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Legal Search Firm
Welcome to People Consulting USA
We match world-class talent with top-tier law firms.
People Consulting USA provides the resources, network, and in-depth understanding of the legal industry to help you navigate opportunities, avoid pitfalls, and obtain success.
About Us

Over 60 Years of Recruiting Experience

Leveraging our experience and network saves firms and attorneys time, money, and headaches.

People Consulting USA works with law firms and attorneys to create mutually beneficial connections. We are in the relationship business—and we’ve been at this for a long time. We guide law firms in growing their team strategically, so they reach new levels of success. We equip attorneys with an internal view of firms so that they can make informed decisions about their careers. Leverage our combined 40+ years of experience, commitment to relationships, and knowledge of the overall lateral legal market to find your next step.

What We Do

Our Expertise

For Firms

Elite law firms deserve elite attorneys. We work as an extension of your team and identify candidates who fit your needs, elevate your culture, and reinforce your values. You will have an active role in the recruiting process as we work to support your goal of building a top-tier law firm with a reputation for success. We know your team stands out because of your people—our commitment to efficiency, responsiveness, and a straightforward approach will identify a top match specifically tailored to your goals.

For Attorneys

Our priority is guiding you through the next steps in your legal career. We represent Am Law Top 200 firms in addition to regional and boutique firms. Your perfect career fit is out there, and we can help you find it. Our team is in your corner throughout the entire process, working directly with firms’ executives for clarity on their platform, billing structure, and compensation. Lean on us as we assist with all scheduling, meeting prep and firm information, completion of LPQ, and compensation negotiations.

Our Team

Nice to Meet You

Meet the Team

Daryl Livingston

“It is not about making a placement now; it’s about figuring out what’s important and why; and then helping both parties achieve success.”

Daryl Livingston is the founding partner of People Consulting USA with over 20 years of recruiting experience. He is a trusted advisor who has placed groups, partners, and associates at numerous Am Law 200 and boutique specialty law firms.

Throughout his career as an attorney search consultant, Daryl found a passion for deep personal relationships with his clients and candidates. These relationships are built on listening and understanding what both parties are searching for—allowing him to land mutually beneficial matches and results consistently.

Daryl started his legal recruiting career with Compass Law Group, a well-known search firm focusing on office openings and large groups on a national scale.  While with Compass Law Group, Daryl had many mentors that poured into his knowledge of the legal recruitment business. Prior to Daryl’s legal recruitment career, he was on the start-up team for The Delta Companies, where he served as a Director of Physician Recruiting.

Daryl is a Native Texan and spent the last 30 years in McKinney, Texas, where he and his wife of 30 years, Christi Livingston, raised their three sons, Keaton, Landon, and Pierson. Daryl focuses on family, faith, friends, and their animals (dogs, longhorns, and chickens).  He enjoys sports, the outdoors, traveling, and volunteering with organizations like MISD, McKinney Young Life, and CASA.

Christi Livingston

Christi Livingston is a founding partner of People Consulting USA. Her 15-plus years of training, marketing, and office management experience allows her to give clients and candidates a more accessible recruiting process. She specializes in enhancing the recruiting experience with our team as she gets to know both the firm and potential attorneys to ensure we are marketing to the ideal candidate. Christi is passionate about helping ALL firms and attorneys. 

Some of Christi’s responsibilities are marketing, scheduling, social media, resume/CV guidance, LPQ assistance, invoicing, and keeping Daryl on track, which can be overwhelming at times.

Christi and her husband, Daryl Livingston, of 30 years, have 3 amazing adult sons, Keaton, Landon, and Pierson.  Christi is centered in faith and family and loves traveling, volunteering, spending time with her dogs, and watching sports with her boys. She has a master’s degree from Texas Woman’s University and previously taught elementary school for 15 years.

Jonathan Witmer, Esq.

