When people hear the term "retained search," they often assume it simply means the recruiter receives part of the fee upfront. In reality, that's the least important distinction.
The challenge isn't simply finding someone who can do the legal work. It's identifying the person who will still be thriving in the role five years from now.
Lori Carpenter comments on 2026 1st Quarter law firm merger activity in this Law360 article by Aebra Coe.