Public Finance Blog

“So, what’s happening out there?” What a great question!  While firms are heading in opposing directions, one has to question where the hiring market is really going.  Especially in the field of public finance for both bankers and bond counsels.  I’m here to share that it’s both very active and very restrictive at the same time. 

Who’s Driving The Hiring Market? 

I don’t want to characterize the hiring market as either employment-driven or candidate-driven.  I think it’s a hybrid, which is dependent on the firm, position, or location.  For some firms, they are going after top-notch producers, providing well-seeded compensation programs, but you must be a producer.  On the flip side, other firms are letting people go, consolidating their public finance efforts, and in certain regards even changing direction and not hiring at all.  In essence, if you’re a producer, you are coveted, and if you’re a transactional banker or counsel, you’re like everyone else.  So, how do you make the right decision if it’s time to leave? 

Much Needed Wisdom

Sleepy, one of the seven dwarves, was known for his lethargic attitude while working in the mine, and just went along doing his work and not making any waves.  But what is little known about this tired dwarf is that he was the wisest of them all.  It was he who warned everyone of the coming of the Evil Queen.  His nonchalant attitude yielded to his enhanced perception that was so needed.  That is what has to be applied today in the hiring market.  Keep your eyes open for those rare but desirable opportunities.  They are out there!  Too many good bankers and attorneys are just sitting, still riding the waves until something “bad” happens.  They are then forced into a reactive mode rather than a proactive role.  They become that person who does not let anyone know about their inner desires, and then they make their move before anyone else is aware.  They’re the professionals who get the coveted positions.  They become the new heads of departments, not followers.  Like Sleepy, the most famous dwarf, they are wise beyond their appearance.  Let us help you find the gold in the mine that the dwarves worked daily to discover; however, like our friend Sleepy, keep an eye out for that Evil Queen.

Conclusion

You don’t need a resume to chat with us! If you would like to discuss your options, please reach out for a confidential conversation at 760-477-1284 or email at harlan@hfriedmansearch.com. He can also be reached on LinkedIn. Harlan publishes a blog every Thursday here. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here, which is a compilation of our weekly blogs, so you never miss one. We have also been mentioned in 2025’s Forbes, click HERE to read more.  

About Harlan Friedman, JD & Founding Member, H. Friedman Search LLC. Harlan is a thirty-year veteran Public Finance Banker turned recruiter who specializes in the placement of all levels Public Finance Bankers, Healthcare Bankers, Municipal Advisors, Compliance Officers, Issuers, and Bond Counsels.