EPISODE 15: Preparing a Clean, Ethical Client List for Recruiters and Firms

In every serious lateral conversation, you will eventually be asked for "the list." This document—your practice translated into concrete data—is often where high-performing attorneys stumble. It’s not just an administrative task; it’s a substantive representation of your professional judgment and ethical rigor.

In this episode, Andrew Wilcox—legal recruiter since 2003—outlines how to build a curated, organized, and ethically sound client list. Learn how to navigate the "Rule 1.6" boundaries of confidentiality while providing the scale and sophistication metrics a prospective firm needs to see.

Your duty to protect client information (ABA Model Rule 1.6) doesn't pause for a job hunt. Approaching this haphazardly is a red flag to any firm.

• Public vs. Private: Generally, client identities in public record matters (litigation filings, SEC disclosures) are fair to list. For private matters, use generic placeholders like "Major Financial Institution" or "Technology Startup."

• The "No-Go" Zone: Never share specific strategies, sensitive facts, or non-public deal terms. If a disclosure would prejudice the client, leave it off or redact it entirely.

• Stages of Disclosure:

  • Early Stage: Share broad categories and approximate book size with your recruiter.

  • Mid-Stage: Share a specific list once trust is established and a target firm is identified.

  • Final Stage: Provide maximum specificity only for formal conflicts checks and final due diligence.

Don't just dump your billing data. Curate a document that demonstrates ownership and sophistication.

• Non-Portable Institutional Clients: Including a massive firm-owned client where you are a junior participant makes you look like you don't understand your own book.

• Distant History: Staffing assignments from five years ago that haven't led to a recurring relationship dilute your modern practice narrative.

• Sensitive Red Flags: Any matter where even the type of work could be embarrassing or detrimental if the news of your move leaked.

"Attorneys who present their practice with clarity and evident thought about the ethical dimensions of disclosure demonstrate the kind of partner they’ll be. Preparation signals professionalism, and in a lateral move, professionalism is your greatest leverage." — Andrew Wilcox

Need help "anonymizing" your list or deciding which clients are truly yours to claim? Let's have a confidential conversation to polish your presentation.

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• LinkedIn: Connect with Andrew Wilcox