Trevin Sewell Career

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A Legal Recruiter with a Human Lens

At Smith Legal Search, I’m deeply committed to helping law firms and companies recruit exceptional legal talent and supporting lawyers in navigating their next career move. In a profession where precision and polish often take center stage, I wanted to pull back the curtain a bit. Behind every placement is a conversation, a connection, and a shared belief in what’s possible. And behind me is a story of struggle, resilience, growth — and an ongoing fight to build a life rooted in purpose and presence.

Sometimes the hardest career move is admitting something is not working anymore.

I have been in the wrong place before. I know what it costs – the clarity you lose, the energy you spend pretending, the version of yourself you put on hold. That experience is why I approach this work the way I do.

My Approach

My approach to legal recruitment is grounded in curiosity, honesty, and respect for people’s time. I came into this work the long way, learning early that meaningful conversations matter more than polished pitches. That perspective shaped how I recruit and who I choose to work with.

Too often, recruitment becomes transactional. Names on spreadsheets, templated outreach, and placements driven by quotas instead of people. I work differently. I focus on real conversations, clear communication, and long-term relationships. If a role is not the right fit, I will say so. If someone is undervaluing themselves, I will have a direct conversation.

This work is not about pushing moves or closing deals. It is about being a steady, trusted partner at important moments, often before a decision feels urgent. One conversation at a time.

Confidentiality & How I Work

Your current firm or company will not find out.
That is not a talking point.

A lot of lawyers never reach out to a recruiter because they are afraid their firm or company finds out. That fear is legitimate. Nothing goes anywhere without your explicit green light. Your name is not mentioned. Your resume is not sent. Not to anyone. You control the process.

"Materials are never sent to anyone unless you give me the green light. Full stop."

No resume spamming

Your resume goes where you say it goes. Nowhere else, ever.

No pressure tactics

If the timing is not right, it is not right. I would rather wait than rush a bad move.

No hidden agendas

You will always know exactly where your information is going, who is seeing it, and why. No surprises.

No ghosting after placement

The relationship does not end when the deal closes. That is where it starts.

No pushing bad fits

If a role is not right for you, I will tell you. A bad placement helps no one.

No transactional thinking

Lawyers talk. I am building a reputation here — not just a fee.

"I have never met a lawyer who regretted taking time to find the right fit. I have met plenty who regretted rushing it. That is why we play the long game."

— Trevin Sewell

Smith Legal Search

Canada's Leading Legal
Search Firm

Smith Legal Search is a 100% Canadian owned and operated executive legal search firm, and one of Canada's leading and truly national legal recruitment firms, with offices in Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver. Our team provides unparalleled market insight and strategic recruitment advice to many of the top corporations and law firms in Canada, servicing clients in every major market in Canada.

45%

Cross-Market
Move

98%

Placement
Success Rate

10+

Years
Placement Longevity

Smith Legal Search

For Law Firms & In-House Companies

Legal is all we do. Our team is immersed in firm structures, compensation trends, and in-house dynamics. We speak your language because we live in this space — and we focus on strategic hires with staying power, not transactional placements.

Most of the talent we work with is never on a public job board. We reach lawyers who are not actively looking but might be open to the right move. Deliberate hiring. Sustained performance. Trusted partnership.

Smith Legal Search Recruitment

Partner & Associate

Private practice at every level across Canada

In-House Legal

First counsel to GC — we know what companies need

Office Opening

New markets, new teams, expansion planning

Confidential Search

Succession planning and sensitive replacements

Scope — Align on success beyond the job description
Market Map — Custom talent landscape for your search
Outreach — We reach lawyers not actively looking
Shortlist — Only candidates who align on every level
Offer & Integration — We see it through to day one and beyond
Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you decide which opportunities or candidates to bring forward?+
Every conversation starts with understanding what actually matters to the person — not just their CV. I only bring forward opportunities that make sense for where someone is and where they are trying to go. And I only bring candidates to clients when I genuinely believe it is a fit worth exploring.
I am worried that my firm or employer will find out I am speaking to a recruiter. What then?+
Nothing goes anywhere without your consent. Full stop. I do not share your name, your resume, or any details about our conversation with anyone unless you have explicitly told me to. Confidentiality is not a policy here — it is how I operate.
If I share my resume and consent for a specific opportunity, does that mean it goes out for everything?+
No. Consent for one opportunity is consent for that opportunity only. I will always come back to you before sharing your information anywhere else. You are in control of this process at every step.
How do you stay close to the legal market beyond active searches?+
I stay in ongoing conversations with lawyers and legal leaders whether or not there is an active search happening. The market moves fast and the best opportunities often do not get posted publicly. Relationships built over time are how I know what is actually available.
How do you approach conversations when a move or hire may not be the right decision?+
I say so. My job is not to close a placement — it is to give you an honest read on the situation. If the timing is wrong, if the opportunity is not the right fit, or if staying put makes more sense, I will tell you that. The relationship matters more than the transaction.

People hear the word "headhunter" or "recruiter" and think it is all cold calls, LinkedIn messages, and commission — but for me it is about so much more.

A strong business is built with people you would go to war with. Not because conflict is expected, but because trust, loyalty, and shared purpose make anything survivable.

This is my crew Meet the Team
Smith Legal Search

Current Opportunities

Most of the roles we work on never appear on public job boards. What you see here is just the surface. Reach out directly for a confidential conversation about what else is available.

View Full Job Board
Smith Legal Search
"Let's have an honest conversation."

I work with lawyers planning their next move and with the firms and general counsels who need to find the right one.