Client FAQ

If you are an attorney or legal administrator/human resource director with a staffing need, give us a call. We will immediately search our database for paralegal, secretarial or receptionist applicants for your consideration. Our goal is to minimize your time and effort involved in hiring personnel while maximizing your results.

Your need for a temporary secretary can arise suddenly. An illness, vacation, vacancy, or just the need for extra help can interrupt the normal workflow. Columbus Bar Services, Inc. has qualified temporary support staff who can help. Again, each candidate has been tested and interviewed. We realize the necessity of having a temporary with experience to keep your office running smoothly.

To serve all your staffing needs, call 614/221.4112 and talk with the Placement Director.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q--How can Columbus Bar Placement Services, Inc. help me find support staff for my law office?
A--We match attorneys with qualified applicants at a substantial savings in time, effort and fees.

Q--What is the charge for your services?
A--Columbus Bar charges 10% of the first year's annual salary for both full-time and part-time permanent placements.

Q--How do your fees compare to those of employment services?
A--Our fees are much less than those of commercial employment agencies.

Q--Do you place temporary employees?
A--Yes, we also operate a temp referral service, which sends temporary legal secretaries and receptionists on assignments.

Q--Is your service available to all attorneys and corporations?
A--Yes, our service is for everyone - you do not have to be a member of the Columbus Bar Association.

Q--Will my request be handled in a confidential manner?
A--Yes, we will mail or email a candidate's credentials to you if you do not wish them to be faxed to your office. You may also pick up information at the Columbus Bar offices.

Q--For which classification of support staff do you receive the most requests?
A--Most calls are for full-time legal secretaries, followed by paralegals and receptionists.

Q--May I call a Columbus Bar Placement candidate and schedule an interview myself?
A--Yes, however we ask that you inform us first about the people that you choose to schedule for interviews.

Q--How does the matching process work?
A--You call or email Columbus Bar Services, Inc. to place a job order. We take into consideration your specific staffing needs, completing the job order form with pertinent information. We fax, email or mail candidate credentials to you for your review. You contact the candidates you want to interview to arrange mutually convenient interview times after you have notified us of those who are of interest to you. You schedule second interviews if desired; and you notify Columbus Bar Services, Inc. when you hire the candidate(s) of your choice.

Q--How do you determine the qualifications of a candidate?
A--Columbus Bar Placement Services, Inc. tests all applicants in grammar, spelling, and keyboarding - basic skills which legal support staff should possess. A candidate's background and experience in the field are also essential considerations.

Q--Do you have a refund policy?
A--Yes, we do. There is a full refund if employment is terminated during the first two weeks; 75% refund during the third or fourth week; 50% refund during the fifth through eighth week; and 25% during the ninth through twelfth week.

Q--When is payment expected from the law firm or corporation?
A--Columbus Bar Placement Services, Inc. requests payment within 30 days after an invoice is sent.

Q--Am I assessed a fee if I do not find a suitable candidate?
A--No, a fee is charged only if we place a candidate within your organization.

Q--Can I conduct my own search and work through Columbus Bar Placement Services, Inc. as well?
A--You are encouraged to use any means possible to find the support staff you need.

Q--What if I receive a candidate's credentials before I receive them from Columbus Bar Placement Services, Inc.?
A--If you have already received the credentials of a candidate we send you, we ask that you contact our office after you receive our information, and that person will not be considered one of our candidates.

Q--What credentials are included for each candidate?
A--A candidate's credentials consist of a current resume and all testing results. Letters of recommendation may be included if they are provided by the candidate.

Q--Do you advertise your services?
A--The Columbus Dispatch carries our classified ads. We advertise in other legal-oriented publications as well.

Q--What other services do you offer?
A--Seminars are conducted for support staff on such topics as proofreading, telephone skills, grammar, business ethics and confidentiality, time management, etc. at varying times throughout the year. In addition, we offer an eight week Law Office Basics course each year in September.

Q--Do I sign an agreement for your services?
A--Yes, we have a standard contract that explains our fee schedule, refund policies and temporary and permanent placement procedures. We ask you to review, date and sign the standard contract.