Search
done
right.

A team that solves problems. Yours. 

Kerwin builds diverse legal and compliance teams for the most transformative organizations, from tech-focused startups seeking rapid growth to established industry disruptors. With deep roots and history in Silicon Valley, our firm specializes in placing diverse, dynamic talent at all levels across the nation. Clients choose Kerwin’s approach because of our functional depth, innate knowledge of the talent landscape, and our ability to unlock and hire phenomenal talent.

So. Much. Service. 

Retained Executive Search

Kerwin conducts leadership and niche searches on a retained basis. This is our highest level of service. An extremely hands on approach, we take full ownership of the search process from inception to close. Retained clients can expect deep partnership, a thoughtful search strategy, status calls, write ups, in-person evaluations, and a relentless pursuit until close.­

Contingent Search

Kerwin conducts legal and compliance searches on a contingent basis. We provide interested and qualified candidates as quickly as possible. Contingent clients can expect Kerwin to generate candidates, provide write-ups and manage Kerwin’s pipeline until close. This is a different level of service versus a retained partnership.

Contractor Placement

Kerwin’s contract and temporary placement practice allows clients to solve unique hiring problems. We have a continuous pipeline of active, on-demand talent at all levels and utilize this existing bench to quickly solve temporary complex hiring challenges.

Consulting & Coaching

Kerwin offers candidate coaching and client consulting. Kerwin coaches candidates on the general legal market, career transitioning, work-life balance, and resume writing. We offer client consulting focused on how to structure and scale a legal organization, compensation market feedback and broader organizational design. Please contact us to learn more.

Diversity

Kerwin is deeply committed to building diverse teams. 90% of the legal and compliance leaders we recruited in 2022 identified as female, Person of Color and/or LGBTQ+. We passionately build diverse pipelines, support diversity in the workplace through our hosted events and continued efforts to decrease the gender wage gap.

But don't take our word for it.

Reddit
“I really enjoyed working with Anne and team. They brought us a stream of great candidates, managed the pacing and attention of each candidate throughout the process with finesse, and ultimately helped us make a decision and close our top choice. They were excellent partners through and through, and I would absolutely work with them again.”
Steve Huffman, Chief Executive Officer
Anchorage
“Kerwin is top-notch. Their deep networks in the legal and compliance arena paired with their ability to unlock, evaluate and present top-tier talent make them one of the best in the business. They are client-focused, creative and attentive providing one of the best search experiences for both their clients and candidates. They have my unwavering stamp of approval.” 
Katie Biber, former General Counsel 
Airbnb
“We went to Anne and her team on a really tough national search, and I was really impressed with the broad slate of diverse candidates that she brought to the table for us. She was a trusted advisor to us throughout the process, and as a result we landed a terrific candidate who has hit the ground running. I look forward to working with Anne and her team again!”
Rob Chesnut, General Counsel
Arm
“The great differentiation in working with Anne Kerwin and her team is the extraordinary investment taken to understand the culture of the company and the type of candidate that is the best fit for a successful add to my team. Anne really listens and when I ask for that missing link, she and her team work tirelessly to help me find that special person.” 
Carolyn Herzog, EVP & General Counsel
Datastax
"If your goal is to attract the very best talent to your Legal team then partnering with Kerwin Associates is a smart choice. From surfacing "passive" candidates who are successful in their current roles and not looking to move, to helping you decide which candidates have the greatest growth potential, to closing the deal with the candidate you want - Anne Kerwin and her team are true professionals who consistently deliver exceptional results."
Clint Smith, SVP & General Counsel

Kerwin. Unique in Search.

Our core values differentiate us.
We approach everything we do with a hearty mix of the values below.

Relationships come first 

Remember the human, always. Our relationships have driven Kerwin forward from our founding days. They are the most important piece of our business and we value our relationships with our candidates and clients deeply. We are humble and treat everyone with respect, honesty and integrity.  

Bias towards bold action

Our work requires proactive and bold action. We solve challenging client problems using intellectual creativity. We go above and beyond what is accepted as possible. We take ownership in all aspects of our work and take pride in our responsibility to get to the end goal.

Learn fast and evolve 

We need to learn and evolve to mirror the revolutionary business and legal climate. We are nimble, adaptive and move forward with thoughtful reflection. We believe wholeheartedly in continued education, professional development and seeking out opportunities to expand our perspective. We welcome feedback as an opportunity to improve. 

Integrity without compromise

We operate with the highest ethical standards. Integrity is the foundation on which we build relationships and effective partnerships. We respect anonymity and privacy for our clients and candidates. As trusted advisors, we assume the best intent, empathize and listen with compassion. We hold ourselves and others accountable to the highest standards in all we say and do.

kerWIN together

We kerWIN together. Partnerships with direct and open communication lead to successful results. We are relentless in our effort to collaborate and communicate in the pursuit of excellence. We are tenacious and persevere until we have delivered results.    

Keep Kerwin authentic 

We celebrate authenticity and diversity in our office and our work. We believe our different backgrounds and approaches makes Kerwin a more spirited and successful company. We laugh, we take team outings. We believe that we cannot gain unless we give and try to give back however we can. We bring our whole selves to work and try to keep it as real as possible.

If you’ve got a search, we’ve got solutions.

Say hello