Recruiting in private practice is uniquely complex. The legal market is highly competitive, deeply specialised, and traditionally structured, making the identification and attraction of the right talent a nuanced and challenging process for both boutique firms and global practices.

Lawyers in the UK and US rarely operate as generalists. Most specialise - and often sub-specialise - within a defined area of law. As a result, finding the right individual to replace or strategically expand a team requires a detailed understanding of both the technical demands of the role and the wider commercial and cultural context of the firm.

At Wicker Hamilton, our consultants are either legally trained or highly experienced in legal recruitment, and each operates as a specialist within the practice areas they are responsible for. This depth of expertise allows us to accurately assess candidate experience, advise on realistic market options, and guide both clients and candidates through interviews, compensation discussions, and decision-making with clarity and confidence.

While technology has enhanced the search process, we believe successful recruitment is ultimately driven by relationships. Our approach is grounded in understanding the motivations, ambitions, and underlying drivers of both clients and candidates, ensuring alignment beyond a resume/CV or job description.

Helping you to find your next role:

When you speak with one of our consultants, we take the time to understand your practice focus, representative matters, career objectives, motivations for moving, preferred firm profile, cultural considerations, billing expectations, and compensation goals.

We then leverage our extensive network across the UK and US legal markets, working closely with decision-makers to identify current and emerging hiring needs - often ahead of the wider market. Through these relationships, we are able to assess appetite for the candidates we represent and identify off-market opportunities that are not publicly advertised.

This approach allows us to position candidates discreetly and strategically, creating access to roles with significantly less competition and enabling informed conversations before any formal process begins. It also allows candidates to explore opportunities confidentially, without unnecessary exposure in the wider market.

Once opportunities are identified, we play an active role throughout the interview process - preparing you thoroughly, advising on positioning, supporting salary negotiations, and helping to navigate any complexities that arise.

Our support continues beyond offer stage. We remain closely involved during your first three months to ensure a smooth transition and long-term success in your new role.