of permanent placements made in the last two years are still in position

Rutherford’s private practice team specialises in sourcing exceptional legal professionals for leading law firms across the UK and the US. We recruit for both permanent and interim positions, covering the full spectrum of roles from paralegals and newly qualified lawyers to senior associates, partners, and leadership positions.
With a deep understanding of the legal sector and the unique demands of private practice, we are recognised by both clients and candidates as trusted experts in the field. Our consultants work closely with Magic Circle, Silver Circle, US, and boutique law firms, delivering recruitment solutions that meet both technical and cultural requirements.
From our London base, we operate with a network that extends across domestic and international markets. Our track record in placing high-calibre talent reflects our ability to match the right professional to the right role, supporting the long-term success of both candidates and clients.
Whether you are looking to expand your team or explore your next career move, our private practice team provides discreet, informed, and effective recruitment support.
Our strength lies in our ability to combine technical understanding of the legal sector with a deep appreciation of the cultural and strategic needs of our clients. Every member of our private practice team has extensive experience in the legal recruitment market, giving them the ability to identify, assess, and secure the most suitable legal professionals for each mandate.
We provide search solutions for:
- Partners and senior hires to lead practice areas
- Associates and senior associates with specialist expertise
- Paralegals and legal support roles critical to operational efficiency
Rutherford Search offers both retained and contingent services, adapting our approach to the urgency and complexity of the mandate. We also focus on building long-term partnerships, ensuring that every placement contributes to the ongoing success of the firm.
Where do most law firms hire from? | | Law firms source candidates from various places depending on their recruitment needs. The most common sources include:
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Do law firms use recruitment agencies? | | Yes. Many law firms work with specialist recruitment agencies to identify, approach, and secure talent for hard-to-fill or senior roles. Agencies can provide access to passive candidates, market insights, and targeted shortlists, all of which streamline the hiring process. This is particularly valuable for firms competing in busy practice areas or looking to expand into new markets. |
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Can you go from in-house to private practice? | |
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of permanent placements made in the last two years are still in position
is our Net Promoter Score (NPS) with Candidates
is our Net Promoter Score (NPS) with Clients
of our placements so far in 2023 are from a diverse background