5 Advanced Strategies to Recruit Top Lawyers in Germany

1. Create a compelling value proposition for the role

What do German top lawyers look for in their search for a new position? We surveyed over 500 lawyers and asked them to rank their priorities from 1 to 5. Here’s what came out on top:

Understanding what actually matters to candidates - and reflecting that in your offer - is what sets great employers apart. Show that you're serious about their development, their time, and the impact they can have.

2. Don’t rely on job ads alone - top lawyers aren’t scrolling job boards

The best lawyers? They’re not browsing Stepstone or Indeed. Many aren’t even active on LinkedIn. If you want to hire A-players, you need to go to them - not wait for them to come to you.

That means:

• Targeted outreach (with a great message)
• Referral networks
• Specialist recruiters who already have access

3. Get the hiring manager fully engaged

Candidates aren’t just assessing the job - they’re assessing the person they’ll report to. An unprepared hiring manager can derail the whole process.

Make sure they:

• Are clear on what legal expertise is needed (before going to market - this saves a lot of time)
• Are prepped to pitch, interview, and assess candidates
• Have weekly alignments with your TA team or your recruiter
• Can sell the role and team vision (while staying realistic)

The strongest candidates will walk if the process feels disorganised.

4. Understand the right salary band for the role

Salary levels vary greatly based on region, industry, and legal expertise.

For instance, a Legal Counsel in Munich can earn 10-15% more than one in Berlin. Lawyers with specialist experience can earn 10-30% more than a generalist.

Expect:

• To see a broad salary range depending on company type (e.g, German startup vs. multinational).
• In-demand skills to increase salaries by 15-30%.
• Law firms to offer higher salaries than in-house roles, but this often comes with longer hours - pitching a better work-life balance can help attract top candidates.

Tip: Talk with a specialist to get up-to-date salary benchmarks for your industry and region.

5. Speed matters - legal hiring moves fast

The best lawyers are in demand, and long hiring processes (think: seven rounds over three months) will cost you great candidates.

My advice:

• Decide upfront who needs to be involved
• Determine the number of rounds (most companies in Germany hold 3-4)
• Move quickly once you see someone you like
• Don’t hold out for a “unicorn” - focus on the must-haves

Need help?

We help companies hire lawyers in Germany - from junior counsel to General Counsel / CLO. If you need help hiring for your legal team, get in touch.