Bounty hunter / Legends Bounty hunters primarily worked to capture or kill fugitives and others with a bounty on their head . As mercenaries , they were also known to do other jobs for the right price , including the protection of clients . The most infamous bounty hunters were clever , resourceful , and relentless , making them very dangerous to those with wealthy enemies . As a profession , bounty hunting was organized and regulated by various guilds , such as the Bounty Hunters ' Guild . Bounty hunters occasionally formed partnerships , though partnering with a fellow bounty hunter could be very dangerous business , as they typically valued their personal gain — and survival — above that of their companions . Despite their political neutrality and independence , many bounty hunters were effective " Jedi killers " , which made their services desirable to the Galactic Empire . There were often rivalries between bounty hunters and smugglers serving the same clients , notably between Boba Fett and Han Solo . Organization . The Guilds . There were a number of guilds associated with bounty hunters , the largest and best - known being the Bounty Hunters ' Guild . However , it was often plagued with infighting and a general lack of cooperation between its members , climaxing with its virtual self - destruction during the Bounty Hunter Wars . There were other organizations , such as the House Benelex , Qulok ' s Fist , the GenoHaradan , and the Granse Confederacy , that served a similar purpose . Most bounties were presented to a guild , unless the presenter was able to contact the hunters directly . Posted bounties would then be sent to hunters affiliated with the guild and the hunt would be on . With the exception of powerful beings like Jabba the Hutt , Prince Xizor , Darth Vader , or intermediaries like Kud ' ar Mub ' at , most beings contracted hunters in this manner . During the Jedi Civil War it was possible to merely walk into a bounty office and browse current bounties , as Revan did during his stay on Taris . Permits . During the Imperial Era , the Empire issued Imperial Peace - Keeping Certificates to bounty hunters . In some cases , bounty hunters were required to lodge a B23 - 1 - 14 permit in order to collect the maximum possible bounty . Depending on the jurisdiction , a person without a permit could earn a bounty , as was the norm in Lamaredd . Stance . Bounty hunters were almost always mistrusted and feared by locals around the galaxy . This was because their line of work was often very dangerous , and frightening . Many famous hunters earned reputations as fearsome as the most horrific Sith Lords and criminals . Hunters such as Calo Nord , Jango Fett , and Cad Bane became household names , though none neared the unparalleled infamy of Boba Fett . Bounty hunters were not universally reviled , however . Those who followed government regulations and targeted dangerous criminals were often seen as on the side of law enforcement . On Haruun Kal , many Balawai children revered bounty hunters as larger than life figures . Generally , bounty hunters remained neutral during times of galactic conflict . They were known to favor one side or another , although never officially joining any one group . For example , the aforementioned Calo Nord worked with the Sith during the Jedi Civil War ; the Grand Champion of the Great Hunt worked the Sith Empire during the Cold War ; Jango Fett worked with the Separatists prior to the Clone Wars ; and Cad Bane worked with the Separatists during the Clone Wars . Boba Fett often worked for the Empire and even had a professional relationship of mutual respect with Darth Vader . The Rebel Alliance rarely dealt with bounty hunters , lacking the credits and finding the hunters ' methods contradictory to their ways of battle . Most often , however , bounty hunters were hired by individuals — particularly criminals and crime lords . The Exchange , Black Sun , the Zann Consortium , and Jabba the Hutt were particularly fond of using them , both for their effectiveness and their availability . Work with the Empire . Bounty hunters were hired by the Empire , and following the Battle of Hoth in 3 ABY , a group of bounty hunters were hired to find the starship " Millennium Falcon " . Other bounty hunters provided information to the Empire . One particular individual provided a tip which led to a raid to find Rebel pilot Luke Skywalker .