>So whether a contract is signed or not, they know that by telling the Recruiter they would be interested in reviewing and/or interviewing their candidate, they

>So whether a contract is signed or not, they know that by telling the Recruiter they would be interested in reviewing and/or interviewing their candidate, they are not only accepting the solicitation (thus can't claim it was unsolicited), they are also indirectly agreeing to pay a fee. I know of firms that will pay a small finders fee (usually $500 to $2000) for a referral that turns into a hire from any random stranger. Without the recruiter specifying otherwise and getting agreement, it's completely reasonable for the firm to assume this is just another such referral.