Partner
"Have you ever felt like you didn’t have someone in your corner in the legal market? If you feel like you can’t navigate or negotiate another opportunity because your current firm “knows everyone” or you feel Pidgeon-holed, Karen provides the solution. She listens to your goals and genuinely cares about where you land. This results in a favorable placement for the attorney and the law firm. They really don’t make recruiters like Karen anymore. I’ve worked with other recruiters before, and all others have disappointed within the first few conversations. They either didn’t understand my business or what I am looking for, but that doesn’t happen with Karen."
Briscoe Prows Kao Ivester & Bazel LLP
Partner
“I cannot say enough about the great experience I had with Karen Kissinger and Kissinger Legal Search. Karen is incredibly resourceful and professional and her expertise in taking care of every step of the job search process was impressive and ultimately resulted in my being offered and accepting my "first choice" position. Karen was able to give me interview advice throughout my search and insight into each law firm I visited. Her encouragement was invaluable and I would recommend her to anyone looking for a new position.”
Archer Norris
Partner
“I sincerely believe that Karen Kissinger is, by far, the best legal recruiter out there. She just found me the perfect job with (for me) the perfect law firm. She is part counselor, part best friend, and a 100% legal recruiter. She wants to truly get to know you. First, because she genuinely cares, and, secondly, so that she can help you find the right place, not simply someplace. She does not try to cram square pegs into round holes. She does not believe in that. Instead, Karen truly believes in finding "matches." She listens. She listens to you; she listens to the potential employer. She truly gets it. She did it for me and she can do it for you.”
Archer Norris
Partner
“I met Karen Kissinger after the legal market had crashed and showed no quick signs of recovery. There are many legal recruiters in the market. For some of them, their involvement begins and ends with submitting your resumes to unknown firms and then placing your name on their database. The better ones play an active role in assisting you in career advancement. Karen is the latter. Karen did not stop at reviewing my resume. She reviewed my history, qualifications, and career goals, and utilized them in creating a search strategy designed to assist me in finding a path forward, not just in finding a wall to hang my court admissions. I was thoroughly impressed by Karen’s knowledge of the market, contacts within the field, and the amount of time she devoted in assisting me to find a position that I intend to be at for a long time. She helped me think outside the box and assisted me in examining opportunities that I would not have found without her. We all understand that this is a business and that at the end of the day, it is up to the candidate to land the job. But, the degree of professionalism, attention to detail, market knowledge, and concern for my long-term well-being really set Karen apart for me. She added genuine value to my job search, and I wholeheartedly recommend her.”
Mundell Odum & Haws, LLP
Associate
“If you are looking to take the next best step in your legal career, look no further than Karen Kissinger. Karen has vast experience in recruiting, extensive connections in the California legal market, and has a one-of-a-kind holistic approach to placing candidates at law firms that fit the individual. Unlike many legal recruiters out there, Karen actually cares about your happiness and well-being, listens to what you want, anticipates what you need, and works tirelessly to find a mutually beneficial fit. Karen knows what a big step it is for one to make a career move and she treats it as such, all while being dedicated, responsive, helpful, and kind. You will ultimately find yourself delighted at the new opportunity that awaits you but sad to no longer work with Karen on a daily basis. She is a top-notch legal recruiter and a world class person and friend. I will continue to recommend her to anyone looking for a new opportunity.”
Kutak Rock LLP
Associate
“I could not have been happier working with Karen Kissinger. As a mid-level associate considering a lateral move, I was looking for a corporate position that was the perfect fit for me. I was not interested in jumping at the first opportunity that presented itself, rather I wanted to take the time to get to know the various lawyers at each firm at which I interviewed because I knew that the lawyers I would be working with are key to professional happiness. Karen Kissinger understood that immediately. She really took the time to understand my interests and needs, she never pressured me or made me feel that I was not moving fast enough. Karen took initiative and was always responsive; her assistance, enthusiasm, and positive attitude were invaluable during the entire process.”
