917-415-0284
Where Building Relationships Comes First
Founded by Andrea K. Fisher, AKF Legal Search Consultants is a premier legal recruiting firm that focuses on the permanent placement of associates, counsel and partners with Am Law 100 and 200 firms and companies in New York and other major cities. With an approach that is direct, supportive and goal-oriented, Andrea takes an extremely collaborative and holistic approach to recruiting and gets results!
As a new member of the National Association of Legal Search Consultants (NALSC), AKF Legal Search Consultants will fully adhere to the organization’s Code of Ethics.
References are readily available.
HOW I WORK
WHAT DO CANDIDATES AND CLIENTS SAY?
MEET ANDREA
I have always dreamt of having my own company and based on that dream, I founded AKF Legal Search Consultants after working for many years at another search firm, where I handled placement of associates, counsel and partners with law firms and companies in New York and California.
I graduated from Tulane University and received my law degree from Cardozo Law School. As a bankruptcy attorney at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner and Squire Patton Boggs, I mentored dozens of associates – both formally and informally – guiding them with respect to the management of their careers and assisting in their long-term development. In addition, I was a member and leader of a range of law firm groups and initiatives, notably those aimed at mentoring women.
A true New Yorker (though I grew up in Connecticut), I am thrilled to have fulfilled my dream of living here with my family. Known as “Siri” by those who know me, my candidates benefit from my vast and somewhat esoteric knowledge of New York. From interesting ethnic restaurants and the best doctors in the city, to how to find a clean public bathroom in midtown, I become more than a recruiter to all my candidates; I become a reliable resource and a friend!
HOW I WORK
I LOVE TO PARTNER WITH CANDIDATES AND I LISTEN
I take an extremely collaborative and holistic approach to recruiting. Having my own business allows me to work with fewer candidates, so that I can be laser-focused on your needs. With this in mind, my goal for each of my candidates is for them to be happy and successful in their careers. By asking you a lot of questions about what is important to you professionally and personally, I get you to think about what is best for you at this time in your career.
My candidates tell me that they feel I take a vested interest in them, and appreciate the fact that I don't focus on law firm opportunities during our first meeting. To me, talking about firms at a first meeting is a little bit like discussing marriage on a first date. I need to understand who you are and what your goals are before I start mentioning specific opportunities.
I DON’T THROW SPAGHETTI AT A WALL
Unfortunately, the recruiting industry has become commoditized in terms of how it approaches candidates. There are many recruiters out there who toss all candidates into a pot and throw them at as many law fIrms as possible with the hope that one will stick! That is not my method. I approach each of my candidates as an individual, with a unique brand identity and set of goals. You are never interchangeable with any other candidate. How do I do that? Well that’s secret sauce that we will discuss!
I VALUE MY LAW FIRM AND COMPANY RELATIONSHIPS
In addition to building strong relationships with my candidates, I have built equally strong relationships with my law firm and company clients. Through my years of recruiting, I have gained the reputation of being a trusted and valued recruiter. I am often brought in to meet with partners to discuss their lateral needs, and am a go-to recruiter when a firm has a needle-in-the haystack search to fill. In addition, having lived and worked in New York for many years, I have built a personal network that includes some of the leading partners at many of New York’s top firms, as well as top in-house counsel. As a recruiter, I am able to leverage the insights that I have gained from these relationships, including first-hand knowledge of the market, law firm culture and job opportunities, to help candidates find career success and satisfaction.
MOVING YOU IS NOT MY GOAL
This may sound crazy, but my end game is not to get you to move. I want you to be happy and fulfilled in your career! Sometimes that means moving, but it can also mean staying where you are and having me support you in creating ways to make your current role more fulfilling. I love being a sounding board and partnering with my candidates, and I find it very satisfying to see my candidates succeed with whatever decision they make, whether they move or not.
CHANGE IS HARD BUT I MAKE IT EASIER
Having made a few career moves myself, I understand first-hand that change is hard, but often necessary to be happy and fulfilled in your career. If a move is right for you, I create a supportive environment where you can freely discuss your sentiments about your current situation and goals for your next step. I support you in every aspect of the process. I review your materials and make changes where appropriate. (I catch every typo!) I am the liaison between you and any prospective law firm. Candidates have told me that the way that I do interview prep was a game-changer for their interviews. We debrief after each interview, and if given an offer(s), I support you in figuring out the best decision. Of course, everything we discuss is confidential!
When I was senior associate at a large firm, I worked with Andrea with the hope of finding a role that would give me a title change. Utilizing her vast network of law firm recruiters and partner connections, she helped me transition to a counsel role at one of the top Am Law 25 firms.
"
"
As a person of color, I felt at ease talking to Andrea about the importance of being at a firm where I would be comfortable. She culled together a list of target firms and helped me move to a top-tier law firm, where I am really happy with the level of diversity.
"
As a busy partner, I did not want to waste my time with recruiters who were not familiar with the market and the nuances of my practice. As a former bankruptcy attorney herself, Andrea had tremendous insight into the market but also personally knew a number of key attorneys and was able to assist me in finding the perfect landing spot!
"
I recently re-located to New York during Covid for an amazing opportunity. Andrea’s knowledge of the New York market was spot on. In addition to being an awesome recruiter, Andrea knows everything and anything about New York City and has been amazing about giving me insights about living here.
"
After having spent about a year in a new partner role that I realized was the wrong fit, I was given Andrea's name as someone who would be a trusted recruiter. I immediately realized how invested Andrea is in her candidates and is relentless in finding the right fit. She helped me move to an amazing firm and I only wish that I had worked with her from the get go!
I reached out to Andrea because of her background as a bankruptcy lawyer. She knew the market inside-out. It took a little longer than expected to find the right role, but I did find a great opportunity. I appreciate the fact that she never gave up. Andrea also makes a huge effort to stay in touch with her candidates after they have moved. I moved 3 years ago and she still checks in on me.
"
Andrea is one of our go-to recruiters for our searches. She understands our needs and especially our firm's brand. It is always a pleasure to work with her.
"
On many of our searches, we will invite Andrea to meet with our partners and discuss the needs of the group. Her insights and suggestions on how we can make our searches successful are invaluable.
"
"
CONTACT
Please contact me directly to discuss your career or legal hiring needs.
All contact is confidential.
Phone:
Email:
917-415-0284
BACK TO TOP