James Shenton is Co-Founder and Partner at Onward’s Legal Innovation Practice, an elite boutique search practice that brings specialist executive search discipline to senior roles at the intersection of legal services, client development, legal technology/AI, legal innovation/KM, and commercial growth.

Onward’s Legal Innovation Practice has been built around precision rather than volume, helping law firms identify and engage senior talent for roles that are increasingly central to growth, transformation, client value, and the adoption of new technologies.

With 29 years of search experience, James has placed executive leadership across commercial, business development, innovation, and technology functions.

He runs exclusive search mandates for AmLaw and elite boutique law firms and legal tech companies across the US, supporting hires that directly influence firm growth, client strategy, competitive positioning, legal innovation, and AI-enabled transformation.

Legal Sector Search Experience

Completed recent exclusive searches include:

• Director of Practice Development, Investment Funds Group at a global AmLaw 10 law firm

• Associate Director of Practice Development, Corporate Finance at a global AmLaw 10 law firm

• Associate Director, Securities Litigation, NYC, for an AmLaw 5 law firm

• A Data Science Developer for a Los Angeles based boutique IP litigation firm, focused on patent law and building a proprietary LLM application

Approach

James brings a caliber of executive search methodology that is still rarely applied to these strategically important law firm roles.

James brings a consultative, research-led methodology grounded in market intelligence, targeted outreach, and a deep understanding of organizational culture. This approach translates directly to the nuanced, relationship-driven nature of law firm hiring, where credibility, discretion, and fit are critical.

Broader Executive Search Experience

James has delivered search engagements for global brands including NET A PORTER, Paddy Power Betfair, Sky, Apple Europe, and Three Mobile, alongside high growth companies across SaaS, legal tech, luxury eCommerce, and professional services.

Beyond Work

James is a father of three, avid cyclist and golfer. He completed the John O’Groats to Land’s End charity ride in support of Macmillan Cancer Support.