The Ultimate Checklist for Contingent Recruitment Briefings in Legal Support

Overview:

A strong briefing sets the tone for the entire recruitment process. When law firms brief well, recruiters deliver outstanding shortlists. When the briefing is vague or rushed, hiring slows down and quality drops.

Here’s the ultimate checklist for briefing contingent recruiters in legal support hiring:

woman sitting in a table

1. Start With the Real Reason for the Hire

Is it:
• Replacement?
• Growth?
• Urgent cover?
• A temporary spike?

This shapes every decision that follows.

2. Define Must-Have Skills Clearly

Examples might include:
• Audio typing
• Document production
• Billing
• Court forms
• Case management systems

Your recruiter can only target what you specify.

3. Explain the Team DNA

Is the team fast-paced? Detail-orientated? Partner-led? Collegiate?

These cultural details determine candidate fit more than most firms realise.

4. Share Hybrid Expectations and Office Hours

This is now the number one decision-making factor for many legal support candidates. Be clear upfront.

5. Confirm Salary, Not a Range So Wide It’s Meaningless

A realistic, market-aligned salary makes all the difference. If you don’t know the right level, your recruiter absolutely does.

6. Explain the Interview Process

How many stages? Who’s involved? How quickly can interviews be booked?

Speed is critical in the NW market.

7. Be Honest About Challenges

Tight deadlines? High volume? Partners with demanding workloads? Candidates appreciate transparency and recruiters can screen more effectively.

8. Set Turnaround Expectations

Agree timelines for CVs, feedback, interviews and offers. This prevents delays and keeps momentum strong.

Bottom Line

A great briefing isn’t complicated but it is powerful. It saves time, improves quality and accelerates hiring.

About Us

At HST Hiring Group, we guide NW firms through clear, efficient contingent hiring briefings that result in faster, more accurate candidate matches.

About The HST Group

We find the best talent, across all sectors

Hiring well is simply a process, which can span a whole range of sectors. This winning process is  one we like to think we’re very good at!

We have unique technology offerings

Our bespoke technology enables us to get your job ads in front of the very best talent out there, which in turn enables us to give brilliant ROI to our clients.

We have an excellent track record

We’re incredibly proud of our track record, and the fact that 80% of our clients are repeat or ongoing customers!