Canada's Legal Market Experts

Perfect move
perfect hire

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.

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Warren Smith: Recognized Global Legal Strategist with 20+ Years of Expertise

Our Managing Partner, Warren Smith, has been independently recognized by industry publications, peers, and clients as one of the top 100 global strategists* in the legal industry for his unparalleled insights into the trends, opportunities, and challenges facing the legal marketplace.

With 20+ years of combined industry experience, the Smith Legal Search team are relied upon by Managing Partners, General Counsel, and many of the top practitioners in the market to help build powerful teams, optimize careers, and find tailored solutions for the unique business and talent issues facing the legal market today.

When it comes to legal recruitment in Canada, Smith Legal Search sets the bar for Trusted Results.

Warren Smith was recognized by LawDragon in 2003, 2004, & 2025 as one of the top 100 global leaders in legal strategy & consulting.

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WE KNOW HOW IMPORTANT CONFIDENTIALITY IS FOR TOP LAWYERS

Let's find you a firm you deserve

NATIONWIDE REACH

Our network is truly global. We have an extensive client base which spans all across Canada

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Calgary

We connect exceptional lawyers with opportunities at leading law firms and dynamic in-house legal teams.

From prestigious firms to powerhouse in-house teams — we place top legal talent where Vancouver’s biggest decisions are made.

We don’t just fill roles — we match skilled lawyers with the firms and in-house teams where they’ll truly thrive.

Explore Exciting Career Opportunities in the Legal Industry

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Legal Counsel — Crown Investments Corporation of Saskatchewan (CIC)

Regina, Saskatchewan | Permanent Full-Time

Maximus Canada | Lead Counsel

Canada

Legal Counsel

Nisga’a Lisims Government

In-House Legal Counsel, New Aiynash

Dentons Canada LLP

Associate, Capital Markets, Calgary

Associate, Commercial Litigation

Toronto

Legal Counsel

Toronto

Associate, Securities

Vancouver

Associate, Labour

Vancouver

Associate, Tax

Calgary

Recruiting
Solutions

When it comes to managing your legal career, you want an expert in your corner. From evaluating your current position, considering lateral opportunities, to thinking strategically about how to land your dream

I Want to switch

When it comes to managing your legal career, you want an expert in your corner. From evaluating your current position, considering lateral opportunities, to thinking strategically about how to land your dream

Let's find you the perfect candidate

When it comes to managing your legal career, you want an expert in your corner. From evaluating your current position, considering lateral opportunities, to thinking strategically about how to land your dream

how much can i get paid

Team

Warren Smith, LL.B.

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Managing Partner

Warren has built one of Canada’s top executive search firms specializing in the legal industry. With offices in Vancouver, Calgary,
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Dave Namkung, J.D.

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Partner

Dave has honed a truly unique ability to deliver results for clients and candidates alike through a combination of his
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Beth Mountford, LL.B/B.C.L

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Director

Beth is a thoughtful and strategic legal recruiter with a natural talent for helping lawyers navigate critical career decisions.
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Trevin Sewell

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Director

Trevin is a firm believer in growing businesses and organizations by recruiting the right people and building a positive workplace
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Jeremiah Hunter

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Recruitment Consultant

Jeremiah is passionate about connecting law firms and organizations with top legal talent. With an in-depth understanding of the Canadian
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Lameck Kefela, J.D.

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Recruitment Consultant, Toronto

Lameck is a dedicated legal recruiter with a passion for fostering inclusive environments within the legal community.
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Ashley Scott

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Administrative Coordinator

Ashley is a recruitment industry veteran. She has worn many hats throughout her professional career; she has a multi-faceted skillset
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Cindy Gorit

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Researcher

Cindy is a dedicated and versatile professional with a background in business, marketing, and accounting. Cindy has developed a strong
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Georgia Wray

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Executive Assistant

Georgia plays a central role in keeping Smith Legal Search moving with focus and precision. As Executive Assistant to the
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I’ve had the pleasure of working with Warren and his team for many years. Consummate professionals with a best in class knowledge of the Canadian legal market. The team brings deep strategic thinking to the construction of legal teams, with a proven track record to attract the best available talent for the role.

O2E Brands

Tyler Barrs, General Counsel, Legal Affairs, Enterprise Risk Management and Government Relations, O2E Brands

Smith Legal Search lived up to their reputation as the leading experts for hiring legal talent in Canada.

Prospera Credit Union

TJ Schmaltz, JD, FCPHR, SHRM-SCP, ICD.D, Chief People & Legal Officer (CPO) Prospera Credit Union

We recently worked with Smith Legal Search to fill a legal counsel position at our company and I was very impressed with the quality of candidates they brought us and their professionalism and diligence in assisting with our search. Dave, in particular, spent the time to get to know our needs and worked quickly to bring us a number of highly qualified individuals. He also provided thoughtful advice on the interview process and assisted us throughout the recruitment process until we finalized  a contract with our top candidate. I would highly recommend working with Smith Legal Search for all your legal recruitment needs. Their knowledge and network within the legal community is next to none.

Allie Ketcham

Director, Legal Affairs and Business Continuity & Corporate Secretary | BCAA

We have worked with Smith Legal Search for many years and each time we have been presented with excellent candidates that fit our requirements.  The team is responsive, communicates well and thoroughly understand our needs.  The entire process is very professional, and I have no hesitation in recommending their services.

Methanex

Kevin Price, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

I have worked with Smith Legal Search on several assignments and they always take the time to truly understand my needs before commencing their search.  They also partnered with me to further our company’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion initiative by ensuring that resumes were blinded to mitigate unconscious bias in the search process and ensure that we identified the best possible candidates.

Confidential

General Counsel

I’ve had the pleasure of working with Smith Legal Search as both a candidate and client and recommend them highly and without reservation.  They know lawyers better than we know ourselves.

Aris Gold

Ashley Baker, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

When our firm opened our office in Toronto, Smith Legal Search delivered results quickly and efficiently. Their understanding of the legal market was unparalleled. We were impressed by their advice on how best bring our story to the market and the quality of talent they presented. They are not simply recruiters; they are our business partners.

Mintz

– Shannon Davis, Chief Legal Recruiting and Integration Officer

Smith Legal Search played a pivotal role in my own career move and became an invaluable partner as I built out our legal team. Jeremiah and his team brought a strong understanding of the market, delivered well-aligned candidates, and made the process feel seamless from start to finish. On top of their professionalism and insight, they were genuinely enjoyable to work with—making what can be a stressful process much more refreshing and ensuring great cultural fits were found.

Amanda Miller

Lead In House Legal Counsel, Nisga’a Lisims Government

Working with Smith Legal Search was a seamless and highly effective experience. Trevin, Warren and his team took the time to understand our specific needs and delivered a strong and diverse slate of candidates. What stood out most was their ability to balance quality with speed—they presented top-tier options, helped us navigate the interview process efficiently, and ultimately helped us land the right hire. We wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again.

Jonathan Jeske

Senior Vice President and General Counsel - Boston Pizza International Inc.

Smith Legal Search has been a strategic partner with Weirfoulds — not just as a recruiter, but as an advisor. Warren has supported our leadership team on market positioning and lateral strategy, and helped us build real momentum with key partner hires.

WeirFoulds LLP

Paul Wilson, Chief Operating Officer

Helpful Resources

Whether you’re looking for salary guides, interview prep material, or our predictions for the year, we’ve got you covered.

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Critical Thinking

Our team of recruitment consultants have written more on the issues facing the legal industry in British Columbia than any other firm in Canada. Our managing

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