Get to know the best Miami legal recruiters waiting to help legal industry veterans land an ideal position. Each of the legal placement firms in downtown Miami and the surrounding suburbs are equipped to help you land your dream position in the area.
Verified Miami Area Legal Recruiters
Garcia Legal Search, LLC is a firm devoted exclusively to attorney placement. We assist law firms and corporations in locating the best and brightest legal talent in the Miami area.
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Job Opportunities
When most people think of Miami, FL, they picture warm beaches, sunshine and pulsating nightclubs. But as Miami-Dade County has grown into a sprawling community encompassing over 6 million people, the area has become the new cultural, economic and financial heart of South Florida. If you’re an elite lawyer who’s seeking a new career challenge that will rekindle your inner passion, this gateway to the Caribbean might just be the perfect spot.
Many of the 13,000+ lawyers who practice in the greater Miami area do so at one of its 2600 law firms, 100s of corporations or myriad government agencies. The average base salary for a Miami-area attorney is $100,430, and career-enrichment activities are available through these professional organizations and local law schools:
- The Florida Bar
- Dade County Bar Association
- Miami Beach Bar Association
- South Miami Kendall Bar Association
- University of Miami’s School of Law
- Florida International University’s College of Law
- Saint Thomas University’s School of Law
- Various other local and state bar associations based on practice areas, ethnicity, gender, race and personal interests
Requirements to Practice Law
To be issued a law license in Florida, you must first earn a law degree from an ABA-accredited law school and then pass the Florida bar exam. The fee for taking the bar exam is $600, and once you’ve passed the bar exam there is a $1000 fee for applying to the Florida Bar.
Lawyers who have already been licensed and actively practicing law in another U.S. jurisdiction for at least 10 years may also sit for the Florida bar exam after proving they are in good standing in their current jurisdiction. Additionally, all lawyers who pass the Florida bar exam must also pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) within 25 months of taking the bar exam.
To maintain a law license in Florida, a lawyer must earn 30 hours of MCLE credits every 3 years, including at least 5 hours in ethics, professionalism, substance abuse and mental illness awareness. Attorneys are also required to report those MCLE credits to the law examiner’s office. For more details, please visit: www.lawyeredu.org.
Why Miami?
Downtown Miami’s skyline is filled with gleaming high-rises overlooking its beautiful beaches and the ocean’s pristine waters. The streets are alive with music and multi-cultural events, and there’s a festive Latin vibe throughout the city. Miami is also a global economic player in sectors like international trade, finance, media, entertainment and the arts, and 3 Fortune 500 companies call the city home: Lennar, World Fuel Services and Ryder Systems.
The city’s cost of living runs a little higher than the national average due to housing and transportation, but Miamians enjoy cheaper healthcare and utility costs than residents of other comparably sized U.S. cities. Public transportation is readily available through the Metro-Dade County bus, light rail and trolley systems, and Miami International Airport is one of the busiest hubs for air travelers in the country.
Miami’s Legal District is downtown about a mile west of the ocean, and just east of I-95. Many lawyers in Dade County live in some of its better neighborhoods, like Coral Way, North Coconut Grove, Downtown, Flagami and the Islands. Major attractions in Miami include the city’s many golf courses, restaurants, ocean-related activities, festivals, 4 major league sports teams, the Bayside Marketplace, zoo, Miami Design District and South Beach.
The climate in Miami features an average of 248 sunny days, rainfall amounts that are higher than the national average and no snow. The warmest month is July, with average daily highs reaching 89 degrees F, and January is the coolest average month, with daily lows near 60 degrees F.
Employers
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Candidates
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Frequently Asked Questions
The candidate pool in Miami is diverse and highly skilled, drawing talent from top law schools such as the University of Miami School of Law and Florida International University College of Law. Miami’s multicultural environment attracts professionals with varied backgrounds and expertise, particularly in international law, maritime law, and immigration law. The city’s position as a gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean also brings in bilingual and multilingual candidates, enhancing the legal community’s ability to serve a diverse clientele.
There is strong demand for attorneys specializing in real estate, corporate law, immigration, and healthcare law. Additionally, positions in international arbitration, maritime law, and compliance are highly sought after due to Miami’s strategic location and economic activities. The city’s booming real estate market, bustling port activities, and prominent healthcare institutions drive the need for specialized legal expertise. Lawyers with experience in regulatory compliance and cross-border transactions are particularly valuable in Miami’s global business environment.
Key industries influencing Miami’s legal market include real estate, healthcare, tourism, finance, and international trade. The city’s status as a major port and business hub also makes maritime law and international arbitration significant practice areas.
Miami is home to the headquarters of major corporations such as Carnival Corporation & plc, Royal Caribbean Group, and Ryder System, Inc., which drive the demand for corporate legal services. The healthcare sector, led by institutions like Baptist Health South Florida, also significantly shapes the legal market.
Trends such as increased international business activities and technological advancements are driving changes in the legal field. There is a growing emphasis on cybersecurity, data privacy, and environmental law due to Miami’s unique geographic and economic landscape.
The rise of fintech companies and digital startups in the city has increased the need for legal expertise in technology law and intellectual property. Additionally, Miami’s vulnerability to climate change and rising sea levels has heightened the demand for environmental lawyers who can navigate the complexities of sustainability and regulatory compliance.
Remote work has become more prevalent in Miami, with many firms adopting flexible work arrangements. This shift has influenced compensation structures, leading to competitive salaries and benefits that reflect the cost of living and the demand for specialized skills.
Law firms are increasingly offering attractive packages to retain top talent in a competitive market. The adoption of remote work has also expanded the candidate pool, allowing firms to attract legal professionals from outside the Miami area, thereby bringing in diverse skills and experiences.
Miami’s legal sector is known for its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The multicultural nature of the city is reflected in its legal community, with numerous organizations and initiatives promoting representation and equality. Bar associations and law firms actively support diversity through mentorship programs, recruitment efforts, and inclusive workplace policies.
The Florida Bar’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee, along with local organizations like the Cuban American Bar Association and the Caribbean Bar Association, work tirelessly to promote a more inclusive legal profession. Miami’s legal sector continues to evolve with a focus on fostering a diverse and welcoming environment for all legal professionals.
