Harbour
Tailored recruitment solutions within transactional risk, tax and legal.
Finding the right fit is essential for both individuals and organizations. We foster lasting partnerships that empower careers and drive success
We’re in this to build long-term relationships.
For our clients, we know each situation is unique with specific needs, challenges, and that there are no ‘one size fits all’ solutions. That’s why we invest the time to get to know you, your company, your goals and how we tailor our approach to suit your individual requirements.
For our candidates, we’re here to meet you where you are on your career journey. Whether you’re building on what you’ve already accomplished, or are looking to pivot into a new arena, we’re committed to understanding your aspirations and advise on what will make sense as a next step.
Harbour works with a select number of ‘big law’ firms as they navigate the competitive lateral market, and we also leverage our knowledge of the transactional risk insurance and in house tax markets placing senior candidates into industry.
Our goal is to find the nexus between our clients and candidates.
We’re in this to build long-term relationships.
For our clients, we know each situation is unique with specific needs, challenges, and that there are no ‘one size fits all’ solutions. That’s why we invest the time to get to know you, your company, your goals and how we tailor our approach to suit your individual requirements.
For our candidates, we’re here to meet you where you are on your career journey. Whether you’re building on what you’ve already accomplished, or are looking to pivot into a new arena, we’re committed to understanding your aspirations and advise on what will make sense as a next step.
Harbour works with a select number of ‘big law’ firms as they navigate the competitive lateral market, and we also leverage our knowledge of the transactional risk insurance and in house tax markets placing senior candidates into industry.
Our goal is to find the nexus between our clients and candidates.
How We Can Help
Our Services
Harbour Search Solutions offers a range of tailored recruitment, search and advisory services to our clients.
- Retained Searches
- Contingent Searches
- Market Advisory
- Recruitment Process Advisory
PRIVATE PRACTICE
We work with ‘big law’ firms and have a successful track record of placing attorneys in a variety of sectors across the US and Canada. We’re sector agnostic and work on mandates across corporate and litigation, but have a track record in the following:
- Private equity / M&A
- Project finance and development
- Real estate
- Tax
- Patent prosecution / IP litigation
- Executive compensation and benefits
- Funds
- Finance
Transactional Risk Insurance
We partner with large carriers, MGA’s and brokers and have successfully completed mandates within reps & warranties, tax insurance and claims across the US, Canada and UK.
In-House Tax
We’ve worked on a breadth of tax positions but specialize on senior corporate and international tax roles within medium to large multinational corporations.
Our Client Process
We see ourselves as partners and an extension of our clients in the market.
Our goal is to be true to form when representing our clients and the positions we’re recruiting and are mindful that a positive candidate experience begins with us.
Experience has taught us that we can achieve this by asking the right questions and taking time up front to get to know each situation. By doing this we’ll be able to efficiently navigate the candidate market, secure genuine interest from relevant candidates and set up your recruitment process for success with a strong foundation.
We’re actively engaged throughout the meeting process with candidates and will advise based on what we’re hearing and seeing.
Our role isn’t complete once the contract is signed or when the candidate has started. We continue to communicate with all parties well after these dates to ensure a successful placement.
Clients
If you’re a hiring manager, there’s a lot more that goes into finding the right person for your group than just whoever has the most technical experience. It must be the right fit.
We want to know the story behind your company, group and practice.
Questions To Consider
‘Why are you looking to hire and what role will the candidate play in group success?’
‘How will you approach integration and is there a tangible plan to explore with the preferred candidate?’
‘How do you articulate the strategic direction and what does success look like?’
‘How has your group grown over the last few years and what are some key achievements?’
Let’s separate your opportunity from others in the market through creating buy-in and increased interest early. Considering questions like these on the front end of your process will assist in achieving this and can be the differentiator in securing the ideal candidate.
For Candidates
Equally, if you’re searching for your next opportunity, there can also be much more that goes into it than just securing the highest paycheck.
We want to help grow your career by thinking about the big picture.
Questions To Consider
‘What are you looking to accomplish by moving?’
‘Can you clearly explain your reasons for exploring the market?’
