Our Process
High-Calibre Lawyers, Hired Without Guesswork
At Smith Legal Search, we deliver more than resumes—we deliver alignment. Our searches are focused, research-driven, and tailored to the distinct dynamics of your firm or legal department. We invest time up front to understand what success looks like for you—skills, style, trajectory—so that every candidate we put forward reflects that intent. Our nationally integrated offices share market insight in real time, giving you both local knowledge and national reach. And our role as trusted advisors means we prioritize long-term fit over short-term volume.
● 98% retention rate among placed candidates
● 10+ year average tenure post-placement
● No surprises—just strategic matches.
Deliberate hiring. Sustained performance. Trusted partnership.
The Smith Legal Search Blueprint
We combine data, industry expertise, and judgment to deliver hires who stick —not just candidates who check boxes. Our five-part framework is designed to surface the right lawyer, not the most available one.
- Scope definition: We begin by aligning on what success looks like to you—beyond the job description. From practice mix to leadership potential, we define the ideal candidate with intent.
- Market mapping: Our dedicated research team builds a custom talent landscape for each search, giving you the full picture.
- Targeted Outreach: We don’t wait for interest—we generate it. Through direct, targeted outreach, we reach lawyers who aren’t actively looking, but might be open to the right move.
- Curated Shortlist: We present only those who align—technically, culturally, strategically. Every profile is vetted, and every introduction purposeful.
- Offer & Integration: From structuring the offer to managing onboarding dynamics, we help set the stage for long-term success—not just a signed acceptance.
Why It Works
Because Legal Is All We Do
At Smith Legal Search, we don’t dabble across sectors—we specialize. Every consultant on our team is immersed in the legal market: firm structures, compensation trends, lateral dynamics, in- house shifts. It’s all we track, and it’s all we place.
● We speak your language—because we live in this space.
● Our relationship-first approach builds trust.
● We focus on strategic hires with staying power, not transactional placements.
● Post-placement integration checkpoints ensure your investment delivers value far
beyond day one.