Jonathan Witmer is Managing Director at People Consulting USA.  Jonathan received his law degree from the University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law and practiced at an Am Law 200 firm.

Jonathan brings 20+ years of recruiting and staffing industry experience. Prior to joining People Consulting USA, Jon spent 6 years with Midtown Group and 13 years with Robert Half Legal, where he established himself as an industry leader working with lawyers, paralegals, law clerks, and legal support professionals connecting them to law firms and corporate legal departments.  During his time at RHL, Jonathan helped build and manage several Metro Market offices and received multiple President’s Club awards for his leadership and personal production.  While at TMG, he helped lead the company to all-time highs in revenue and placements.  

Jonathan and his wife Sarah have two children, Catherine and Henry.  The family enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle in beautiful Lake Linganore, Maryland, with their Chocolate Lab, Fudge.  Having played sports his entire life, Jonathan now enjoys coaching youth athletics and is an avid supporter of the University of Maryland Terrapins and the Baltimore Orioles and Ravens. Of utmost importance to him are his faith, family, and friends.

Matt Umbarger

Matt Umbarger is Managing Director at People Consulting, USA, and brings 20+ years of executive-level recruitment experience in multiple industries.

Matt prioritizes building strong relationships where he can add value for an attorney partner navigating the complexities of moving their practice. This approach focuses on understanding the attorney’s specific needs and challenges, fostering trust through a no-pressure environment, and providing targeted solutions that make a real difference.

Prior to his pivot to law partners and groups, Matt specialized in corporate finance recruitment up to C-level in industries such as healthcare, real estate, investment, and manufacturing, with a particular focus on private equity-owned, M&A-driven environments as well as Fortune 1000 companies.

Before that, Matt drove West Coast efforts for a leading national physician recruitment firm where he helped build dynamic medical practices ranging from Pediatrics to Neurosurgery. Recognized multiple times internally as the top recruiter of the year, he learned to become a trusted advisor in a long, complicated process, guiding physicians to career advancement.

Matt lives in Newport Beach, CA, and enjoys all things ocean-related, creative writing, and time with family and friends. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Chaminade University of Honolulu where he was a full-scholarship athlete.

Taking You Forward

The transition of growing your firm or joining a new firm can be challenging. Allow our recruitment team—dedicated to your expertise—to navigate you through the entire transition.

Testimonials

Here’s what our past clients are saying about their experience using our services:

“My search for a new professional home took place over 17 months, included approximately 10 firms, and came down to two compelling offers… all during Covid 2020-21. From the first day, Daryl and Christi were there, always steered me right, and continue to be trusted counsel for my practice and firm.”
Nick Leibham | Partner
Holland & Knight
“People Consulting is unique in that Daryl puts people first. Daryl’s unwavering commitment to people allows him to go beyond the placement and find an environment for success.”
Heili Kim | Partner
McDermott Will & Emery
“Daryl is great. In fact, his call and invitation to examine a new opportunity changed my life – all for the better. He’s attentive, reassuring, proactive and responsive, and fantastic. I highly recommend Daryl.”
Jerry Morgan | Partner
Quarles
“Daryl is a pro’s pro. As you can imagine, transitioning is never easy, but Daryl was great. Daryl was able to secure the right opportunity for me and was responsive and transparent throughout the process. I really appreciate all of Daryl’s efforts and highly recommend him.”
Carlos White | Partner
“Daryl and his team were incredible. They took time to understand and appreciate me and my professional goals, and they worked very hard to make sure that the opportunities in front of me aligned with my vision for the future. I would not be in the positive position I am today without Daryl’s advice and help.”
Kate Duncan | Partner
Quarles
“I can rely on People Consulting USA to listen to our needs and find candidates that fit our strategic growth objectives. I enjoy working with Daryl and Christi on our recruiting needs.”
Connie Smekens
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP
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If you are an in-house or law firm attorney or a firm looking for legal talent to assist your team, get in touch using the form or call our office today.

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