Is Retained Search Right For You?

When the future of your firm depends on hiring the right leaders, a dedicated and expert-driven approach is essential.

What is Retained Search?

Retained search is an exclusive, strategic hiring process in which an organization partners with a specialized recruiting firm to fill executive or senior-level positions.

Unlike contingency search, where multiple recruiters compete to place candidates, retained search involves a dedicated recruiter working on an exclusive basis, ensuring a thorough and confidential search for the best-qualified professionals.

Retained search is particularly beneficial for roles where the stakes are high and a poor hiring decision can result in financial, operational, and reputational risks for the company.

Retained Search vs. Contingency Search:

Why It’s the Superior Choice for Priority Legal Roles

Factor	Retained Search	Contingency Search
Exclusivity	Yes	No
Candidate Quality	High	Varies
Confidentiality	High	Low
Time Commitment	Comprehensive & Dedicated	Faster but Less Focused
Guarantee	Strong Placement Guarantee	Limited or None

How Our Retained Search Process Works

Initial Consultation & Strategy Development

Define the role requirements, firm culture, and ideal candidate profile.
Align search strategy with long-term business objectives.

Market Research & Talent Mapping

Engage passive and active candidates through confidential outreach.
Conduct comprehensive evaluations, including competency and cultural fit analysis.

Candidate Outreach & Assessment

Identify top-performing legal professionals in target markets.
Utilize industry insights to refine the search strategy.

Client Interviews & Shortlist Presentation

Present a curated list of highly qualified candidates.
Coordinate interviews and feedback sessions.

Final Selection & Offer Negotiation

Assist with contract negotiations and onboarding process.
Provide ongoing support to ensure a seamless transition.

Positions We Place

At Ave Staffing, we do more than fill vacancies—we help law firms and businesses build high-performing teams. Unlike traditional recruiting firms, we provide a dedicated point of contact who takes the time to deeply understand your business, culture, long-term objectives, and hiring needs.

Partner with Ave Staffing to access exceptional legal and administrative professionals without the hiring headaches.

You can learn more about our recruiting specialties HERE.

Attorneys
Paralegals
Legal Assistants
Researchers
Document Reviewers
Firm Office Administrators & Managers
Accounting & Bookkeeping Staff
Secretarial Staff

Why Choose Ave Staffing for Retained Search

%

96% Retention Rate With Our Placements – Years After Hire

Retention matters – which is why our staffing specialists will only present you with the best candidates to fit your team.

Ave Staffing specializes in legal recruitment and has a proven track record of placing high-level attorneys and legal executives in top firms across the nation. Here’s why firms trust us:

Deep Legal Industry Expertise: Our recruiters understand the nuances of the legal field and what makes a candidate successful in a high-level legal role.
Expansive Talent Network: We have access to an extensive database of elite legal professionals, including those who are not actively job-seeking.
Proven Success in High-Stakes Searches: Our retained search process has helped law firms secure top-tier talent who drive long-term business growth.
Commitment to Partnership: We work closely with our clients to ensure their hiring needs align with long-term strategic objectives.

What Sets Us Apart

✔ Beyond Just a Skills Match – We don’t just find candidates who meet job descriptions; we source professionals who align with your firm’s values, work style, and growth trajectory.

✔ Refined & Proven Recruitment Strategy – Our proprietary screening process and extensive industry networks ensure that only highly qualified candidates reach your desk, streamlining your hiring process.

✔ Faster, Smarter Hiring – We minimize wasted time by filtering out unqualified applicants, so you can focus on onboarding top-tier talent and driving your business forward.

Rated 5 Stars By Our Candidates & Clients

    
 
 
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   Natalia G 
 24 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had an amazing experience working with Nikki! She was communicative and understood my expectations in search of my next job. After months of looking for my dream job, she’s helped me get the job I’ve been wanting! She’s so kind and will work with you to figure out your needs so that you’re doing what you love!
  
 
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   Anastasiia V 
 63 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nikki Green was very helpful, walked me through the whole process and gave detailed instructions, thank you!
  
 
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   Fizzy L 
 225 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nikki has been such a pleasure to work with. She is responsive, and understands our staffing needs.

I am updating this review-- I have continued to work with Nikki over the years. She works hard to find the right candidate, and is committed to getting the job done. She is energetic and savvy. I would highly recommend working with Ave Staffing particularly for your legal staffing needs.
  
 
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   Amanda R 
 282 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nikki was fantastic. I had an offer letter within 2 weeks in the middle of holiday season. She is kind, patient, and goes the extra mile with prep calls and taking care of her clients. I cannot say enough wonderful things about her.  Definitely contact her for your recruiting needs. Thank you again!
  
 
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   Anahi A 
 332 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Such a great experience, super easy to work with!! ~
  
 
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   Jarvis W 
 433 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
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   Roxana O 
 441 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had such a great experience working with Ave Staffing! Nikki was amazing. She truly went above and beyond to help me find the right opportunity. From the start, she made me feel supported, heard, and confident in my job search. She was always responsive, kind, and genuinely cared about matching me with a position that fit my skills and goals. Thanks to her, I found a job I’m really excited about. I’m so grateful for her help and highly recommend Ave Staffing to anyone looking for their next opportunity!
  
