Ross Legal Search, LLC

Personal Life

Jordan Ross is the principal of Ross Legal Search, LLC, a legal search firm based in Nevada. RLS is the only firm that is exclusively devoted to the permanent placement of lawyers solely in the Silver State. Jordan specializes in consulting with both candidates and clients in the placement of Associates, Of Counsel, General Counsel, Partners and staff attorneys for law firms, corporations, non-profit organizations and public agencies as well as the negotiation of acquisitions, mergers, and practice groups. Prior to founding his company, Jordan worked as a manager in the food and beverage industry for twenty-four years. He also served as Vice President of John Kurosky & Associates, a legal search firm located in Irvine, CA before establishing his own firm in 2005.


He wrote the article "M&A in the Nevada Legal Market - What's Really Happening?" for the November 2006 issue of the Communiqué, the Journal of the Clark County Bar Association. The legal blog Wild Wild West interviewed Jordan regarding the issue of lateral moves for lawyers for their May 9th, 2008 issue. From 2007 to 2010, Jordan spoke yearly at the Business Law Society of Boyd Law School at the University of Nevada at Las Vegas about the topic "The New Attorney In A Free Market or Welcome To The Shark Pool - What Your Law School Professors, The Career Office and Even Law Firms Won't Tell You." He also wrote the article "Exit Strategies for Attorneys - Maximizing Your Portfolio Before Retirement" for the February 2009 issue of the Communiqué.

Jordan was born in New York City and raised in Newport Beach, CA. He graduated from USMC Officer Candidate School. Jordan then graduated with an Associate's Degree from Orange Coast College. He is celebrating his twenty-ninth wedding anniversary in June 2013. Jordan is very proud of his daughter who is an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at Columbia University. She is an up-and-coming internationally recognized research scientist who earned full scholarships throughout eight years of college and graduate school.

When the legal recruiter isn't working, he enjoys shopping for traditional clothes and fine dining. Jordan is a fond visitor of Picasso, a French and Spanish cuisine restaurant located inside Las Vegas' Bellagio resort. He is currently reading Ronald Chernow's Washington: A Life.

Jordan's Successful Career Path and Tips for Legal Recruiters

Does Jordan have a top memory from school? He recalled taking the individual movement course at Officer Candidate School. Jordan explained that while he crawled on his stomach, he could feel the gravel on the ground. He had to crawl on the ground because he was underneath barbed wire. Although Jordan remembers the instructor yelling at him, he completed the course without giving up because he knew his father wouldn't have. He also recalled completing the final maneuver test with the only perfect score in his battalion at OCC after he successfully led other candidates using only hand signals while going through a simulated combat exercise in a Virginia forest.

What does it take to become a successful legal recruiter? "Legal recruiters must understand that they will not earn substantial money for some time. It took me two years before I made money. If a recruiter doesn't have a sales and marketing mindset, they will not be successful in this industry. Recruiters are responsible for bringing clients and candidates together. It is an enormous amount of work and time management is crucial."

What motivated Jordan to work as a legal recruiter? "I was tired working eighty hours a week for twenty-four years as a food and beverage manager. I left the food and beverage industry and worked for a legal recruiter that my dad knew."

The businessman discussed what he is known for professionally. "I'm known for focusing on the legal recruiting industry, not as an attorney, but as a business model. You can monetize your practice and achieve the greatest value for it." Jordan continued to say that a Las Vegas law blog called him "The Shark Pimp" because he successfully sells attorneys for a living, and the nickname has stuck ever since. He is also brutally honest when he speaks to law students. Jordan added, "I tell them that nobody in the recruiting industry cares about them until they have three years of experience."

Jordan also discussed his strengths and one weakness as a recruiter. He reiterated the fact that he focuses on the legal recruiting industry as a business model. Jordan also pointed out that he asks himself how his candidates will help his clients. As for his weakness, the recruiter said he is direct and blunt, which leads individuals to think he is overconfident or even arrogant.

So what is Jordan's advice to new recruiters? He jokingly stated, "Become a medical recruiter, you'll make money faster." Jordan's advice to new recruiters is that it takes time to establish relationships with clients and candidates. He also claimed, "It's a long haul before recruiters make substantial money in this industry."

Considering his twelve years of experience in the legal recruiting industry, many readers may want to know where Jordan sees the legal field in the next five years. He acknowledged that the legal field hit rock bottom during the recession. Although Jordan believes the legal field will recover, he noted that it will not be the same as it was before the recession. He also explained that attorney's growth in compensation will drop off. Jordan said law firms are gradually implementing compensation packages, which provides profit sharing and bonuses for attorneys.

What does Jordan look for to find the right fit? What makes a great candidate? Jordan said for Of Counsel and Partners he asks if they have a great book of business that's transferable. The recruiter looks for a practice fit (e.g., whether a Labor/Relations specialist is a good match a firm that primarily does Employment Litigation). Jordan also looks for trial experience, if relevant to the client's needs, and if a candidate's personality matches the organizational culture of the firm. He asserted, "Attorneys should work with a recruiter who knows the local market so they can avoid individual personality conflict. Subjective human factors make legal recruiting unique."

In regard to what makes a great candidate, Jordan said an individual that has brand and identity management is what firms are looking for. He also stressed that a great candidate will have a solid book of business that's transferable.

Does Jordan have a recipe for the perfect match? "No. I wish there was one, but there are many human factors that are involved. I have to screen and filter the process."

How does the businessman process fear? "The Shark Pimp has no fear. I see things as a challenge, but not as threatening. I attack my obstacles aggressively."

When asked if he learned something of value from his mistakes, Jordan replied, "I try to. I learn from observation, but my own ego means it's challenging to learn from my mistakes." The candid recruiter admitted that it's easy to learn from his small mistakes, but it's harder to learn from his bigger mistakes.

What motivates Jordan to be a recruiter every day? "Money and the hunt for it. It's an adrenaline rush."

Where does the former marine derive his confidence? "It comes from my father. Most people follow rather than lead. I grew up with a role model who told people what is true and what is right. My father spoke with authority. My confidence comes from my father's example."

Professional Associations and Non Profit Organizations

Jordan is a member of NALSC, a voluntary organization of legal recruiters who adhere to the highest ethical standards in the profession. He is also a vendor member of the Clark County and Washoe County Bar Associations.

Is the recruiter involved with any non-profit organizations? Jordan serves as County Whip for the Clark County Republican Party and as Chair of the Bylaws Committee for the Nevada Republican Party. He is a member of the American Legion and the Benevolent Order of Elks. In 2010 he was elected as the constable of the Township of Laughlin, an office in which he still serves.

Most Inspiring Influence, a Rewarding Position and Jordan's Goals

Jordan said his seventy-eight year old father is the most inspiring individual in his life. He added, "He can still stop a room when he walks in."

Why does Jordan find his position rewarding? "Being your own boss is enormously rewarding. I have the freedom to manage my own time. I'm bringing revenue to my clients. That's important and it leaves me feeling good."

Does Jordan have goals? "Personally, I'm financially preparing for retirement. Professionally, I would like to remain significant in my field by continuing to bring in as many candidates and clients as I can."