of permanent placements made in the last two years are still in position
Rutherford is a team of specialist legal recruiting headhunters who find some of the finest in-house lawyers serving corporate legal departments within the financial services industry.
Benefit from Rutherford's legal staffing specialists service, sourcing the finest in-house counsel professionals in the financial services sector. Get acquainted with our top in-house legal recruiters to gain from our services, such as in-house counsel recruitment.
Commercially driven and highly trusted, coupled with the capacity to dedicate time to a variety of tasks in a given day, means the in-house Legal Counsel is not just simply an adviser to the firm, but will often have a seat at the decision-making table as well.
The highly-regulated environment of financial services means that the modern in-house counsel is able to provide accurate and time-sensitive advice to the organization that can be relied upon. Our in-house lawyers sit within leading private equity firms, private credit firms, hedge funds and asset managers.
Legal recruiting firms such as Rutherford, houses legal recruiters who will seek the best legal talent for your business. Choose to work with expert legal recruiters, from leading legal recruiting firms to find the best hire for your company and its growth.
With a long-standing track record in the legal industry, Rutherford is trusted by financial services firms for our understanding of compliance, regulation, and risk from a legal standpoint.
Our highly specialist legal headhunters have extensive knowledge in the legal staffing sector, making Rutherford a top choice when it comes to senior legal searches within financial services.
Rutherford’s legal recruiters specialise in a wide array of in-house legal positions within the financial services sector, including but not limited to:
General Counsel
Legal Counsel
Head of Legal
Legal Director
Legal Operations Manager
Regulatory Counsel
Commercial and Corporate Lawyers
Derivatives and Structured Products Lawyers
We work closely with firms to understand the nuances of each mandate, offering tailored legal recruitment services to ensure the right cultural and technical fit.
In-house legal teams are fundamental to managing risk, maintaining regulatory compliance, and providing strategic support across an organisation’s operations. A typical legal team might include:
General Counsel (GC) – The most senior legal advisor in the company, often sitting on the executive team.
Legal Counsel / In-House Lawyers – Professionals advising on contracts, transactions, compliance, employment law, etc.
Legal Operations Specialists – Focused on efficiency, budgeting, and legal tech solutions.
Legal Analysts / Paralegals – Supporting functions with research and document management.
The composition and structure of a legal team can vary depending on the firm's size, complexity, and regulatory footprint. Legal professionals in these roles must not only have legal expertise but also a strong understanding of the financial services environment.
In-house legal talent should be viewed as the heart of your organisation, sitting amongst company operations, acting as a resource and valued business function. It is therefore imperative that your in-house counsels understand your business and your clients.
The key function within an in-house legal job is to ensure that accountable decisions are made and the business is aware of the potential legal risk. Specific duties may differ from firm to firm but the overarching theme of an in-house legal counsel is to handle company litigation and compliance.
The difference between in-house corporate legal department and private practice law firms is simple, in-house teams sit within an organisation managing the internal legal function whereas private practice professionals belong to an external law firm, working with a variety of clients within particular areas of law.
We have seen a trend emerge, where private practice candidates from law firms are considering appealing in-house corporate legal department opportunities. Top firm lawyers contemplate a move in-house as long as the new working environment is considered equal to their practice and matches their career trajectory.
We are one of the leading legal staffing firms in New York. The Rutherford legal recruiting team works with some of the best performing financial services firms in New York, DC and around the globe.
On our team are some of the best legal recruiters in the business who are committed to ensuring top legal talent are placed with our clients.
At the moment, we offer Contingent Search and Retained Search as part of ourlegal recruitmentservices: discover below which option is better suited for your current recruitment needs.
Retained SearchAn approach to secure top legal professionals within financial services. Candidates are rising stars - the best in the game - and are usually considered passive on the market. | | Contingent SearchA legal recruitment service which allows you to gain access to Rutherford's sizeable network and candidates database through quick delivery. Ideal for short-term legal recruitment needs. |
If you are thinking of making a career change and are now seeking a legal job in the US, legal staffing firms can alleviate the hard work. Head over to Rutherford’s vacancies in order to find our latest selection of in-house legal jobs.
If you can't find what you are looking for, get in touch with our legal recruiting headhunters for a confidential conversation - our in-house legal recruiting specialists will take the time to properly assess your needs to then tailor their approach accordingly
How does legal recruiting really work? |
Legal recruiting is the process of connecting employers with highly skilledlegal professionals, from junior in-house counsel to General Counsel roles. Recruiters who specialise in the legal industry work closely with companies to understand their hiring needs, then tap into deep networks to identify suitable candidates. For many firms, particularly within the financial services space, legal recruiters are instrumental in sourcing in-demand legal professionals for specialised or time-sensitive roles. |
|
What do legal recruiters charge? |
Recruitment fees for the legal industry depend on the search type. Contingent search (paid only upon a successful hire) is commonly used for mid-level legal professionals, while retained search (which includes an upfront fee) is ideal for senior hires like General Counsel. Costs are usually calculated as a percentage of the candidate’s first-year salary. Specialist recruiters tailor their approach to ensure firms secure the right legal talent without unnecessary delays. |
|
How to pick a legal recruiter? |
Start by choosing a recruiter with proven experience in the legal industry, particularly within your firm’s niche. Look for someone who understands your culture and can provide access to top-tier legal professionals. If you're hiring for a senior-level role, such as General Counsel or Head of Legal, select a recruiter with a strong track record in high-level legal placements and in-depth knowledge of the market. |
|
Are Lawyers in Demand in New York? |
Yes, lawyers are in high demand in New York, particularly within corporate, litigation, compliance, and financial services sectors. As a global financial hub, New York consistently requires top-tier legal talent to support the legal frameworks that underpin its fast-moving business environment. The legal industry in New York spans everything from multinational law firms and investment banks to hedge funds and regulatory bodies, all of which require expert legal professionals who can handle complex transactions and navigate a dynamic regulatory landscape. As technology evolves and regulations tighten, this demand is only set to grow, especially for in-house legal talent with sector-specific experience. |
|
What is the Most Elite Law Firm in NYC? |
While "elite" can be subjective and dependent on practice area, Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious law firms in New York City, and globally. Known for its rigorous training, high-profile client base, and historical influence on the legal market, Cravath consistently ranks among the top firms in the legal industry. Other firms often mentioned in the same league include Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, all of which are major players in New York’s competitive legal talent landscape. These firms are known not only for their exceptional calibre of legal professionals, but also for shaping the legal frameworks around corporate governance, M&A, litigation, and securities law in the US and beyond. |
of permanent placements made in the last two years are still in position
of our searches have been exclusive or retained in 2020
success rate on exclusive mandates in 2020
of our placements in 2020 were from a diverse background
About Us
Every day, we are building relationships with the regulatory leaders of tomorrow and identifying the problem solvers, strategic thinkers and innovators.
Our Values
We value honesty and integrity, as well as long-lasting partnerships with our clients and candidates.
Our Team
We are a dynamic bunch, with expert consultants and a back-office team dedicated to the highest levels of service delivery.