Job Details

Build your legal recruiting practice with the freedom to own your desk and the support to grow it.

ThinkingAhead is adding an experienced full-desk recruiter to our Legal practice. If you've won clients, delivered successful searches, and want more room to build, we'd like to talk.

Who we are

ThinkingAhead is an employee-owned executive search firm headquartered in Nashville, TN, and part of the Southwestern Family of Companies. For more than 40 years, we've partnered with organizations ranging from the Fortune 500 to the Inc. 5000 through contingency, retained, and engagement-based searches. Our work has earned national recognition, including Forbes' 2026 list of America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms. Our recruiters specialize in the markets they serve. They build lasting relationships, share expertise, and have a voice in how their practices grow.

The opportunity

This is a true 360, full-desk recruiting role. You'll develop clients, bring in searches, and fill them, owning the relationship from the first conversation through placement and beyond.

You'll have room to build around a legal market you know, backed by established systems, experienced colleagues, and the resources to support your growth. Over time, that can include building a team of your own.

What you'll do

• Develop new client relationships and win search business.
• Negotiate fee agreements and understand each client's hiring needs.
• Identify, engage, and build relationships with attorneys.
• Manage searches from intake through interviews, offer negotiation, and placement.
• Turn successful searches into repeat business and long-term partnerships.
• Build your reputation and expertise within your chosen legal market.

What you bring

Previous business development experience in recruiting or executive search is required. You've personally found and won clients, secured search agreements, and filled the searches you brought in.

We're especially interested in recruiters with legal market experience and established attorney and client relationships. A portable book of business is preferred. And what matters is a proven ability to build business yourself.

You'll also bring:

• A track record of recruiting or sales success.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Consistent outreach and the ability to keep business moving through longer cycles.
• The judgment and organization to manage your own desk.
• A collaborative approach and a willingness to keep learning.

Why ThinkingAhead?

• Remote, W-2 employment: Flexibility with the backing of an established firm.
• Employee ownership: Participate in our ESOP and share in the firm's long-term success.
• Tools and research support: LinkedIn Recruiter, ZoomInfo, CRM access, and a dedicated research team.
• Structured training: A month-long onboarding program covering our processes, business development approach, and tools.
• Ongoing mentorship: Experienced colleagues and practice leaders to learn from and collaborate with.
• Room to grow: Develop your market, expand your practice, and potentially build a team.

Let's talk

If you've built a business in recruiting and want to explore what your next chapter could look like, we'd welcome a conversation.

Apply here or reach out to Kadri Lumsden (klumsden@thinkingahead.com) at ThinkingAhead Executive Search.