$65,000 for One Hire? The Hidden Cost of Legal Recruitment
Recruitment costs in law firms are escalating. One mid-sized law firm recently paid $65,000 in recruitment costs (agency fees) to hire a single lawyer—the equivalent of driving a brand-new, top-of-the-line John Cooper Works Mini Cooper Sport off the lot. It’s a staggering cost for just one hire, yet for many law firm owners and partners, this level of spending is accepted as the norm—just the cost of doing business.
But what if there were a better way?
Unseen Recruitment Costs in Law Firms That Drain Your Budget
In the legal profession, time is money—but so are recruitment costs in law firms, the cost of hiring the right people are escalating. Traditional recruitment methods such as agency placements, job board advertising, and headhunting services often come with significant hidden costs. Beyond the high placement fees that can reach tens of thousands of dollars per hire, firms also find themselves offering inflated starting salaries—often 10–20% above market rate—just to remain competitive in a tight talent pool.
These law firm recruitment costs add up fas, draining resources that could otherwise be invested into client services, professional development, or firm growth.
Introducing Insource: Cutting Recruitment Costs in Law Firms
At Insource, we’ve developed a revolutionary recruitment technology designed specifically for law firms in Australia and New Zealand. Over the past 12 months, we’ve helped firms collectively save more than $2 million in legal recruitment costs by providing a powerful, efficient, and cost-effective alternative to traditional methods.
Our platform has been recognised as a game changer in the legal industry, receiving the Best Legal Tech and Best Legal Services Provider awards from Australasian Lawyer.
Why Make the Switch?
Recruitment agencies typically charge a placement fee ranging from 15% to 25% of a new hire’s annual salary. For a mid-level lawyer earning $120,000 to $150,000, that’s an additional $18,000 to $37,500 per hire. Multiply this by several hires per year, your law firm’s recruitment costs can quickly exceed six figures.
What makes this worse is that firms are often left with limited visibility and control over the process. Candidates are presented without full context, and decisions are made quickly to avoid losing top talent to a competing offer. It’s an expensive and reactive way to build your team.
Insource flips this model on its head. By bringing recruitment in-house, we empower law firms to take control of their hiring process with a tailored solution that puts your brand, your culture, and your team front and centre.
How Insource Reduces Recruitment Costs in Law Firms
Our technology gives you direct access to a pipeline of legal professionals —without the middleman. The platform is designed with law firms in mind, ensuring you’re matched with candidates who align with your values, culture, and practice areas.
You also gain powerful tools to manage applications, screen candidates, and promote your firm as an employer of choice—without relying on expensive external recruiters or advertising agencies.
Our platform brings the hiring process in-house, giving you full control while significantly lowering recruitment costs in your law firm.
Build a Stronger Team and Slash Your Law Firm’s Recruitment Costs
Bringing recruitment in-house not only reduces costs but also helps you build a stronger, more aligned legal team. You’re not just filling a vacancy—you’re finding the right fit for your firm long-term. Over time, this leads to better retention, greater team cohesion, and stronger performance across the board.
Join the Legal Recruitment Revolution
Insource is the only legal recruitment solution purpose-built for the Australian and New Zealand legal market. It offers a smarter, faster, and more affordable way to source legal talent.
Firms across the region are already seeing the benefits—more control, better candidates, and significant cost savings.
What our clients say:
“We have reduced our agency spend by more than 30% and reduced our time to hire by upwards of 25%”
Olivia Holmes, Chief People Officer, Macpherson Kelley
Ready to Take Control of Your Recruitment?
Learn how Insource is helping firms like yours hire smarter, build stronger teams, and save thousands in the process. Find out how our technology works here. Or get in touch with us today to discover how Insource can work for your firm.
