
Partner Recruitment for Law Firms
A new partner can bring a law firm business, client relationships, specialist expertise or a team. Selin Legal helps law firms identify and approach partners and senior lawyers with a clear specialist profile – discreetly and based on the firm's strategic direction.
Partner recruitment is a strategic decision
A lateral partner is more than a strong CV. The hire affects the firm's business, client relationships, organisation and culture, often for many years.
We therefore start by clarifying together with you what the recruitment should achieve: strengthening an existing practice area, establishing a new one or adding specialist expertise or a team.
What we assess in partner recruitment
We review the questions that determine whether a partner fits the firm, both commercially and strategically:
- Business and client relationships – The candidate's business and client relationships, and how the candidate's client base complements or overlaps with the firm's existing client base. Not every candidate is expected to bring a client portfolio.
- Team – Whether the candidate works with a team, how the team is composed and which team members may be relevant.
- Conflicts – Potential conflicts of interest that need to be identified early, so the firm can assess them in good time.
- Platform – How the firm's platform – practice areas, clients, networks and support functions – fits the candidate's practice.
- Remuneration model – Expectations regarding the remuneration model, profit sharing and any capital matters.
- Strategic direction – How the candidate's ambitions align with the firm's long-term strategic direction.
Specialists in the legal market
Selin Legal specialises in the recruitment of lawyers. Our knowledge of the legal market and long-standing relationships enable us to identify and approach relevant candidates even when they are not actively considering a new role.
How the process works
We work with a structured search process adapted to each assignment:
- 1.Needs analysis – We review the firm's situation, the practice area and what the hire should add in terms of business, client relationships and strategic direction.
- 2.Search and mapping – We map the market and identify relevant candidates, including lawyers who are not actively looking for a new position.
- 3.Selection – We approach candidates discreetly and hold initial conversations.
- 4.In-depth assessment – We conduct in-depth interviews and, in line with the agreed process, reference checks.
- 5.Presentation – We present a limited number of carefully selected candidates with our assessment, once the candidate has given consent.
- 6.Client interviews and final candidates – We keep the process together, support the candidates and assist you in the evaluation.
- 7.Agreement and follow-up – We assist until an agreement is reached and follow up after the start date.
The timeline is agreed with you at the start of each assignment.
Discretion
Partner recruitment requires discretion both towards candidates and within your own firm. We agree with you which people at the firm should be involved in the assignment, and candidates are only presented once they have given their consent.
Are you a partner or lawyer yourself?
This page is intended for law firms that want to recruit. If you are considering your own next career step, read more about our agent services for lawyers.
Frequently asked questions about partner recruitment
We start with a needs analysis where we clarify together with you what the hire should add to the firm. We then map the market, approach relevant candidates discreetly, hold in-depth conversations and present a limited selection. The firm makes the decision.
Not necessarily. A partner can contribute business, client relationships, specialist expertise or a team. What matters most depends on the firm's needs and strategy.
We agree with you which people at the firm should be involved in the assignment. Information about candidates is shared only with them and only after the candidate's consent.
Potential conflicts are raised early in the process so the firm can assess them before discussions continue. The conflict check itself is carried out by the firm under its own procedures.
It varies with the scope of the assignment, the market and the candidate's situation, including notice periods and terms at the current firm. We agree a timeline with you at the start.
For law firms
Are you planning to recruit a partner?
Contact us for a confidential and no-obligation conversation about your firm's needs.