McClelland Legal Search

Personal Life

Dianne McClelland owns and runs McClelland Legal Search, a search firm based in Pittsburgh and Washington County, PA. McClelland Legal Search specializes in placing attorneys in full time permanent positions within the Pittsburgh area as well as nationally. The search firm’s placement services include in house counsel, partners, associates, mergers, acquisitions, opening branch offices and practice group moves. Prior to founding her company, Dianne practiced law in Pennsylvania and West Virginia for ten years. She has litigated cases throughout both states as a staff counsel for a national insurance company and for a mid-size firm. After practicing law, Dianne began her recruiting career as the managing Director of a Philadelphia based legal recruiting agency. She then joined Susan Fletcher Attorney Employment Services which later became Fletcher & McClelland Legal Search. The company name was changed to McClelland Legal Search in 2012.


With more than twenty-seven years of active involvement in the Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania legal community, first as a practicing attorney and for the past seventeen years as a legal recruiter, Dianne is exceptionally situated to identify and place attorneys at all levels of experience in various practice areas. She has placed numerous partners and associates, both individually and in groups, and has assisted in law firm mergers. Dianne also has worked with corporations and law firms of all types and sizes.

As a recruiter, she has developed firm relationships with executives of corporations and members of law firms. The hallmark of Dianne’s dealings is her trustworthiness, precision, tenacity and steadfast attention to the client’s specific search. She also enjoys working with fellow recruiters throughout the country and taps into those relationships when it is in the best interest of her clients.

Dianne is a member of the National Association of Legal Search Consultants (NALSC), a voluntary organization of legal recruiters that adhere to the highest ethical standards in the profession. She has maintained her memberships and actively participates in several organizations which include the Western Pennsylvania Christian Legal Society, The Women in the Law Division of the ACBA, The Women’s Bar Association of Western Pennsylvania, the Washington County Bar Association, The Allegheny County Fellows, the Allegheny County Bar Association and alumni associations of The University of Pittsburgh School of Law and Washington & Jefferson College.

Dianne is a member of the Heart Ball Committee for the Washington Mon Valley Heart Ball, a division of the American Heart Association. She supports the Washington County City Mission, World Vision, many humane society charities and several veterans’ associations.

Dianne was born and raised in Washington, PA. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a double major in English and in biology from Washington & Jefferson College. Dianne also earned her J.D. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. She is married to Damon Faldowski, a successful trial lawyer who is a member of the American College of Trial Lawyers. Damon is a partner with the law firm of Phillips & Faldowski. Dianne has three stepchildren and she resides with her husband in Washington County, PA. Dianne and her husband are supporting Alumni Members of Washington & Jefferson College.

When the legal recruiter isn't working, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her dogs and cats. Dianne took piano lessons for twelve years and she still loves to play. She also enjoys decorating and redecorating, shopping and playing the stock market. Dianne is an avid Pittsburgh Pirates fan. She saw the Pirates win the 1971 World Series, and each member of that team autographed her baseball. When asked about her favorite restaurant, Dianne replied, “Italian!”

Dianne’s Successful Career Path and Tips for Legal Recruiters

What does it take to become a successful legal recruiter? “You have to love people, have good intuition, be tenacious, friendly, organized, and have a lot of patience to be able to successfully match candidates with clients. These are the top qualities recruiters must possess in order to be successful in the industry.”

What motivated Dianne to become a recruiter? She said she did not enjoy being a litigator. After Dianne met with Nikki Nordenberg, (the wife of University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark Nordenberg) who was well known to counsel attorneys who were not sure they wanted to be attorneys, she began to investigate the legal recruiting field.

The businesswoman discussed what she is known for professionally. “I am known for my candor and integrity. I am a hard worker who is fully dedicated and engaged and I genuinely care about my candidates’ and clients’ goals. I listen to my candidates and clients and put their needs first.”

Dianne also discussed her strengths and one weakness as a recruiter. She said that her main strengths are that she is “devoted and tenacious.” As for her weakness, the legal recruiter acknowledged, “I don’t have enough time to do everything I would like to do. I like to master what I put on my plate.”

