SSQ is the world leader in the international legal talent search sector. We are expert in law firm partner and team moves, law firm associate hires, and in-house legal recruitment at all levels. Our expertise and track record are unparalleled, and we have been responsible for some of the most high profile moves in the industry. 

We have the most extensive candidate database in the legal talent market, and it is continually growing. This, coupled with our experienced consultants’ personal networks, means we are able to identify, quickly and accurately, candidates in the relevant locations who have the appropriate skillsets for particular roles.

Our search consultants are either ex-lawyers, having worked at renowned global law firms and reputable multinational companies, or experienced recruitment professionals with legal backgrounds. Supported by a strong research and resourcing team, we manage each recruitment campaign independently and approach each search in a bespoke way according to the individual needs of every client. Our flexibility to cater to specific purposes sets us apart. 

SSQ’s fully integrated international teams in the UK, Europe, Middle East, Asia and the US enable us to assist client mapping and to approach candidates globally. We help Asia and China law firms, financial institutions and companies to search legal, compliance, IP and relevant professionals in any foreign jurisdictions where they operate. 

Below are recent examples of what we have successfully done for our clients.

Helped an international law firm to acquire two teams (DR and Projects), including three partners and 10 associates, from another international law firm’s China offices, and advised on drafting business plans, thoroughly exploring team integration, and carefully handling non-solicitation/competition issues   

Helped a first-class international law firm to take on a two-partner, 10-associate team (Corporate/PE) from a leading Chinese law firm, and assisted the firm in sorting out complicated issues regarding compensation/local tax, confidentiality/information disclosure, and associate retention/future promotion

Assisted a top Chinese law firm in hiring two partners and their teams from another Chinese law firm to expand their IP and Litigation businesses in Beijing and Shanghai, and successfully promoted the potential of our client firm in these niche practice areas and  promoted the unique structure of its compensation and operation systems

Assisted a large PRC law firm in hiring the China Head of a leading international law firm to lead one of its new practice groups

Helped Magic Circle UK law firms to hire corporate associates, fund formation associates, finance associates and intellectual property associates 

Assisted many leading US law firms in recruiting insolvency associates, compliance associates, patent litigation associates and banking associates

Worked with many Red Circle Chinese law firms on their recruitment of data privacy associates, employment associates and commercial litigation associates

Global Search: Assisted a Chinese technology company in recruiting its whole team of legal counsel, starting from its A-round financing through its business landing, growing in China, listing on US stock exchange and international expansion. The positions filled included General Counsel of group company, General Counsel of overseas holding company, Director of Litigation & Compliance, Head of Legal BP, Senior Counsel of Intellectual Property Rights, Senior Counsel of Brand Protection and Senior Counsel of Overseas Legal Affairs

Corporate Legal: Successfully placed the Legal Head, General Counsel and Legal Counsels for a European luxury group new to China, a leading consumer goods international group, an American manufacturing giant, a pre-IPO unicorn technology group, and a renewable energy enterprise

PE, VC and Financial Institutions: Successfully placed the General Counsel, Legal & Compliance VP and Investment Legal Counsels for an international private equity fund, a Chinese sovereign wealth fund, a USD family wealth fund, a RMB venture capital fund, a USD/RMB dual currency private equity fund, and a joint venture financial institution

Compliance: Recruited Asia Pacific Compliance Counsel, Compliance Director, Chief Compliance Officer and Data Compliance Consultant for a German pharmaceutical group, an American medical device company, a US pharmaceutical group, a public listed heavy manufacturing group, a Fortune 500 automotive group, and a leading company in the cloud service industry 

Intellectual Property (IP): Recruited the Asia VP of IP, IP Directors and IP Counsels for an American industrial group, a German pharmaceutical group, and a US listed internet group