Search
Close this search box.

Facilitating successful, long-term partnerships between attorneys and law firms on the East Coast.

Leveraging our extensive client network, we support associates, partners and of counsel career moves across Massachusetts, Washington DC, New York, New Jersey, Florida and Pennsylvania. Whether you’re pursuing enhanced flexibility, a boost in salary or greater exposure as an associate, we’ll source the perfect opportunity for you.

We specialize in the following legal practice areas:

Distinct legal recruiter James Hales

Lateral partner recruiting

Engaging openly with law firms and partners about long-term, strategic objectives provides us with unique insights into the lateral landscape. This allows us to facilitate exceptional partner and group moves, ensuring lasting, successful connections across the East Coast.

Our partner recruiters begin the law firm search by discussing motivations and wishes for the future. Once we have an idea of what kind of law firm you are looking for, we engage in discreet conversations, whilst continuously keeping you up-to-date and never sharing details without your consent. Once mutual interest is confirmed, our expert team then assists lawyers and attorneys in constructing compelling narratives for a partner and/or team fit within a new practice. We then support you through the multi-step review process with advice and schedule-friendly feedback. Whether seeking a better work-life balance, increased book percentage or strategic growth, we have the ideal firm for you.

Supporting exceptional futures in law

Distinguished by our candidate-first approach, we invest the time to comprehend a candidate’s skills, goals and personalities. Our legal recruiters, specializing in specific states, have a nuanced understanding of the local legal landscape and an extensive firm network. Leveraging this, they ensure precise matchmaking for legal professionals and law firms.

Acknowledging the target-driven pressures in some firms, we prioritize showcasing roles that not only offer attractive compensation but also provide a more relaxed work environment. Facilitating diverse opportunities, we help associates seeking progression identify roles offering varied experiences. For senior solicitors and attorneys facing ambitious billable targets, we present lucrative alternatives to the traditional partner track.

Distinct's North American legal recruiters - Connor Edwards, Sean Coyle, Zach Gundry and Joel Stevenson

Customized legal staffing

Tailoring hiring solutions for law firms, from Am Law to boutique, we invest time in detailed job orders, pinpointing your vacancies and understanding your firm’s culture and long-term goals. This insight enables us to effectively present your vacancies through advertising campaigns and to our exclusive candidates.

Combining traditional and innovative methods, curating a shortlist of candidates who meet your requirements and align with your team and practice values. Considering practice areas, client crossovers, and culture, we ensure you hire legal talent that thrives within your organization. 

Your legal FAQs

We cater to a diverse range of legal roles, from associates with 3 years of experience to seasoned attorneys and senior partners.

We work closely with you to identify suitable opportunities, facilitate introductions and guide you through the entire placement journey. Our candidate services are completely free, encompassing:

  • Resume and LinkedIn profile advice
  • In-depth interview preparation
  • Market consultation
  • Clear communication at every step 
  • Offer negotiation including acceptance, job offer terms and rejection. 

 

Additionally, we provide ongoing after-care to ensure your satisfaction in your new position.

We’re proud to collaborate with law practices of all sizes, encompassing Am Law and large, to mid-size and boutique firms. Upholding our commitment to confidentiality, we don’t publicly disclose specific details but actively engage with firms across the states we serve: Massachusetts, Washington DC, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida.

Candidates (job seekers) do not incur any costs for our recruitment services. If we successfully connect a candidate and law firm that leads to a hire, our fee is collected from the hiring firm.

Certainly. Acknowledging the importance of workforce agility, we collaborate with many fully qualified and available legal candidates. We’re able to assist with staffing solutions for under-supported practices during peak periods, deal-based overflows and temporary projects. This flexible approach enhances accessibility to staffing solutions, catering to the diverse and evolving needs of legal teams, regardless of their size.

If you’re unsure about the best staffing solution for your practice or have questions about our process, our team is ready for a no-obligation chat to answer your questions. Contact us today.

