Our Story

Dawson & Mercer was founded with a clear mission: to bring a more personal, consultative approach to legal recruitment. After years of experience in the industry, our founders recognized that the legal profession deserved better — a service that truly understands the nuances of each practice area and treats every placement as a partnership.

Today, we are trusted by firms across the country, from large national practices to boutique specialists. Our success rate, significantly above the industry average, is a testament to our rigorous approach and deep understanding of what makes a strong match between attorneys and firms.

We believe that recruitment is about more than filling positions. It's about building careers, strengthening firms, and creating lasting partnerships that benefit everyone involved.

Our Values

The principles that guide everything we do

Discretion

We understand the sensitive nature of career moves in the legal profession. Every conversation is handled with complete confidentiality.

Excellence

We only present candidates and opportunities that meet the highest standards. Quality over quantity defines our approach.

Relationships

We build long-term partnerships with both candidates and firms, understanding that successful recruitment goes beyond any single placement.

Expertise

Our team brings deep knowledge of the legal market, enabling us to provide informed guidance on career development and talent strategy.

Our Team

Experienced professionals dedicated to your success

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Richard Dawson

Managing Partner

With over 20 years of experience in legal recruitment, Richard founded Dawson & Mercer with a vision to transform how firms and legal professionals connect. His deep market knowledge has helped hundreds of attorneys advance their careers.

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Katherine Mercer

Senior Recruitment Director

Katherine brings 15 years of legal recruitment expertise, specializing in corporate and commercial law placements. Her background in private practice gives her unique insight into the needs of both candidates and firms.

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Matthew Reed

Recruitment Consultant

Matthew focuses on litigation and dispute resolution placements. His methodical approach and attention to detail ensure that every placement is a strong match for both parties.

100+
Trusted Firms
500+
Placements
15+
Years Experience
50
States Covered

Get in Touch

Whether you're an attorney exploring new opportunities or a firm seeking top talent, we'd love to hear from you.

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