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.
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.
You have spent years building your career. You deserve a recruiter who treats it that way.
"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
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.
Cross-Market
Move
Placement
Success Rate
Years
Placement Longevity
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.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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
Warren Smith
As the Managing Partner of Smith Legal Search, Warren Smith has built one of Canada’s top executive search firms specializing in the legal industry.
Dave Namkung
Dave has honed a truly unique ability to deliver results for clients and candidates alike through a combination of his genuine enthusiasm for the craft of lawyer recruitment, immersion in and contribution to the legal community, and leveraging his technical experience from executive search and coaching.
Trevin Sewell
Trevin pivoted from counselling to legal recruitment in 2019 and has since become a trusted advisor to lawyers and firms across British Columbia.
Beth Mountford
Beth is a thoughtful and strategic legal recruiter with a natural talent for helping lawyers navigate critical career decisions.
Joanne Lee
Joanne is a relationship-driven legal recruiter who believes that great hires start with genuine connection.
Jeremiah Hunter
Jeremiah is passionate about connecting law firms and organizations with top legal talent.
Lameck Kafela
Lameck is a dedicated legal recruiter with a passion for fostering inclusive environments within the legal community.
Ashley Scott
With experience in every major market in Canada, Ashley is a recruitment industry veteran.
Georgia Wray
Georgia plays a central role in keeping Smith Legal Search moving with focus and precision.
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.
