For clients
Hire legal talent that lasts
We partner with law firms, corporate legal teams and in-house departments on permanent, contract and interim hires. Calm process. Clear communication.
Why Thornton Pierce
A partner, not a CV broker
We aim for a real fit between your team’s needs and the careers of the people we introduce.
Quality over volume
We take fewer mandates so every search gets proper attention.
Dual-market fluency
Strong networks in both private practice and in-house / legal ops.
Honest counsel
We will challenge a brief if the market or package will not deliver.
Inclusive by default
Wider sourcing and process advice so you see the best people available.
Our process
How we run a search
Transparent stages, realistic timelines, and feedback that keeps momentum without sacrificing quality.
Brief & alignment
We dig into the role, team dynamics, success criteria and timeline so we search for the right person, not just a familiar CV.
Search & mapping
Targeted outreach and market mapping across private practice and in-house networks, including passive talent.
Shortlist with context
A focused shortlist with a clear story on fit, motivation and risk. Not a stack of undifferentiated CVs.
Process & close
Interview coordination, feedback discipline, offer support and post-placement check-ins.
Sectors & disciplines
Where we search
City and regional firms, corporate legal and legal ops functions.
Client types
- National and regional law firms
- Boutique and specialist practices
- Corporate and in-house legal teams
- Financial services and regulated businesses
- Technology and growth companies
Practice areas
Engagement models
Permanent · Contract · Interim
We will recommend the model that fits your need, including when a permanent headcount may not be the best first step. Briefs are handled with full confidentiality.
- ✓Exclusive, retained and contingency search options
- ✓Contract and interim networks ready to mobilise
- ✓Leadership and sensitive partner / GC mandates
Search models
Exclusive, retained & contingency
How we engage depends on seniority, sensitivity and how much dedicated capacity the brief needs. We will recommend the right model at the start.
Exclusive
One firm. Clear ownership.
You appoint Thornton Pierce as the sole agency on the brief for an agreed period. You get focused delivery and a single point of accountability; we invest properly in mapping and outreach without competing agencies muddying the market.
- Ideal for mid to senior hires where quality of process matters
- Agreed exclusivity window and clear reporting
- Fee typically payable on successful placement
Retained
Dedicated search. Full partnership.
Best for leadership, partner, GC and other sensitive mandates. A staged fee structure funds a full search: market mapping, targeted outreach, structured shortlists and managed process through to offer and onboarding.
- Senior, confidential or hard-to-fill roles
- Upfront commitment, dedicated consultant capacity
- Deep market insight and longlist-to-shortlist discipline
Contingency
Success-based. Flexible entry point.
No placement fee unless we fill the role. Suitable when you want access to our network with lighter exclusivity, or when you are still testing the market. We still apply the same care on fit; we simply match commercial structure to the brief.
- Fee only on successful hire
- Useful for selective or volume-sensitive mandates
- We will say when exclusive or retained would serve you better
Not sure which model fits? Share the brief and we will recommend an approach before any work begins.
Request talent
Tell us what you're looking for
Share as much or as little as you like. A principal consultant will respond promptly to arrange a proper briefing call.
Prefer email or a quick call?
We are easy to reach and always discreet.