Have you thought about candidate experience whilst hiring for your legal team in December?

Author Georgia Morgan-Wynne
december 14, 2023
An in-person interview being conducted with a candidate and interviewer

A number of our clients have got in touch with the Taylor Root team in the last week looking to make legal hires, which we are always delighted to assist with.

Hiring in December comes with its own set of challenges. If you’re navigating end-of-year recruitment, reviewing your hiring process can help ensure a smoother experience for candidates and hiring managers alike.

With competing priorities across your business, it’s easy to let candidate experience slip, but a few small changes to your approach can make a big difference. If internal availability or decision-making is limited, it may be better to delay hiring until the new year. But if you do decide to proceed, a well-managed process can still leave a positive impression and secure the right candidate.

Here are three simple ways to ensure a strong candidate journey during the festive season.

Keep communication lines open

Keep candidates informed throughout. Whether it’s acknowledging their application, being clear on interview timelines, explaining delays or sharing feedback post-interview, proactive communication builds trust and creates a smoother experience.

A lack of updates can cause candidates to disengage or accept other offers. Even short check-ins to confirm next steps or timelines show that your organisation values professionalism and clarity.

Streamline the process

Time is limited in December, both for your internal team and the candidates you’re meeting. If you’re hiring at this time of year, make your process as efficient as possible. Define the interviewers who truly need to be involved, set clear objectives for each stage and reduce unnecessary rounds if possible.

Avoid long gaps between stages and give candidates realistic expectations about timing and availability. When face-to-face meetings aren’t practical, using video calls can help maintain momentum and make scheduling easier.

A streamlined process not only supports better outcomes, but also respects everyone’s time during a busy period.

Invest in onboarding before January

Between an offer being made and the start date is a key window to build engagement. Many legal professionals receiving offers in December won’t start until January, so don’t leave them in limbo.

Send a message to congratulate them, share positive feedback or let them know you’re looking forward to their arrival. These small touchpoints can make a big difference.

Onboarding doesn’t start on day one, it begins the moment your offer is accepted. A thoughtful pre-start experience sets the tone for how candidates feel about joining your business and contributes to stronger retention in the long term.

A well-managed process, clear communication and an efficient timeline will always stand out, no matter the time of year. For more hiring advice, or to speak with a consultant about your legal team’s recruitment plans, reach out to Georgia Morgan-Wynne.

Jobs

US Legal Counsel

US Legal Counsel Location: Hybrid, Frisco, TX I am working with a high-growth management consultancy specializing in industries including financial services, life sciences, luxury & fashion, and media & technology. With entities in both the UK and the US, the company provides expertise in organizational breakthroughs, innovation, consumer insights, data and analytics, AI solutions, and […]
  • Posted 15 uur geleden geplaatst

Read more

  • Law firm

Construction Litigation Solicitor

Construction Litigation Solicitor – 12-Month FTC Top 100 UK Law Firm | London | 10+ PQE Our client, a leading Top 100 UK law firm is seeking a 10+ PQE Construction Litigation Solicitor on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This is a rare opportunity to join a highly regarded disputes team, acting for a major telecoms […]
  • Salary £135000 – £145000 per annum
  • Posted 17 uur geleden geplaatst

Read more

  • Technology (in-house)

Legal consultant – Entity Set-up & Compliance

This is a contractor/ legal consultant position to support an operating partner within a well known PE firm to conduct asset transaction an carve-out project and set-up work for a global corporate business. Contract duration will likely be 3-6 months. Situation Carve-out of a mid-sized software business from large global corporate Asset deal work support […]
  • Salary £600 – £900 per day
  • Posted 17 uur geleden geplaatst

Read more

  • Law firm

Real Estate Disputes Solicitor

Real Estate Disputes Solicitor (Junior-Mid Level) Our client, a prestigious Silver Circle law firm is seeking a junior to mid-level Real Estate Disputes Solicitor to join its market-leading team in London. This is an outstanding opportunity to work at the forefront of commercial real estate litigation, within a firm known for its high-calibre work, collaborative […]
  • Salary £150000 – £165000 per annum
  • Posted 20 uur geleden geplaatst

Read more

  • Law firm

Senior Associate – Construction (Front End)

The Firm Our client is a leading Australian law firm and has arguably the best construction law practice in Melbourne. The Role Due to continued demand from their private and public clients, they are looking to grow the team with a front end construction Senior Associate. The work is top notch, the client base brilliant, […]
  • Posted 2 dagen geleden geplaatst

Read more

  • Law firm

Senior Associate – Professional Indemnity

About the Role An opportunity to join a thriving national General Insurance practice, working alongside a highly regarded team in Melbourne. This role focuses on defending complex claims against professionals across a range of industries, including: Construction, financial services, and legal sectors Health and medical sector (medical malpractice) Matters involving large loss and high-stakes litigation […]
  • Posted 2 dagen geleden geplaatst

Read more

Featured Content