So what is Dianne’s advice to new recruiters? “Recruiters have to absolutely love what they are doing. They must be organized and persistent. I believe recruiters have to grow thick skin when they are rejected and at the same time they have to have thin skin and be sensitive. I also believe recruiters have to listen and be patient in order to peel away the layers of each candidate so they know who they are.” Dianne emphasized that recruiters shouldn't enter the industry just for money.

Considering her seventeen years of experience in the legal recruiting industry, many readers may want to know where Dianne sees the legal field in the next five years. Although she admitted it’s hard to predict the next five years, she stated:

“I am hoping that the legal market for new and young attorneys will improve. I'm hoping that law schools will institute more practical training and teaching techniques so that newly minted graduates will enter actual practice with a stronger foundation. Small, mid size and large law firms will continue to merge with larger law firms, but conversely boutiques will also always have a place in the market. In our area I predict that there will also be continued increased activity in the oil and gas industry.”

What does Dianne look for to find the right fit? What makes a great candidate? She pointed out that a candidate’s academic record and experience must suit her client’s needs. Dianne said her candidates’ cultural values and chemistry has to be shared with her clients in order to make the right placement.

In regards to what makes a great candidate, Dianne noted, “A great candidate has to be confident, sincere, diligent, personable, optimistic and hungry.” She added, “A candidate who is hardworking, down to earth and knows him/herself well tends to be the best candidate.”

Does Dianne have a recipe for a perfect match? The candid recruiter claimed, “I don't have a recipe for a perfect match. I embark on each search of course drawing on my experience but also with openness derived from my clients' specific needs at that time. Each search is new. That said, of course, a candidate’s experience, academic record, personality, insight and work ethic are factors that go into making a perfect match.”

How does the businesswoman process fear? “By embracing it. Be afraid and do it.”

How does she tackle obstacles? “Dig in. It’s a challenge and I love challenges.”

Has Dianne learned something of value from her mistakes? “Yes, I learn from each mistake and try again. I then do it better next time, but I try not to make many mistakes in the first place.”

Where does Dianne derive her confidence? “From my parents. My mother and father quietly inspired confidence in me. They told me, ‘You can accomplish whatever you set out to do.’”

Dianne’s Mentor and Mentoring Others, Facing Obstacles and Most Inspiring Influence

Does Dianne have a mentor? Is she a mentor? “Sue Fletcher has been my mentor. She is amazing, and has been the best mentor and teacher (and friend) I could have ever asked for.” Dianne has known Susan since her law school days. At that time Susan owned and managed Susan Fletcher Attorney Employment Services. The agency later became Fletcher & McClelland Legal Search. Dianne continued to say that she is currently mentoring two recruiters who work for her. She also mentors her six nieces, nephews and granddaughter.

When asked if she has faced any obstacles, the recruiter stated, “I have lost a parent, but I consider myself blessed. Life is pretty good. I see obstacles as opportunities.”

Dianne explained that her parents and teachers were the most inspiring individuals in her life. “My parents taught me to be down to earth and showed me how to be a hard worker.” She acknowledged that her many high school, college, and law school teachers inspired her throughout her academic career. Dianne’s late piano teacher also encouraged her. She recalled, “She would have been upset because I didn't major in music.”

Motivation, Favorite Quote, a Rewarding Position and Dianne’s Goals

What motivates Dianne to be a recruiter every day? “I love what I do. It’s a treasure hunt. At the end of the day my candidates and clients are happy and both sides win. I enjoy being a recruiter. That’s what motivates me the most.”

Dianne’s favorite quote is by Winston Churchill: “Never, never, never give up.” She said the quote resonates with her because that’s how resilient recruiters need to be.

Does the recruiter find her position rewarding? “My position is incredibly rewarding because I work with talented attorneys and wonderful clients. It’s fun to talk to candidates and clients and to make that match. It’s intellectually stimulating and I am never bored because everyday is an adventure.”

Does the Pennsylvanian have goals? “I will continue to do what I do.” Dianne expressed that she might eventually expand her company, but her focus has always been on doing her job well.