 
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   Martin M 
 596 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Jack H. and Ave were wonderful to work with. Effective, communicative and professional at every step in the process.
  
 
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   Christine C 
 638 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nikki has been amazing throughout my job search! She was incredibly responsive and helpful, always getting back to me right away. Even though I didn't end up getting the job, Nikki provided invaluable career advice and support that I know will help me in the future. I highly recommend AVE!
  
 
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   Heather W 
 638 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Wonderful experience working with Nikki and her team! Ave Staffing has assisted with many employees placements and helping the process go smoothly. Highly recommend their professional services!
  
 
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   Alise M 
 687 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Ave Staffing Team is amazing! A special thank you to Jack Hargett, he is phenomenal!! He is available 24/7, provided great advice and insight, and was so supportive throughout the entire process. Thank you so much to the entire team and especially Jack for making this process so smooth and all the encouragement throughout. I couldn’t have done this without him!
  
 
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   Sierra L 
 724 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Five stars are not enough! Nikki is the absolute best!! She is accommodating and makes constantly herself available to her clients, takes questions seriously, and is incredibly kind and knowledgeable. She’s an absolute pleasure to work with!
  
 
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   Supreme C 
 813 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
  
 
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   Al-Jamice R 
 825 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My agent Lauren McDonald is amazing, very professional and polite. She did a mock interview and kept me informed of the process with the company. I would definitely recommend her to everyone.
  
 
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   Kathryn B 
 830 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nikki changed my life. I love the firm I used to work at, but at the end of the day, I'm so glad I listened to her suggestions about firms that would better fit my career goals. If you work in the legal field and need a recruiter, Nikki is the one you should be working with.
  
 
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   Joelle C 
 847 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As someone who has connected with great recruiters over the years, I cannot stress enough how much of a standout my experience with Lauren McDonald has been. Lauren has been one among few, who has continued to present potential opportunities that fit with my profile. Beyond that, Lauren has provided priceless feedback on my resume. I have not had an experience with anyone else, where the time being invested includes advisement that is beneficial to my professional impression outside of the role which is being considered. I am so appreciative of this and really wanted to highlight what a stellar interaction this has been.
Because of Lauren's expert-level dedication, I would hands down recommend Ave Staffing to those looking to work with a recruiting company.
  
 
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   Kaylyn M 
 899 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough good things about Nikki. She is quick on her feet and incredibly kind, which made negotiating a new job a pleasure. She followed up with me when she said she would, she offered suggestions and encouragement when needed, and she was just as excited for me as I was when the job offer came through! Nikki and I bonded about our mutual experiences and she helped me maintain my personal boundaries to ensure that the position would be a good fit for me. Nikki got me the dream job I'd been hoping to stumble upon, and the best part is that she approached me. I feel fortunate to have met Nikki and am beyond impressed with her tenacity and professionalism. I highly, highly recommend Nikki for both job seekers and employers, and cannot thank her enough for her time and energy.
  
 
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   Sally D 
 928 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. No the details are private sir
  
 
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   Abigail S 
 937 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nikki was the best person at helping me find a new job! She was invested throughout the whole process and such a wonderful person to talk to. She was fantastic in helping me land a great job and preparing me for interviews. I can't recommend Nikki and Ave Staffing enough!
  
 
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   Shelly T 
 1022 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nikki is the best of the best! She is one of the most caring and sincere individuals I have ever met. After 7.5 years she remembered me, and truly helped me through the transition of being laid off. Within days she had me placed in a temporary position. If a legal position is what you're looking for, Ave Staffing is perfect place to start.
  
 
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   Alicia C 
 1100 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I worked with Hillary Screech and absolutely love her.   She knew I was disappointed about a missed opportunity with another firm before I met her.  My area of expertise isn't available at any law firm.   Within no time she contacted me with the best opportunity back in my area of law.  She ran through practice interview with me and was/is absolutely amazing.  I hope I never need her again, but I'd go straight back to her if the need did arise.   Hillary is fun to talk with and is such a joy.     She represents Ave Staffing and clients well.   I have recommended her to several friends.
  
 
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   Travis B 
 1120 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Professional, courteous, knowledgeable and an overall wonderful experience! Highly recommended!
  
 
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   Katie W 
 1120 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. As an employer, I have worked with Nikki & the Ave team numerous times over the past few years. Nothing but great things to say! They are experts, and my go-to, for recruiting in the legal industry.
  
 
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   Cody V 
 1120 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough incredible things about Ave Staffing, specifically Hilary.  At a time when I had come close to giving up on finding the right employer and I was feeling very defeated Hilary took the time and came through for me.  Hilary did what most people don’t and listened.  Hilary is a genuine, caring and professional recruiter and helps Ave Staffing shine bright.
  
 
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   Joseph N 
 1144 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Hillary Creech was a god send for my family and I. I would have never seen the job I am currently with if it weren't for her. I got a call from Hillary one evening inquiring about a job she thought I would be a good fit for. I went through updating my resume and started working on interviews.
Hillary set up an interview and then a 2nd and now I am happily set in a new job all thanks to her. I can't thank her enough for making this such an easy search and transition. I love my new job.
My family thanks you as well :)