About Themis Search.

Headquarters
Singapore

Core expertise
Law firm & in-house legal recruitment

Geographical reach
Singapore, APAC

About
Named after the Greek Titaness of law and justice, Themis

Our values

  • One of the few regional specialists with nearly a decade of expertise in the Asian legal markets. This tenured presence ensures a level of nuanced market intelligence that only long-term commitment provides.

  • We’re not just here for the now. We view ourselves as career-long interlocutors, committed to providing the steady continuity required to navigate an ever-changing legal landscape.

  • In the high-stakes legal markets of APAC, discretion is our primary mandate. We operate with absolute confidentiality. Trust is the essential currency required to protect the reputations of the leaders and institutions we represent.

  • We bring structure where it counts and adaptability where it matters. Moving beyond generic recruitment. We guide through essential hires and career-defining milestones with the precision the legal industry demands.

A man in a blue suit and white shirt smiling against a wooden vertical slat background.
A man in a blue suit and white shirt smiling against a wooden vertical slat background.

Lionel Vanello
Founder, Director

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M: +65 8991 2990
E: lionel.vanello@themis-search.com
EA Registration Nr.: R2197535

I am a Singapore-based legal headhunter, drawing on nearly a decade of dedicated expertise in the local and wider APAC legal markets. I help leading international and local law firms, as well well as in-house legal teams with their hiring needs across levels.

My career is defined by a deep geographic reach, having spent four years at the heart of Tokyo’s legal sector before transitioning to Singapore in 2021, where I have spent my time navigating one of the world’s most dynamic legal hubs.

Coverage: Private Practice, In-house. All levels
Practice areas: Banking, Finance, Corporate, M&A, and Disputes

  • 📍 I was born in Germany, raised in France, studied and lived in Switzerland and Japan and I am now based in Singapore.

    After graduating from law school, I decided to take my career into a different direction and chose to become a legal recruiter. I started my career in Japan with a leading local recruitment agency specializing in Executive Search, covering in-house and private practice recruitment. I learned all the fundamentals of Executive Search in the legal industry and got the experience of a lifetime working in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

    Upon relocating to Singapore in 2021, I joined a local boutique search firm, where I continued to specialize in the legal industry - covering law firm recruitment across levels in Singapore, from Associates all the way to Partners.

    In 2026, I decided to set up Themis Search, a logical next step in my career as this allowed more flexibility in the mandates I take on and who I can spend my time helping.

    What you get working with me:

    ✅ A reliable, experienced legal recruiter that knows the Singapore market in and out
    ✅ A dedicated, driven partner that will help you navigate your job search or your hunt for legal talent in Singapore and who has your best interest at heart
    ✅ Quality insights into recent development in the market
    ✅ Someone who will try to protect your time at all cost – I know how demanding your job can be and how time consuming recruitment is. I am here to help

    While being far away from family is a challenge - as many expatriates can certainly relate to - I continue to enjoy the lifestyle and love to explore Asia, one trip at a time.

  • University of Strasbourg (France)
    School of Law, 2010-2014
    University of Zurich (Switzerland)
    School of Law, 2014-2017
    Keio University (Japan)
    School of Law, 2016

  • "I had a great experience working with Lionel. He’s kind, easy to talk to, and genuinely looks out for the lawyers he works with. I always felt supported throughout the process. I’d happily recommend him to anyone looking for a recruiter who truly has your back."

    — Project Finance Associate

  • "Quick to respond and resourceful. Lionel always shares practical insights. Very pleasant to work with."

    — HR Manager, Law Firm

  • "If you need to work with a professional recruiter who stands by you and supports you till you achieve what you want to achieve, then look no further. Lionel is your man."

    — Senior Legal Manager, Consulting Firm

  • "My experience with Lionel Vanello has been excellent. Initially I was not sure of signing contract as we want to control the number of agents we work with. Within no time, Lionel was successful to win my trust by clearly understanding the details and process with our company. He is always been very prompt, careful with details and great listener. "

    — Head of HR

  • "The service provided throughout the hiring process was excellent. Lionel had great insight into the market and the candidates and also had very good understanding of our true need. Right candidates, appropriate inputs for our decision making and professional advice in closing phase."

    - HR, Pharmaceutical Company

  • "Lio had a good grasp of what the client wants and does his homework thoroughly. His advice is accurate, appropriate and proactive. It was a pleasure working through him."

    - Senior Associate, Finance

  • "It was a real pleasure to work with Lio on hiring a counsel. He worked in a very efficient and professional manner, communicating very well with our HR team and legal team. Thanks to his continued assistance, we have successfully hired a lawyer."

    — General Counsel

We are always on the lookout to grow our team. Whether you are an experienced recruiter or new to the industry, we would love to hear from you!

We are hiring!

Reach out: careers@themis-search.com

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