‘How do you articulate your career path to date?’
‘What is motivating you?’
Having sharp answers to these questions will keep you prepared regardless of the circumstance.
We’re here to offer an extra set of eyes and ears on the market whether you’re actively or passively looking, or if you’d like to discuss your market value.
Our Process for Candidates
- Introduction
Let’s get to know each other. We discuss why you’re considering a move and what you’re ideally looking for.
- Market discussion
A general market chat or evaluating a specific mandate Harbour has been instructed on.
- Approach
As agreed, Harbour will make introductions to firms / companies who are of interest.
- Ongoing advisory
Harbour provides support, feedback and any insight throughout the meeting process from everything between the initial interview, start date and beyond.
Our Process for Candidates
- Introduction
Let’s get to know each other. We discuss why you’re considering a move and what you’re ideally looking for.
- Market discussion
A general market chat or evaluating specific mandates Harbour has been instructed on.
- Approach
As agreed, Harbour will make introductions to firms / companies who are of interest.
- Ongoing advisory
Harbour provides support, feedback and any insight throughout the meeting process from everything between the initial interview, start date and beyond.
Search and recruitment are nuanced. Understanding the layers to each situation is crucial to success.
We want to help grow your career by thinking about the big picture.
Andrew was an absolute pleasure to work with!
He was transparent and genuine throughout the recruitment process and took the time to understand exactly what I would be interested in. While he was seeking to fill a role for a corporate client, he truly felt like a partner to me as well.
M&A Counsel, Transactional Risk Insurance Company
Locations We Cover
Experience Around The Globe
Our primary markets are the US and Canada but have also recruited into Europe and the Middle East. Recent examples of positions we’ve been instructed on have been based in Toronto, New York, Seattle, Los Angeles, Bay Area, DC, Houston and London.
Ultimately, our clients drive which locations we recruit into. We lean on our international experience and market knowledge to share our best practices with you throughout our process.
We ended up hiring a couple of very talented people that are doing excellent work now.
He is thoughtful, kind, resourceful and very strategic. His approach is innovative and effective since he actively listens to your message to find the job prospects that truly align with your goals. It was the best decision ever to pivot my legal career when I did and I definitely would not have even believed it was possible without Andrew’s
support. I highly recommend Andrew.
Andrew was great to work with. Professional, responsive and patient while helping me navigate the complexities of a cross border recruitment process.
A much valued relationship I look forward to maintaining for future recruitment within the team.
Thanks for your help.
His understanding of today’s business environment, of the specific needs of the recruiting team, and his matchmaking approach enable him to assess how the candidate would fit into and interact with the future team. He’s not only looking for the best candidate, but the most suitable one. Also, he is incredibly helpful throughout the process, guiding and advising efficiently both the company and the candidate.
Moving overseas for a new opportunity was a big transition, however I felt I was in good hands with Andrew, there was strong communication from start to finish. He was in tune with what I was looking for and delivered on all fronts. I would recommend Andrew and will be in touch with him as my team grows.
He takes the time to build a relationship with you and understand your needs. It has been a pleasure working with him and highly recommend him.
About Our Founder
Andrew Pal
With over a decade of experience and after seven years of recruiting in London, Andrew founded Harbour Search Solutions in 2020 upon returning to Canada’s west coast with his young family.
Harbour was formed while we were all reevaluating traditional work structures. This change highlighted the importance of combining innovation with traditional ways of working and expectations. Having seen how transactional the recruitment sector can be, Harbour’s focus is on a sustainable approach rooted in strong relationships. The pillars that guide us are respect, clarity, strong communication and ultimately being able to deliver.
Outside of Harbour, Andrew spends time with his wife and two daughters, checking out new restaurants, working on his golf game, and taking in any sporting event including following his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs.
Regardless of the sector you operate in, Harbour will be able to assist. We are also an active member of NALSC and operate according to the code of ethics they put forward.
Reach out below to learn how we can help
CONTACT US
HARBOUR
Vancouver, British Columbia, CANADA
FOLLOW US ON LINKEDIN
TEL 604.831.8865