Legal jobs

$140,000 - $180,000

Commercial Real Estate Associate Attorney

Position: Associate Attorney – Commercial Real Estate Location: Bethesda, MD Salary: $140,000 – $180,000 depending on experience Position overview: A leading mid-sized Maryland firm is looking for a...

$180,000 - $250,000

Corporate Associate

Position: Mid-level Corporate Associate Location: Tysons, VA Salary: $180,000 – $250,000 + bonuses. Position overview: Based in Northern Virginia, this firm is well regarded as one of...

$225,000 - $275,000

Corporate Of Counsel

Speaking engagement after networking event after another client dinner. You were a corporate attorney in a law firm where you loved practicing corporate law, but didn’t enjoy the...

$160,000 - $180,000

Commercial Litigation Associate

Commercial Litigation Associate (3-6 years) Washington, DC (hybrid working) $160,000 – $190,000 You’ve handled loads of depositions and have sat second chair at trial, but you’re still not...

$250,000+

Partners / Associates – Litigation, Corporate, or Real Estate

You’re working hard to grow your client base and book of business, all in the name of making the equity partners at your firm wealthier. It’s frustrating, isn’t...

$260,000 - $420,000

Fund Associate

I am exclusively partnering with a leading firm in the city and a true market leader, both in the US and Internationally (Biglaw). They are proactivly looking to...

$180,000 - $250,000

Associate Attorney – Government Contracts

Looking to move away from the Biglaw grind but nervous about working on less sophisticated matters? Or perhaps you’re frustrated with a lack of investment in your long-term...

$375,000 - $500,000

Corporate Partner

Partner New York City, NY (Hybrid) $375,000 – $500,000 Base + Bonus We are exclusively partnering with two leading firms, one is a true international leader (Biglaw and...

$250,000 - $350,000

Real Estate Partner

Real Estate Partner New York City, NY (Hybrid) $250,000 – $350,000 Base We are partnering with a progressive mid-sized firm who are going through a large investment phased,...

Legal candidates

Insurance Defence Associate
$ 0

Florida Licensed

Represented by

James
Real Estate Partner
$ 0

New York Bar, J.D.

Represented by

Sebastian
Mid-level Litigation Associate
$ 0

Represented by

Sean
Senior Associate
$ 0

Florida License

Represented by

James
Senior Litigation Attorney
$ 0

Represented by

Harry
Finance Associate
$ 0

Represented by

Harry
Partner
$ 0

New York Bar, J.D.

Represented by

Sebastian
Real Estate Of Council
$ 0

Represented by

Sean
Senior Insurance Defense Litigation Associate
$ 0

Represented by

Sean
Associate
$ 0

Represented by

Zach
Associate
$ 0

Represented by

Zach

Legal team

10 years experience

James Hales

USA Director
Legal
Specializes in lateral hires, working with associates, attorneys and partners covering associate to partner opportunities.
13 years experience

Joel Stevenson

Talent Acquisition Director
Legal
Specializes in lateral hires, working with associates, attorneys and partners covering associate to partner opportunities.
9 years experience

Sebastian Hannelly

Talent Acquisition Partner
Legal
Specializes in legal partner recruitment, working with attorneys and partners covering partner to executive-level positions.
8 years experience

Harry Hartnell

Talent Acquisition Partner
Legal
Specializes in lateral hires, working with associates, attorneys and partners covering associate to partner opportunities.

Zach Gundry

Talent Acquisition Consultant
Legal
Specializes in legal recruitment for junior and senior associates, working with candidates with 2+ years of experience.

Sean Coyle

Talent Acquisition Consultant
Legal
Specializes in legal recruitment for junior and senior associates, working with candidates with 2+ years of experience.

Blogs

Distinct celebrates new office space in Boston, MA 

Navigating the ethical landscape: AI and legal competence

The impact of burnout amongst accounting and legal professionals

The future of work: four day workweeks

Get in touch