Schneider Legal Search

Professional Overview

Jeffrey Schneider is the founder and President of Schneider Legal Search Inc., a legal search firm based in New York, NY. Schneider Legal Search specializes in placing associates, partners, and in-house counsel at small-specialized boutiques and premiere national law firms as well as international Fortune 500 companies. The search firm places attorneys primarily in the Northeast. Schneider Legal Search has also made national and international placements in San Francisco; Atlanta; Texas; Hong Kong; London and many other locations. Jeff has been personally responsible for hundreds of successful legal placements and has enhanced the legal careers of many attorneys with his expertise and guidance.


Prior to founding his company in 1997, Jeff practiced corporate law for more than six years. He was a corporate associate with a top New York City law firm, a Legal Counsel to one of the largest national broadcasting companies as well as Vice President and Associate Counsel of one of New York’s top Savings Banks. He began his executive search career in 1994.

Jeff was born and raised in New York. He graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from The State University of New York at Albany, where he was elected President of the graduating class. Jeff also graduated with honors from George Washington University Law School, where he served on The George Washington Law Review. He has been married for twenty years and has a teenage son who likes him most of the time and a three-year-old Golden Retriever who never wants to leave his side.

When the legal recruiter isn't working, Jeff enjoys listening to music, reading, hiking, and attending concerts. He also loves his large record collection. Jeff is an avid New York sports fan.

Jeff's Successful Career Path and Tips for Legal Recruiters

Does Jeff have a top memory from law school? "I enjoyed law school and my classes. I made life long friends." The candid recruiter added, "If I enjoyed practicing law as much as law school, I would still be practicing law."

What does it take to become a successful legal recruiter? Jeff said recruiters must have keen listening and people skills. A recruiter should be capable of giving sound advice to their candidates. They should also understand what type of jobs their candidates want to apply for and help them reach those positions.

What motivated Jeff to become a recruiter? After speaking with a family friend who was a recruiter about her experience in the industry, Jeff decided to enter the legal search field. She encouraged him to become a recruiter since she believed he has excellent listening and interpersonal skills. Jeff can also think on his feet and can quickly solve problems. He also has a knack for understanding what types of positions his candidates are looking for.

The businessman discussed what he is known for professionally. Jeff acknowledged that he is a straight shooter who tells his candidates what they need to hear, rather than what they want to hear. He also noted that he aims to assist his candidates’ to find the jobs they want. "Schneider Legal Search doesn't help lawyers find a job with employers, we help them find what they are looking for."

Jeff also discussed his strengths and was asked about his weaknesses as a recruiter. "I am bluntly honest with my candidates and I tell them if they are not exactly what a particular client is looking for." As for his weaknesses, the recruiter jokingly stated, "You have to ask my wife. She will give you plenty of weaknesses."

So what is Jeff's advice to new recruiters? "This is a tough business. Recruiters have to be dedicated and they have to learn about their candidates and clients. They also must be willing to give advice to people that they would accept for themselves."

Considering his nineteen years of experience in the legal recruiting industry, many readers may want to know where Jeff sees the legal field in the next five years. "The jury is still out on that one. Some law firms are expanding and others are contracting. Partnerships are harder to attain than twenty years ago. These firms are motivated by profit. There is plenty of room for growth, but becoming a successful lawyer today also means becoming a successful business person."

Where does he see the recruiting field in the next five years? "As long as law firms are successful and are looking for the best candidate, they will continue to rely on legal recruiters."

What does Jeff look for to find the right fit? What makes a great candidate? "We meet with all of our candidates to see what makes them tick. Once we uncover what jobs they truly want, we have a higher rate of helping them succeed and accomplish their goals."

In regards to what makes a great candidate, Jeff pointed out:

"A great candidate is a person who attended an excellent school and has experience at a good firm. The candidate is self-confident, has strong personal skills, and is comfortable in his or her skin. A great candidate will also know their strengths and weaknesses. It's not enough to be bright and hardworking, each candidate must have an X factor so clients will gravitate towards hiring them."

Does Jeff have a recipe for a perfect match? "No. Some candidates clearly have opportunities that are more rewarding than others, but there isn't a single recipe for a perfect match that works for everyone."

How does the businessman tackle obstacles? "You don't tackle obstacles, you deal with them. Sometimes they tackle you. You deal with obstacles head on."

Has Jeff learned something of value from his mistakes? He honestly claimed, "I am not wise enough to learn from every mistake, but I learned from most of my mistakes, and I try not to repeat them."

When asked where he derives his confidence, he replied, "I have been a legal recruiter for almost twenty years. I have learned from my mistakes, and I have practiced corporate law for more than six years. I have found something I enjoy doing and I am good at it."

Jeff's Mentors and Mentoring Others, Pro Bono Work and Favorite Quotes

Does Jeffery have a mentor? Is he a mentor? Jeff explained that he had several mentors who were in the legal recruiting industry. "The legal search field has many excellent recruiters in New York and in other places across the country. I call some of them to bounce my ideas from time to time. I have mentored many people in this business over the years."

Does Jeff handle pro bono work? "I counsel and give career advice to individuals who recently graduated from law school for free. Often I get calls from more senior attorneys seeking career guidance who might be better off not working with a legal recruiter. I enjoy career counseling."

His favorite quotes are by James Taylor and Harry Chapin: "The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time" and "It's got to be the going, not the getting there that's good."

Motivation, Jeff's Goals and Final Thoughts

What motivates him to be a legal recruiter everyday? "I enjoy working with people. I also enjoy what I do."

Does the New Yorker have goals? "It's been a good ride. I enjoy counseling and making placements. I hope I will not have any regrets looking back at my career."

When asked if there is anything else he would like to share about himself professionally or personally, Jeff stated, "I meet a lot of interesting people in my life. People have to look at the big picture and enjoy their chosen career because life is too short not to enjoy it."