Founded by experienced legal recruiter Michelle Bigler, MB Attorney Search is a Wisconsin-based recruiting firm known for its practical insight, strong relationships, and commitment to long-term success. With a background that includes more than a decade in attorney recruiting, Michelle brings a grounded, informed perspective to every search.
Her firm partners with law firms and corporate legal departments across Wisconsin and the Midwest, focusing on placements that reflect not only the skills required but the culture, values, and long-term goals of both the attorney and the hiring organization. MB Attorney Search operates with a clear focus on alignment and long-term outcomes, ensuring that each placement supports both immediate needs and future growth for attorneys and employers alike.
We spoke with Michelle about the unique dynamics of the Wisconsin and Midwest legal markets, what firms in the region value most in their hires, and how thoughtful recruiting helps both employers and attorneys make confident, informed decisions.
Inside the Wisconsin and Midwest Legal Markets
Bigler describes Wisconsin’s legal community as collegial, selective, and deeply relationship-driven. “It’s a small community where everyone knows each other,” she said. “Reputation matters. Attorneys can’t just move from one firm to another without people noticing, so it’s important that every placement fits both professionally and personally.”
Madison
Legal Recruiter Spotlight: MB Attorney Search
MB Attorney Search offers over 25 years of experience recruiting talented attorneys for our client’s hiring needs. MB Attorney Search connects attorneys in Madison and Milwaukee with employers forging relationships that make a positive impact on businesses, careers, and most importantly, lives. Advantageous introductions are what we do best. Our reputation depends on it.
She notes that both Milwaukee and Madison remain active, and many regional and mid-sized firms across the state continue to thrive. “There’s strong demand for attorneys who want to stay in Wisconsin, raise families here, and build stable careers,” Bigler explained. “The market rewards reliability, good judgment, and client service.”
Milwaukee
Legal Recruiter Spotlight: MB Attorney Search
MB Attorney Search offers over 25 years of experience recruiting talented attorneys for our client’s hiring needs. MB Attorney Search connects attorneys in Madison and Milwaukee with employers forging relationships that make a positive impact on businesses, careers, and most importantly, lives. Advantageous introductions are what we do best. Our reputation depends on it.
Across the broader Midwest, hiring remains steady in areas such as litigation, corporate, estate planning, and real estate. Bigler also sees consistent demand in larger regional centers, including Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, and Indianapolis, particularly in corporate, M&A, private equity, healthcare, real estate, public finance, commercial litigation, and labor and employment. “Smaller markets can be surprisingly strong,” she added. “It’s not about volume; it’s about finding the right fit for each practice and location.”
“It’s not about volume; it’s about finding the right fit for each practice and location.”
– Michelle Bigler
MB Attorney Search
According to Bigler, the region is one of the most dependable and quietly competitive legal markets in the country. Growth is guided by long-term strategy rather than short-term fluctuations, and many opportunities exist within a hidden market of confidential outreach. Firm leaders frequently explore strategic hires, partner-level additions, or succession planning before making any public moves.
She emphasized that Midwest firms value well-rounded attorneys who can manage matters independently and strengthen client relationships. “Many of my clients value someone who can take a file from start to finish, not just handle one piece of it,” she said. Hiring expectations are also shaped by culture. “Remote work is part of the conversation now, but firms are careful. They want to preserve collaboration and mentorship,” she noted. “For younger attorneys, being in the office at least part of the time can make a huge difference in their development.”
While Midwest firms may move more deliberately than coastal markets, Bigler believes they offer sophisticated work, more achievable partnership paths, and a genuine emphasis on team stability.
Guidance for Attorneys Considering a Move
Bigler’s advice to attorneys considering a move is simple: be intentional. “Think about what you want and what kind of environment makes you happy,” she said. “Don’t chase a title or a salary without understanding the trade-offs.”
She also cautions against working with too many recruiters. “If multiple recruiters are sending your résumé to the same firms, it reflects poorly on you,” she explained. “Law firms start to wonder if you’re serious or just shopping around. Pick one recruiter you trust and let them represent you strategically.”
Transparency, she said, is one of the most overlooked parts of the process. “Be honest about your motivations. If you’re leaving because of culture, say that. If you want better work-life balance, tell me,” Bigler said. “The more I understand your goals, the better I can advocate for you.”
Her role often goes beyond matching candidates with jobs. “I talk people through tough decisions,” she added. “Sometimes the right advice is to stay where they are, and I’m not afraid to say that. My goal is to help them build sustainable careers, not just make a move.”
She emphasized that many Midwest attorneys are not actively searching when they first connect with her. Instead, they respond when a meaningful role arises, one that offers real growth, balance, and alignment with their career goals.
Bigler also works closely with attorneys considering moves back to the Midwest from major markets. Many want sophisticated work but are seeking a more sustainable lifestyle, lower cost of living, and closer community ties.
What Employers Need to Know When Hiring in the Midwest
For employers, MB Attorney Search serves as an extension of their hiring team. “Smaller firms don’t always have the resources to recruit actively,” Bigler said. “They rely on us to identify qualified candidates who fit their practice and their values.”
Her clients include law firms, corporate legal departments, and specialty practices that value confidentiality and professionalism. “Sometimes a firm wants to explore adding a lateral partner without broadcasting it to the market,” she explained. “We can do that discreetly and effectively.”
Bigler’s approach is personal and direct. She takes time to understand not only the job description but also the culture, workflow, and personalities involved. “It’s not about filling a seat,” she said. “It’s about finding someone who will succeed there for years.”
She added that many of her clients come back repeatedly because of that trust. “Some of the firms I work with today were my first clients more than a decade ago,” Bigler said. “They know I’ll be honest, that I won’t oversell a candidate, and that I’ll protect their reputation as much as my own. That consistency matters in a small market.”
Bigler explained that many Midwestern firms take a measured approach to expansion, which makes trusted recruiting partnerships especially important when timing and discretion matter. They often engage her to help navigate sensitive conversations around succession planning, partner transitions, team expansion, or evaluating the market quietly before committing to growth.
Because many firms know how interconnected Midwestern markets can be, they rely on recruiters who understand reputation risk and can navigate sensitive searches with precision.
Looking Ahead
Bigler expects steady demand to continue across Wisconsin and neighboring states. “The Midwest tends to be stable even when other regions fluctuate,” she said. “Firms here grow carefully, and that creates a consistent need for good lawyers.”
She is also optimistic about younger attorneys returning home after starting careers elsewhere. “We’re seeing more lawyers who trained in Chicago or the coasts deciding they want to come back to Wisconsin,” Bigler said. “They’re looking for balance, community, and meaningful work.”
She added that markets such as Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Louis, Kansas City, and Indianapolis, are each experiencing their own kind of strong growth. Chicago remains the commercial hub with strong deal flow, St. Louis is a quietly powerful corporate and healthcare center, Kansas City continues to grow across corporate and real estate, and Indianapolis offers consistent demand in healthcare and life sciences.
Across these cities, Bigler sees clear demand for attorneys who bring sound judgment, reliability, and long-term thinking, qualities that align closely with the values of the Midwest.
Final Thoughts
MB Attorney Search offers more than placement services. Under Michelle Bigler’s leadership, the firm provides honest guidance, regional expertise, and personal attention grounded in trust and relationships. Bigler remains optimistic about the region’s future, noting that the Midwest rewards substance, consistency, and authenticity, the same values that define her approach to recruiting.
