you have to like the whole process. If you don't enjoy what you're doing, it will tear you apart because of all the ups and downs. So if money is the only motivation, potential recruiters need to stay away from the industry because they'll be heartbroken and stressed. Recruiters must want to help people and avoid becoming distressed when things don't work out as planned. Also, you need to focus on what you are good at and go with your own personal style."
Considering his eighteen years of experience in the legal recruiting industry, many readers may want to know where Ken sees the legal field in the next five years. He admitted, "I really don't know. The legal field will be alive and kicking whether it's raging or like if it was like five years ago. When the economy is cruising, the legal field does extremely well. When the economy suffers, law firms scale back and our business suffers too."
What does Ken look for to find the right fit? What makes a great candidate? He stated if recruiters know their candidates and clients well, they will by default make the right placements. Ken pointed out that recruiters should aim to have several conversations with their candidates over time and they should also know how each firm operates. "I've spent almost two decades learning about every AmLaw firm. I know their respective personalities and culture."
In regards to what makes a great candidate, Ken asserted, "What I look for most isn't just their knowledge, but it's their professional enthusiasm for what they do. How dynamic they are in their role."
Does Ken have a recipe for a perfect match? He quickly replied, "No way. There is no such thing. So much of what I do comes from my gut. Sometimes I can see and feel when my clients will hire before my candidates even step foot in their door. These instincts have grown with time and experience."
How does the businessman tackle fear? "I jump at it. Just close your eyes and do it. You have to have trust and faith in yourself and your abilities. You do what needs to be done without procrastination. And a good way is to focus on the reward you'll receive afterwards. And don't fear taking risks."
How does he tackle obstacles? "By taking them head on. Why be burdened?"
Has Ken learned something of value from his mistakes? "Yes. If I hadn't made mistakes, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I am guided by my judgment and it isn't always spot on. As a recruiter, it can take years to gain respect and making one mistake can cost you everything. On the bright side, every mistake turns into something positive."
Where does Ken derive his confidence? "From experience and simply being effective at what I do. Positive feedback is a great boost."
Being a Mentor, Most Inspiring Influence and Favorite Quote
Does Ken have a mentor? Is he a mentor? Ken said he always relies upon DK Search's Karleen Comiskey, with whom he worked with at Howard Sloan. He also admires Howard Sloan Legal Search's Mitch Burger, and knows he's learned to be successful under his and his experienced staff's tutelage. Ken is currently mentoring Susan Spector, a recruiter who works for him and specializes in the Washington, DC market.
Ken explained that everyone he has met has been an influence in his life. He has a huge list of individuals he would like to thank. But Ken recalled one inspiring influence that has shaped both himself and his career. The recruiter remembers being inspired by his first professor of economics at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. As it turns out, it boasts the largest Marxist economics program in the U.S. Ken gave credit to his professor for influencing the way he places candidates. "While naturally I am a capitalist and I enjoy earning a living by owning and running my own firm, I don't want to make money at the expense of others. I've learned the lessons of equitableness. If everyone shares in the success then everyone wins. Studying Economics with a corporate socialistic theme, that first undergrad professor helped shape my life, not in context, but in spirit."
Ken's favorite quote is "obstacles are what you see when you lose sight of goals."
Motivation, a Rewarding Position and Ken's Goals
What motivates Ken to be a recruiter every day? "The thrill of the hunt is what drives me to be a recruiter everyday. I feel a real spark when I help connect my clients with candidates, and I love developing life-long professional relationships with the community I concentrate on."
Does the recruiter find his position rewarding? He stated:
"It's personally rewarding because recruiting caters to my natural ability. I enjoy the social and psychological components of recruiting candidates and I'm genuinely interested in who they are as people. I'm always looking for what they enjoy most and help steer them in the right direction. I also enjoy the seriousness of the placement business, not just the humanism aspect."Does Ken have goals? "Professionally, I would like to have the best niche legal business development recruiting firm in the country. Personally, I would love to have one of my photographs featured on the cover of Time Life magazine and I want to have my name listed in the history books for being on an expedition that led to the discovery of an undocumented Inca ruin. And I'm actually working towards it!"
