Based in Louisiana, YSR Search has built a reputation for credibility, connection, and deep local expertise. The firm focuses on placements across Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and the Gulf Coast, helping law firms and corporate legal departments secure top talent in a state with unique legal and cultural dynamics. With roots in the local legal community, YSR Search emphasizes personal relationships, precise matchmaking, and long-term fit.
We recently spoke with Michael Harold, founder of YSR Search. Before founding YSR Search, Harold practiced law in Louisiana for 23 years, primarily in multiparty litigation. That background gave him a keen understanding of the profession and a statewide network he now leverages on behalf of clients. “I know a lot of lawyers around Louisiana. When I send a letter or resume, they’re going to open it and read it, versus a random resume coming in cold,” he explained.
Harold spoke to us about the challenges and opportunities in Louisiana’s hiring landscape, and what both candidates and employers should know about working in this distinctive market.
Accidents and Injuries Drive Demand Despite Low Pay Rates
The Louisiana market has heavy demand across casualty, property and bodily injury, labor and employment, and maritime law. “Oil exploration leads to more accidents, more contracts in the Gulf Coast. That drives demand,” Harold observed.
At the same time, lower billable rates create challenges. “Casualty work and rates aren’t high. Firms are having a hard time bringing in lawyers who want to make more money elsewhere where billable rates are higher,” he said. That pay gap contributes to fewer lateral moves: “Not many lawyers are making moves like they were before.”
Louisiana’s legal structure adds another layer. “Everyone moving in has to take the bar. You can’t waive in from another state. It’s unfortunate for people moving here, but a good lawyer can pass the bar,” Herold explained. The state’s blend of federal common law and Napoleonic civil law also makes familiarity with local practice essential.
Louisiana Lawyers Aren’t in the Office Until Midnight
Harold underscores that while Louisiana may not offer the highest salaries, the lifestyle is a major draw. “Louisiana is not a high-paying state like Texas, but you get an easier cost of living. You’re not in the office until midnight working countless hours. People here enjoy their lives and want work–life balance,” Harold said.
New Orleans
Legal Recruiter Spotlight: YSR Search LLC
YSR Search was established in 2014 by Michael Harold who has over 2 decades of experience practicing law in New Orleans. YSR Search specializes in the placement of lawyers in all practice areas, including firms and some in-house counsel positions.
Generational differences play into cultural fit as well. “Most lawyers learn from other lawyers. Some want to be in the office, not at home on Zoom. If they want that, they want the supervisor to be there too,” Harold noted. By contrast, “older partners tend to think they want to be at home. That’s affecting where certain lawyers will go.”
Baton Rouge
Legal Recruiter Spotlight: YSR Search LLC
YSR Search was established in 2014 by Michael Harold who has over 2 decades of experience practicing law in Louisiana. YSR Search specializes in the placement of lawyers in all practice areas, including firms and some in-house counsel positions.
Be Careful with Blind Reliance on AI
Harold has strong views on the use of AI in legal practice. “I read about a case where an associate drafted a brief and cited several cases—one of them didn’t even exist. That’s laziness by not checking. Lawyers need to exercise extreme care,” he emphasized.
Recent incidents have shown how risky blind reliance can be. In both Texas and Pennsylvania, attorneys filed briefs containing fictitious case citations generated by AI, leading to sanctions and judicial scrutiny. These mistakes stem from AI “hallucinations,” where tools confidently invent false information. For Harold, the lesson is clear: AI may assist with drafting, but every citation must be verified with trusted legal research before reaching the court.
When to Call a Recruiter and How They Add Value
Harold advises firms to call a recruiter when traditional channels fall short. “If a firm puts an ad in the state bar journal and gets horrible resumes, it’s worth it to them to call a recruiter. I may be working with a lawyer who’s the right fit, but if the firm doesn’t know they’re looking, they’ll never connect,” he said.
“Sometimes lawyers wait for the right opportunity instead of sending resumes everywhere. That’s when a recruiter adds real value.”
– Michael Harold
YSR Search
For attorneys, a relationship with a recruiter is invaluable. Harold meets candidates in person and takes pride in advocating for them directly. “I can boast about them in a way the lawyer can’t do by himself,” he noted. He also pushes firms to look past rigid metrics like class rank. “Sometimes firms underestimate a lawyer who isn’t in the top 20%. I know how talented they are based on who they work with and on the one-on-one interview. If a lawyer is exceptional, I want to put that lawyer in front of a firm.”
Finding a Fit in Louisiana’s Unique Market
Michael Harold and YSR Search combine firsthand legal experience with deep Louisiana roots. With a clear-eyed understanding of the state’s market dynamics, Harold helps firms look beyond the résumé to discover exceptional talent and assists attorneys in finding the right cultural and professional fit.
For firms seeking proven talent in Baton Rouge, New Orleans, or across Louisiana, and for attorneys exploring their next move, YSR Search offers a trusted partner who understands both the people and the profession.
