Welcome to SD Legal

An award-winning search firm, focused on the Legal & Compliance sector and with the ability to service strategic hiring across the globe. 

2018

Established in Hong Kong

2022

Established in Singapore

2025

Established in Madrid

100%

Success rate in retained search

27

Combined years Of experience

For Employers

We offer market leading guarantee periods which range from 6 months to 1 year, and have a demonstrated 96% candidate retention rate for client placements.

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For Job Seekers

SD Legal will provide you with access to legal and compliance jobs across the globe, many of which will be exclusive to our firm

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Market Intel

Keep up to date with industry news and insights

Featured
Market Review & Salary Survey 2025
Market Review
Market Review & Salary Survey 2025
Market Review

Our most comprehensive salary survey for In-House lawyers in Singapore.

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Market Review
Cost of Living - Singapore
Special Report
Cost of Living - Singapore
Special Report

Singapore has been categorised as the most expensive city to live in across Asia.

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Special Report
Interview Preparation
Candidate Support
Interview Preparation
Candidate Support

A comprehensive guide to interviews, specifically tailored to In-House lawyers

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Candidate Support

Testimonials

  • I was immediately impressed with Nathan when I first connected with him. He’s very sharp, empathetic, candid, helpful and full of positive energy! Nathan strikes me as a recruiter who places importance in ensuring that not just the role but the team/organisation’s culture and environment fits the lawyer. I appreciate his focus on long-term relationships and his strategic thinking. I would certainly recommend him as a recruiter to work with, whether you’re a client or a candidate.

    Kay Pang • VMWare

  • I had an outstanding recruitment experience with Nathan. From our very first meeting, it was clear that he had a deep understanding of what his client needed, and he immediately recognized that I was the right fit for the role. He was spot on—I’ve since landed my dream job! Throughout the process, Nathan was highly proactive and communicative, always ensuring I was informed and supported. His genuine care for both his candidates and clients is a rare and valuable quality in today’s recruitment world. Thank you again, Nathan!

    Amanda Scribante • BW Group

  • Nathan is very proactive and professional, able to understand the type of calibre and profile that we need in a high performing legal team and filter out only the appropriate candidate(s) for us. In my opinion this sets him apart from most other recruiters as we are assured that profiles sent through from him will be a likely match for our requirements and of exceptional quality. Highly recommend working with Nathan for important legal hires!

    Su Joan Yow • Visa

  • I have been working with Nathan for sometime now for our legal recruitment needs. He guarantees a smooth process by only offering high quality candidates and is very attentive during the transition process. Highly recommended.

    John Simpkins • Hongkong Land Limited

Who We Are

Established in 2018 by Nathan Smith and Gareth Dowse and with physical office locations in Hong Kong, Singapore and Madrid.

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