These Tampa legal staffing and boutique legal recruitment firms can help simplify your transition from one law firm to another, while prioritizing your career goals and finding the flexibility your lifestyle demands. Legal headhunters work proactively to speak with employers in the area about upcoming opportunities and can help to streamline the entire interview and hiring process.
Verified Tampa 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 Tampa area.
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Job Opportunities
Started as a manufacturing center for the cigar industry, Tampa, Florida, has become the industrial, financial, and commercial hub of Florida’s west coast. The greater Tampa Bay area today is home to over 4 million residents and 7 Fortune 500 companies. For talented lawyers who are seeking fresh career challenges, the forecast is bright when relocating to Tampa.
Nearly 6,000 attorneys currently work in the Tampa metro area at its 1000s of corporations, law firms and government agencies. Those lawyers earn an average base salary of $95,126 while enjoying networking and continuing education opportunities through these professional organizations:
- The Florida Bar
- Hillsborough County Bar Association
- North Tampa Bar Association
- Many other state and local bar associations based on practice specialty, race, gender, ethnicity and personal interests.
Requirements to Practice Law
To begin practicing law in Florida, first you must earn a law degree from an ABA-accredited law school and then pass the state bar exam. The fee for taking the Florida bar exam is $600, and once you’ve passed the bar exam there is an additional $1000 fee for applying to the Florida Bar.
Lawyers who have been actively practicing law in another U.S. jurisdiction for at least 10 years may also take the Florida bar exam after proving that they are in good standing in their current jurisdiction. In addition, all lawyers who pass the Florida bar exam must also take and pass the Multistate Professional Responsibility Exam (MPRE) within 25 months of taking the bar exam.
To continue holding 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 must also report all the MCLE credits that they have earned to the law examiner’s office. For more information, please visit: www.lawyeredu.org
Why Tampa?
Tampa is a culturally diverse community where “Tampanians” are free to express themselves through food, language and the performing arts. The rapid growth in the greater Tampa Bay area is fueled by an economy that competes globally in sectors like financial services, data, healthcare and agriculture. Major employers based in the region include Fortune 500 companies like Raymond James, Publix, Tech Data, WellCare Health Plans, Bloomin’ Brands and Jabil.
Tampa’s cost of living is slightly higher than the national average due to housing and transportation, but its utility and healthcare expenses are lower than comparable U.S. cities. The Hillsborough Area Rapid Transit (HART) and Tampa Bay Area Regional Transit Authority (TBARTA) systems provide commuters with several public transportation options, including bus, trolley and light rail services. There are also two convenient hubs for air travelers, Tampa International Airport and St. Pete-Clearwater International Airport.
The Legal District in downtown Tampa is located west of the Channel District between I-275 and the 618 Tollway. The best neighborhoods for lawyers to settle in include Sunset Park, Parkland Estates, Harbour Island, Bayshore Beautiful, Palma Ceia and Belmar Gardens. In addition to its many golf courses, restaurants, festivals, beaches and parks, major attractions in the Tampa Bay area include 4 professional sports teams, Ybor City, the zoo, Tampa Riverwalk, Busch Gardens, The Florida Aquarium and Bayshore Boulevard.
Tampa’s year-around climate is quite comfortable, with an average of 246 sunny days per year. Annual rainfall amounts in this part of Florida are higher than the national average, but snow is never a concern. The warmest month of the year in Tampa is July, with daily highs near 90 degrees F, while January ranks as the coldest month, with average lows near 50 degrees F.
Employers
Competition for legal talent is fierce. Gain the advantage and hire with confidence.
Candidates
Your next big opportunity is here.
We can help you find it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tampa boasts a vibrant legal community with nearly 6,000 attorneys. These legal professionals work across diverse settings, including large and mid-sized law firms, corporate legal departments, and various government agencies. The presence of a substantial number of attorneys reflects the dynamic and diverse legal needs of the Tampa area.
The Tampa legal market is bustling with opportunities, particularly in areas that cater to the region’s distinctive economic and demographic landscape. In real estate law, the active market demands expertise in transactions, land use, and zoning due to continuous development and investment. The substantial retired population in Florida has created a robust demand for elder law services, including estate planning and elder rights, reflecting the needs of this significant demographic. Corporate law is also in high demand, fueled by Tampa’s strong business presence, necessitating expertise in mergers, acquisitions, commercial litigation, and employment law. Additionally, the sizable healthcare industry in Tampa calls for legal professionals skilled in regulatory compliance and medical malpractice.
The real estate sector, with its ongoing developments and transactions, heavily relies on legal expertise in land use, zoning, and property dealings. Similarly, the extensive healthcare industry in Tampa necessitates specialized legal support in areas such as regulatory compliance and medical malpractice, reflecting the sector’s complexity and regulatory environment. Additionally, the burgeoning tech sector contributes to a growing need for legal professionals skilled in intellectual property and data security, essential for protecting innovations and managing cyber risks. Furthermore, the significant retired population in Florida drives a consistent demand for elder law services, including estate planning and elder rights, catering to the unique needs of this demographic.
The Tampa legal market is experiencing transformative changes primarily driven by advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). AI is increasingly being integrated into various legal processes, enhancing efficiency and productivity. This technological shift is creating new demand for legal expertise, particularly in areas such as intellectual property, AI ethics, and compliance. Furthermore, law firms are starting to use private cloud technologies to improve data security, which is becoming crucial as cyber threats rise. The introduction of more sophisticated legal service providers (ALSPs) offering alternative fee structures is also reshaping cost expectations and legal service delivery.
The move towards remote work, sped up by the global pandemic, continues to influence the legal sector in Tampa. This change has led to a more flexible work environment and adjustments in compensation strategies to maintain competitiveness and efficiency. Law firms are increasingly adopting technologies that support remote work, which also aids in expanding their recruitment reach beyond local geographies. Compensation is becoming more closely aligned with market demands, especially as firms seek to attract talent skilled in emerging technologies and remote work capabilities.
Diversity and inclusion efforts are gaining momentum within Tampa’s legal community. Law firms and corporate legal departments are making concerted efforts to promote diversity in hiring and workplace culture. This focus is not only a response to social justice movements but also reflects the growing recognition of the benefits of diverse perspectives in enhancing service delivery and decision-making. The emphasis on inclusion is helping to foster a more welcoming and supportive professional environment for all legal practitioners.
