Get to know the best Rochester legal recruiters waiting to help legal industry veterans land an ideal position. Not only can a legal headhunter work proactively to speak with legal employers in the area about upcoming opportunities, but they can also help to streamline the entire interview and hiring process.
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Job Opportunities
For talented lawyers who are seeking career-advancement opportunities, Rochester offers a rich history, welcoming atmosphere, and affordable cost of living. With a metropolitan area of over one million people, Rochester is the 3rd most-populous city in New York and a global center for science, technology, research, and development.
There are over 3,500 lawyers in Rochester, most of which practice at its 450+ law firms, 100s of corporations and many government agencies. Rochester attorneys earn an average base salary of $80,155 while pursuing career-enrichment opportunities through these professional organizations:
- New York State Bar Association
- Monroe County Bar Association
- Various other state and local bar associations
Requirements to Practice Law
Any graduate from an ABA-accredited law school may take the New York Bar Exam. Other ways to sit for the Bar Exam and become a member of the New York Bar include:
- Having earned 28 credit hours from an ABA-accredited law school combined with a clerkship or study for at least four years in a law office
- Graduating from a non-ABA-approved US law school with a J.D. Degree and then practicing for five out of the past seven years in another jurisdiction
- Completing a foreign law study program that’s equivalent to an ABA-approved program in the United States.
The Bar Exam has two parts: The Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) and New York Law Examination. The application fee is $250 for US law school graduates or $750 for foreign law school graduates, and all newly admitted lawyers must be formally sworn in. To maintain a law license in New York, new attorneys must complete 32 CLE hours within the first two years, including courses in specified practice areas. During each subsequent two-year period, another 24 hours of CLE is required. For more information visit: www.lawyeredu.org.
Why Rochester?
Rochester is a friendly, welcoming community that supports two internationally acclaimed universities. The city is filled with historic landmarks, cultural events, beautiful parks and community pride. In addition to higher education, key economic sectors include health care, technology, research and development. Rochester’s cost of living runs below the national average thanks to housing and transportation, although the area’s utility costs and taxes tend to be higher than comparable US cities.
The Regional Transit Service (RTS) provides local commuters with bus services, and for air travelers there’s the Greater Rochester International Airport. The legal district in Rochester is located downtown off I-490 near the Genesee River. Some of the city’s best neighborhoods include Park Avenue, Homestead Heights, Cobbs Hill, Browncroft and Corn Hill.
In addition to the city’s public parks, restaurants and performing arts venues, Rochester residents frequently visit popular attractions like the Seneca Park Zoo, Highland Park, Strong National Museum of Play, Seabreeze Amusement Park and George Eastman Museum. The area’s 4-season climate produces an annual average of 165 sunny days, 33 inches of rain and 77 inches of snow. July is usually the warmest month, with daily highs near 82 degrees F., and January the coolest month, with lows averaging around 17 degrees F.
Employers
Competition for legal talent is fierce. Gain the advantage and hire with confidence.
Candidates
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Frequently Asked Questions
Rochester’s candidate pool is well-rounded, drawing from a mix of local law schools, including those at Syracuse University and the University at Buffalo. Many candidates possess experience in healthcare, technology, and manufacturing sectors due to the presence of companies like Rochester Regional Health and Eastman Kodak. A high percentage of legal professionals have backgrounds in labor law, intellectual property, and healthcare compliance, meeting the city’s industry-specific legal needs. Additionally, Rochester’s affordable cost of living and quality of life attract both new graduates and seasoned attorneys seeking career longevity.
The most in-demand legal positions in Rochester include healthcare compliance attorneys, intellectual property lawyers, and corporate counsel. Healthcare attorneys are particularly sought after by major employers like the University of Rochester and Rochester Regional Health. Corporate lawyers specializing in M&A and regulatory compliance are needed by established companies such as Paychex and Constellation Brands. Additionally, labor and employment law is in demand to support Rochester’s large manufacturing and educational sectors.
Rochester’s legal market is primarily influenced by the healthcare, technology, and education sectors. The presence of major healthcare organizations drives demand for healthcare law and regulatory compliance expertise. The technology sector, led by companies like Eastman Kodak and Xerox, requires intellectual property lawyers, while educational institutions like the University of Rochester contribute to a need for education law attorneys. Manufacturing and renewable energy projects are also emerging as key influencers, increasing demand in environmental and labor law.
Rochester’s legal field is evolving due to a focus on technology-driven industries, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Growing emphasis on renewable energy projects has led to greater demand for attorneys specializing in environmental law. Meanwhile, the tech sector’s expansion is reshaping intellectual property law in the region, as companies work to protect innovations. The city’s ongoing revitalization efforts also impact real estate and land use law, as developers bring new projects to the area, requiring attorneys to address zoning and regulatory compliance issues.
The adoption of remote and hybrid work has grown in Rochester, especially in larger firms and corporate legal departments. Remote options have allowed companies to attract talent from a broader geographical area, enhancing the candidate pool. Compensation remains competitive, with some firms adjusting salaries to align with national standards. Additionally, Rochester’s affordable cost of living makes local positions attractive, as compensation stretches further than in higher-cost markets.
Rochester’s legal sector has made notable strides in diversity and inclusion, supported by organizations like the Greater Rochester Association for Women Attorneys (GRAWA) and the Rochester Black Bar Association. These organizations promote equal representation, offering mentorship and professional support to underrepresented groups. Legal firms in Rochester are increasingly prioritizing diversity in hiring practices, creating a more inclusive workforce that reflects the community’s demographics. This focus on diversity enriches the local legal market and strengthens connections within Rochester’s multicultural population.
