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BEG vs Major, Lindsey & Africa: Legal Placement Compared
Major, Lindsey & Africa is one of the most recognized names in legal search, known for partner-level and senior in-house placements. BEG is a milestone-based permanent placement service that focuses on the mid-market law firm. This is a fair comparison of where each firm fits and where they differ.
Major, Lindsey & Africa is the best-known specialist in legal search. Its market is the Am Law 200 firm, the Fortune 500 general counsel, and the premium end of the lateral partner market. BEG occupies a different segment entirely: the 11-200 attorney law firm and the growing company that wants the same quality of search at a cost that fits its budget. This is not a head-to-head for the same client. It is a comparison to help you identify which firm was built for your situation.
For the cost comparison on your specific search, the Recruiting Fee Calculator gives you the numbers.
What Is the Key Difference Between BEG and ML&A?
Market segment and pricing model. ML&A is the enterprise legal search firm. Its reputation, relationships, and process are built around the most senior, highest-profile legal placements in the country. BEG is built for the mid-market. It uses a milestone-based fee model that runs roughly 50% less than contingency, and it focuses on the 11-200 attorney firm and the growing company where a single placement carries significant weight but an enterprise-level search fee does not fit the budget.
| Factor | Major, Lindsey & Africa | BEG |
|---|---|---|
| Primary market | Am Law 200, Fortune 500 in-house | Mid-market law firms (11-200 attorneys), growing companies |
| Placement level | Partners, senior in-house, GC | Associates, paralegals, counsel, GC, partners |
| Fee model | Premium contingency or retained | Milestone-based, roughly 50% less than contingency |
| Fill speed | Varies by level and complexity | 23-35 day average |
| Replacement guarantee | Varies by agreement | 45 days standard |
| Cost relative to mid-market | Premium | Designed for mid-market budgets |
Fee structures reflect common market positioning; exact ML&A terms vary by engagement. Confirm current pricing directly.
Where ML&A Is a Strong Fit
If you are an Am Law 200 firm hiring a lateral partner with a significant portable book, or a Fortune 500 company hiring a senior general counsel, ML&A is built for exactly that. Its relationships at the most senior levels of the legal market and its track record with premium placements are genuine advantages. BEG does not compete at the enterprise-legal tier. That market belongs to firms like ML&A that have spent decades building those specific networks.
Where BEG Is a Strong Fit
BEG is built for the mid-market law firm that ML&A treats as outside its primary focus:
- The 11-200 attorney firm. Mid-market firms are often underserved by enterprise legal search. BEG is built for this market specifically.
- Roughly 50% less than standard contingency. A milestone-based fee that fits mid-market budgets without sacrificing search quality.
- All legal roles, not just senior. Associates, paralegals, counsel, partners, and general counsel are all in scope.
- 23-35 day average fill, 86% fill rate. Faster than most legal search timelines at any level.
- 45-day replacement guarantee. Standard on every engagement.
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How to Decide
If your firm is in the Am Law 200 and the hire is a senior partner or in-house leader at an enterprise company, ML&A has the relationships and track record for that placement. If your firm is in the 11-200 attorney range and the need is an associate, paralegal, partner, or counsel at a cost and speed that fit a mid-market budget, BEG's milestone-based legal placement service is built for exactly that.
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Related Resources
Anthony helps mid-market law firms and growing companies fill legal roles faster and at lower cost than enterprise search firms. BEG is an authorized reseller of isolved Job Placement Services. Major, Lindsey & Africa is a trademark of its respective owner and is not affiliated with BEG.
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