According to National Law Journal 500 data issued Thursday, the growth in the number of attorneys at the 500 biggest law firms in the United States quickened as legal sector income surged in 2024.
Overall, there were 5.5% more lawyers in NLJ 500 firms in 2024 than there were in 2023. Additionally, the NLJ 500 cohort’s average business size increased from 376 to 396, a 5.6% increase.
Joe and I have worked together to recruit and hire the best people for our firm for over 5 years. What impresses me most about Joe is his passion for helping his clients and his candidates be successful. He truly plays as part of the team. He is also a valuable educator as it relates to understanding the market. Joe continues to take the time to collaborate with our hiring team and has demonstrated over and over his ability to shift with our business needs. Joe excels at communication and keeping me updated with any relevant information we need to make hiring decisions. Joe has made a measurable difference in our firm. Highly recommend.
Chief Operating Officer
I’ve dealt with several legal recruiters the past few years and Joe was far and away the best to work with. When he first reached out to me, I was deep in the interview process with an opportunity I found on my own. While he did encourage me to at least consider the firm he wanted to pitch, he also provided advice and counsel on how to navigate the process I was already engaged in. It spoke volumes about Joe’s value as an ally to anyone looking for a new opportunity: he is truly there to help. I ultimately interviewed with and accepted an offer from the firm Joe pitched to me, and after starting that job I am confident it was the right fit for me. Throughout the entire process, Joe was easily accessible, and provided sage advice at every step. In short, he was instrumental in my successful job search. If a friend in the legal industry ever told me they were looking for a new opportunity, I’d immediately point them in Joe’s direction.
Associate Attorney
Working with Michael Knutson has been an absolute game-changer in my professional journey. His depth of knowledge in recruiting is matched only by his genuine dedication to supporting candidates through every step of the process. Michael doesn’t just fill roles—he builds relationships. He took the time to understand my goals, strengths, and values, and then connected me with opportunities that truly aligned. His insights into the industry, clear communication, and strategic guidance made the entire experience seamless and empowering. If you’re looking for a recruiter who’s not only incredibly skilled but also deeply invested in your success, Michael is the one. I’m grateful for his support and highly recommend him to anyone navigating the next step in their career.
Litigation Assistant
It was such a pleasure to work with Joe. He was very knowledgeable about the legal hiring process and was great at keeping me updated on any developments. He also has a great personality, is easy to talk with, and has such a passion for what he does. I would definitely consider working with Joe again in the future if I were ever in need of a new job.
Staff Attorney
Jillian was great to work with and gave me helpful & timely advice throughout the entire application and interview process. I highly recommend working with Jillian if you are even considering a move. Jillian was great to work with and gave me helpful & timely advice throughout the entire application and interview process. I highly recommend working with Jillian if you are even considering a move.
Labor & Employment Attorney
Joseph had reached out to me regarding an opportunity he thought would be a great fit for my experience and an even better jump for my next career move. This was a position I would have otherwise never considered applying for. Not only did he help me along through the interview process, but he also always made a point to keep me apprised of all updates. He truly was a beacon of hope in the recruiting world and helped push me to see my future potential. Even after my start at this new position, Joe continued to follow up with me to check on my training and onboarding. Joseph continues to remind me of all the good recruiters can be out there. He does not just see me as a body to fill the position, but he treats me as a human with
goals and aspirations. It was not just about a commission to Joseph. It was about helping me find my happiness again and helping the firm find the leader they need to move back towards continued success. I know I have said it plenty, but I will always be thankful for Joseph reaching out to me when he did. He understands the roles he needs to fill, but also understands the kind of team player he needs in that role. It is not just about the tools one has, to Joseph, it is about the ability to use the tools they currently have in their kit.
IT Site Supervisor
I would recommend Joe to anyone searching for a new role or a new employee. Joe has an uncanny knack for fitting the right people with the right companies. I wasn’t even really looking for a new opportunity when Joe contacted me, but it was the perfect fit! Joe worked hard to represent my interests and make sure that my transition to a new firm would be as seamless as possible, even when there were a few transition challenges due to timing. Joe was always available to me and so great to work with. Thanks, Joe!
Legal Assistant
Mr. Mayer is top-notch at what he does. I was looking for a change in my legal career, and he led me to the right place! I got a dream offer from an awesome Midwestern civil litigation defense firm. Please use Joseph Mayer’s services!
Associate Attorney
Joe is a fantastic recruiter, hardworking, honest, reliable, and very friendly and approachable. Joe is a trusted and experienced recruiter who takes the time to get to know candidates and clients exceptionally well. Joe builds relationships easily, and handles things in a timely manner, pursuing the right course of action for both the client and candidate, ensuring a positive outcome for all. I heartly recommend Joe as a recruiter of choice.
Partner Recruitment Manager
It is a great pleasure to work with Joe. He is very attentive to our needs, and always finds the right person to fill the job – within the budget guidelines given. Joe is a very personable young man and leverages his recruiting network to find me top quality people in a very short timeframe, at the right price. Excellent interpersonal skills, good sense for business, and a great partner to have on my team.
Infrastructure Account Delivery Executive
Joe has been a valuable resource in sourcing and on-boarding technology resources. There have been numerous situations where Joe was provided limited time to identify a resource. In many of the situations, Joe delivered a quality/qualified candidate that was awarded the position. His attention to detail, knowledge of the business, and work ethic has made him a valuable asset.
Associate Director – Hosting Services
Joseph Mayer was an amazing recruiter who assisted me in obtaining a permanent position in the same healthcare field that I enjoyed working in. He was on the lookout for opportunities that fit my skill set and had open communication that always kept me informed on how my job search was going. I highly recommend him as a recruiter for your job search needs. Thank you, Joe, for going above and beyond to help me find my new position!!
Senior Legal Assistant