Lighthouse Legal Search

Personal Life

Seth Davis owns and runs Lighthouse Legal Search, an executive legal search firm based in San Francisco, CA. Lighthouse Legal Search specializes in placing general counsel, in-house counsel, law firm partners and associates throughout the West Coast. The search firm also places attorneys nationally and internationally. Prior to founding his company, Seth worked as a recruiter at one of the largest legal search firms in the United States. He also served as a recruiter and managing partner for the Western United States to one of the largest executive legal search firms in the world before establishing his own search firm three years ago. Lighthouse Legal Search has been named as one of the National Law Journal’s ‘Best Of.’


Seth was born in San Francisco, CA and raised in Marin County, CA. He received his B.A. in History from University of California, Davis and earned his J.D. from University of San Diego School of Law. Seth also studied international business law at Moscow State University in Russia and human rights law at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland.

When the legal recruiter isn’t working, he is a dedicated triathlon coach for Team In Training, a program that raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Since 1998, Seth has coached triathletes and marathon runners for this cause. He has also been a coach for the University of California Berkeley triathlon team since 2001. Seth enjoys being a father, husband and coach. He also enjoys swimming, running, biking and is an avid San Francisco 49ers fan. The recruiter said, “I live and breathe 49ers football.” Seth is a frequent visitor of Masa Sushi, an authentic Japanese restaurant located in Novato, CA. His favorite book is Truman, written by David McCullough.

Seth’s Successful Career Path and Tips for Legal Recruiters

Does Seth have a top memory from school? He said he enjoyed making good friends and running cross country and track. The recruiter also enjoys learning and continues to learn everyday.

What does it take to become a successful legal recruiter? “Understanding your market and what your client is looking for both in terms of requirements and cultural fit. Making sure your candidates are a good fit for what your client is looking for and being empathic towards the challenges both for candidates and clients. Working hard and having a little bit of luck. Ultimately you have to love being a recruiter. If you don't love recruiting you will not be successful.”

What motivated Seth to work as a legal recruiter? He explained that he read an article that featured an interview with Marty Africa in The Recorder. The article resonated with Seth and it motivated him to become a recruiter. He said, “I truly enjoy legal recruiting, it was the right career move.”

The businessman discussed what he is known for professionally. “I am known to find the right fit for my candidates and clients.”

Seth also discussed his strengths and weakness as a recruiter. He acknowledged that he assists candidates with their careers and he tries to give career advice to each individual so they can remain on the right career path. He emphasized that he spends time with candidates trying to make sure their career goals are met. As for his weaknesses, the recruiter noted that he really enjoys the career coaching aspect of legal recruiting: “It sometimes hurts me, but I often spend too much time coaching candidates instead of trying to drive revenue.”

What is Seth’s advice to new recruiters? “Really spend a lot of time and get to know your candidates and clients. Understand what they need, so you can determine if the there is a match between client and candidate.”

Considering years of experience in the legal recruiting industry, many readers may want to know where Seth sees the legal field in the next five years. “After the 2008-2010 recession, the legal industry continues to grow. I am hopeful that it will continue to grow. It certainly seems to be heading in that direction.”

What does Seth look for to find the right fit? What makes a great candidate? “The right fit depends on what the client is looking for. There must be some kind of connection between the candidate and client.” Seth continued to say that candidates might be looking for a new position because they want more money, a different lifestyle or they are unhappy with their current job. But he stressed that the right fit has to make sense for the candidate and client, otherwise, it will not work in the long run.

In regard to what makes a great candidate, Seth claimed, “Honesty and integrity in what they are looking for.” The recruiter assists each candidate in determining if they are the right fit for the position they are pursuing.

How does Seth tackle obstacles? “By creating a calm mind, which can be created in many different ways. But I tend to use running and swimming to keep me calm and help me get through obstacles in my life.”

When asked if he learned something of value from his mistakes, Seth replied, “Absolutely. You learn from your mistakes and hope you don’t repeat them. Sometimes making mistakes helps you get through future obstacles and it also allows you to empathize with others who might be facing similar obstacles.”

What motivates Seth to be a recruiter every day? “Helping individuals reach their career goals is what drives me.”

Where does the UC Davis alumnus derive his confidence? He explained that his success of coaching triathletes and marathon runners over time has transferred over to recruiting lawyers. Seth stated, “Recruiting is not about placements, it’s about making career choices. You do the right thing to reach each candidate’s goals.”

Professional Associations, Non Profit Organizations, Facing Obstacles, and Mentoring Others

Seth is a member of the National Association of Legal Search Consultants (NALSC), a voluntary organization of legal recruiters who adhere to the highest ethical standards in the profession and attend numerous best practice classes. He is also a member of the International Coach Federation.

Seth also coaches Team In Training, which raises money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. He explained that after he ran into the UC Berkeley triathlon team in 2001, he began coaching the twelve-member team. Since then, the Berkeley triathlon team has grown to nearly two hundred members, won a national championship. Seth is very proud to have helped one of the largest collegiate clubs in the country. In addition to his coaching duties, he donates to a charitable organization or school after every placement. The proceeds have gone to Habitat for Humanity, Team in Training, local schools as well as other charities.

Has Seth faced any obstacles in his life? How did he get through the obstacles? He said his greatest challenge was assisting a family member through illness and death.

Is Seth a mentor? “I assist recruiters who work with me to help clients and candidates to the best of their ability. I am also a mentor to my clients and candidates.”

Seth’s Passions, Favorite Quote and Goals

Seth is passionate about his family, coaching, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the UC Berkeley triathlon team. The avid runner is also passionate about exercise. Seth believes exercise and staying healthy is important if you want to succeed in the legal industry and life in general.

Seth’s favorite quote is by Scott Jurek: “Sometimes you just do things.” The quote reminds the recruiter that you have to work hard and push yourself to the limit.

Does the Californian have goals? “My professional goal is to continue to help my candidates and clients find success.” As for his athletic goals, he has checked off many of his goals, including running the Boston marathon, being an age group national champion for swim/run races and being recognized as an age group All American by the USA triathlon association. Seth’s next goal is to get a black shirt in the Dipsea race. The Dipsea began in 1905 in Northern California and the scenic 7.4 mile course runs from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach. It is the oldest trail race in the U.S. and is handicapped meaning older runners and women get a head start. Although Seth has competed in the Dipsea race 13 times, he has yet to get a black shirt (top 35 get a shirt and he has placed 36th), although he still really wants one. He said he is a better cross-country runner than a technical trail runner so the Dipsea is a tough race for him.