Orrick
Associate
“Karen is unlike any other recruiter out there, in the best way possible. Not only does she know everyone and everything about the California legal market, with personal connections in basically every major firm from LA to San Francisco (since she placed a lot of the partners who are now doing the hiring, a testament to her exceptional work), she truly tailors your search to find the best firm for you and your career and life goals. My wife and I were moving from Los Angeles back to Orange County to be closer to family, Karen tailored the search perfectly to find a firm that checked all the boxes, both in my career goals and to fit with my family life. She is dedicated, responsive, understanding, and willing to put in the time to place you in the right, long-term position. “
Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth
Associate
“After practicing for 15 years, I realized I had shifted my career down a different path than I had mapped out, and I was not happy with the direction it was headed. I wanted to maneuver back to the practice I had enjoyed earlier in my career. I spent months looking around and speaking to other recruiters, and always found myself with opportunities in the same area I was trying to leave. Finally I was introduced to Karen through a mutual friend. I spoke with her for about my personal and career background, where I wanted to go with my career, and what I had to offer my prospective firm. Within that hour-long conversation, she knew exactly where I would be a good fit and made the necessary introductions. Long story short, less than a month later she not only got me into the practice area I was hoping to return to, but it was with a firm that was a perfect fit in so many different ways. Karen has fantastic insight to people’s needs, and knows how to meet them. I wouldn’t be here without her.”
Archer Norris
Associate
“I have the best experience with Karen. It was a tough decision to leave my old law firm as I had been there for a few years, but ultimately, I knew that I needed to make the move for my career and personal goals. Karen was the most supportive recruiter, and friend, and person during this process! She worked tirelessly to find me a good fit, and ultimately, we found not a good fit, but a GREAT fit! I’m very lucky to have found Karen for this process as it was my first big career move. Karen responds at all hours of the day and is just so helpful in all ways throughout the process. She is an advocate for her recruits and I couldn’t be happier with my new opportunity. I will be recommending all of my colleagues to her in the future. She is professional, and kind, and has been doing this for so long and that really shows!! Thank you so much, Karen.”
CDF Labor Law LLP
Associate
“Karen is unmatched by any legal recruiter in the business. She not only knows the pulse of the legal market, but she’s passionate about what she does and truly cares about the attorneys she works with. Karen exceeded all my expectations and went above and beyond to set me up for success. She perfected my resume, advised me on which writing sample would be the best to submit, and prepared me for my interviews. Karen was always available to answer questions, day or night. She was attentive and encouraging. When it came down to making my decision, she never pressured me. Instead, she educated me on the firms so I could make the best informed decision. Karen was always genuine and I knew I could trust her because finding a firm that was a good fit for me was her top priority. Within a month, I had my dream job! As a lawyer, I advocate for my clients and Karen does the same! She’s the best legal recruiter out there.”
CDF Labor Law LLP
Associate
“In 2022, Karen helped me secure a full-time position after I had nearly given up working with recruiters.The gist of Karen’s MO is basic, but essential: believe. Her frank, sincere, and consistently positive approach is a breath of fresh air in a world of fast pace and ephemeral impression. From day one, Karen genuinely listened to my needs. She heeded my concerns, rather than passively churning through them on the way to collect another commission. Karen never tried to tell me I was wrong or that I was being unrealistic. Like any top recruiter, she can provide plenty of (useful) feedback, but Karen will never attempt to overstep boundaries. What she will definitely do, without fail, is stop and make you laugh—which is always welcome considering how stressful it is trying to secure the right job in this touch and go market. Karen is also someone who is objectively knowledgable about the California legal landscape. She has cultivated a myriad supply of employer relationships over the past 30+ years; through which, Karen has garnered unwavering trust and built a reputation that allows her to seamlessly (if not subconsciously) guide applicants through a dizzying maze of opportunities—filtering down to compelling matches that produce satisfying long-term results. At her core, Karen is a true believer, and this belief, combined with her savvy, custom-fit approach, is ideal for candidates seeking to maximize their growth trajectories.”
Goodkin APC
Associate
“Karen is the only recruiter I will refer my friends to. When I was considering a move from my previous firm, I felt strongly that I could only consider offices with positive cultures, and had a very specific area within corporate that I was targeting. Karen distinguished herself from other recruiters in that she not only listened to what I asked for, but she took immediate ownership of my “case.” What’s more, you’ll find her approach to presenting potential openings is different from other recruiters in that it’s more efficient and comprehensive. Karen was knowledgeable, highly responsive, and a complete joy to work with. I was shocked at what a pleasant experience Karen made of me finding what I now consider my “forever home.” More importantly, the firm Karen placed me with has exceeded all of my expectations. I am excited to come to work every morning, and I know I would not have found my way here if it weren’t for Karen. It’s so clear to me that this job is Karen’s passion, and I feel so lucky to have partnered with her. Thank you.”
Stradling Yocca Carlson & Rauth PC
