About H-FTS

Legal & Accountancy Recruitment

We are
HAWTHORNE-FINCH
Legal recruitment specialists connecting solicitors with law firms

About us

We ditch the one-size-fits-all strategy used by larger agencies, crafting bespoke recruitment solutions tailored to your unique needs - whether you're an independent practice or a top-tier firm. Our CIPD-qualified consultants prioritise personality just as much as skills, ensuring perfect cultural fit alongside technical expertise.
Trusted by hundreds of clients nationwide, from independent practices to Top 40 accountancy firms and Legal 500 law firms, we've built our reputation on ethical practices, transparency, and results.
With a 100% client retention rate and over a decade of experience. We specialise in Legal and Accountancy recruitment across every region of the UK, we help you build teams that excel and propel your organisation forward.
From Yorkshire to London, the North West to the South Coast, we deliver results that foster workspaces brimming with productivity and innovation. Whether you need audit and tax specialists in Leeds and Manchester, or litigation and family law experts in London and Birmingham, our nationwide team connects exceptional talent with outstanding opportunities.
Partner with Hawthorne-Finch for an ethical recruitment experience that sets you apart from the competition.

Recruiting, ethically

Trustworthy Partnerships

Our commitment to an ethical recruitment process guarantees that every interaction and decision is rooted in integrity. This approach fosters a foundation of trust with both clients and candidates, ensuring that partnerships are built on a solid, reliable basis. You'll have peace of mind knowing that your recruitment needs are managed by a team that values honesty and fairness above all.

Transparent Communication

With transparency at the core of our operations, we ensure that every step of the recruitment process is clear and understandable. This openness not only builds confidence among clients and candidates but also promotes a culture of accountability and mutual respect. Our transparent practices mean you're always informed and involved, making the recruitment journey seamless and straightforward.

Customised Recruitment Solutions

Our ethical recruitment framework allows us to provide a bespoke and tailored approach to each client and candidate. By prioritising genuine relationships and understanding individual needs, we craft personalised strategies that align with your unique requirements. This customised service ensures that you receive not just any solution, but the right one that aligns with your values and expectations, making the hiring process not only effective but also deeply considerate.
Legal and accountancy recruitment services in Yorkshire Leeds Bradford Sheffield

Meet the team

David Hawthorne-Finch, Managing Director of H-FTS accountancy and legal recruitment

David Hawthorne-Finch                                                                                                          Managing Director

HF Talent Solutions, led by the straight talking David Hawthorne-Finch, has been all about connecting dots in the recruitment world.

David kicked things off with a passion for guiding students into top-tier courses like CIPD, ACCA and AAT, but he didn’t stop there. By 2017, he'd dived into the world of HR with a CIPD Certificate under his belt, opening doors to the niche but vital field of veterinary recruitment.

From Vet Nurses to Clinical Directors, he's placed them all across the UK. With this experience he didn't shy away from joining a new Recruitment Start Up company and added his honest approach to recruitment to the Accountancy sector.

David's journey's been a mix of ambition, adaptability, and a keen eye for both talent and opportunity, always with a friendly, professional touch.

He launched HF Talent Solutions as a new chapter where he can support people and clients change the way they work with Recruitment Agencies and offer an honest, ethical and bespoke service by building trusted relationships.

Lee Hawthorne-Finch                                                                                                                Director of People & Talent

HF Talent Solutions welcomed Lee Hawthorne-Finch as People and Talent Director to bring a fresh edge to how businesses train, retain and grow their people.

With 10  years of experience leading L&D strategies across sectors like retail, automotive, tech, and finance. Lee also has substantial experience of leading DE&I initiatives across organisations, removing bias from recruitment and ensuring education and inclusivity within the workplace.

From designing group-wide training programmes to shaping inclusive onboarding and mental health initiatives, Lee’s focus has always been people-first and results-driven. He's an Insights Discovery Practitioner, a certified Mental Health First Aider, making sure no one gets left behind in the pursuit of performance.

Now, at HF Talent Solutions, Lee supports clients beyond hiring; he helps shape cultures, strengthen teams, and develop future leaders. Whether it’s delivering impactful training or guiding internal talent strategy, he’s here to make people the real competitive advantage.

Connect on LinkedIn
Lee Hawthorne-Finch, Co-Director of H-FTS legal recruitment Yorkshire
Boo the cat, the main recruiter at HF talent solutions

Boo Pawthorne-Finch

Meet Boo Pawthorne-Finch, the undisputed furry overlord of HF Talent Solutions. This whiskered recruiter extraordinaire has a paw in every aspect of the business, from screening candidates with a discerning eye to ensuring team morale stays high with perfectly timed purrs and lap naps.

Under David's watchful guidance, Boo has mastered the art of the silent judgment, making him an indispensable asset in selecting only the crème de la crème of talent. Don’t let his fluffy exterior fool you; Boo’s insights are as sharp as his claws, proving that sometimes, the best man for the job is, in fact, a cat.

Testimonials

Lee was incredibly helpful and friendly. The whole process was really fast, I had an interview within a few days and was offered the job a few days later! Lee gave some helpful tips and always responded quickly. He kept in contact, checking if I needed anything and that I was all ok and prepared. After I was offered the job Lee even helped with contract negotiations and did all the talking which really took the stress out of everything. I would definitely recommend!

Paralegal - Yorkshire
Legal Practice

I had the such a pleasant experience with Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions and I would highly recommend them. Lee was attentive, responsive and so helpful throughout my recruitment process which was quicker than expected. Any queries I had were clarified quickly and Lee was also proactive in ensuring I had all the information I needed. Great service!

Insolvency Solicitor
Legal Practice

Brilliant service and in depth knowledge from David and the team

Corporate Finance
Accountancy Practice

I would definitely recommend Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions. David was very hands on and reassuring throughout the entire process. David actually cares and listens to what you actually want. If I had a question he would come back to me straight away. Amazing experience!

Monika

Family Law Senior Associate
Legal Practice

Jake was very helpful, listened to my requirements, and understood my reasons for leaving the present role. And of course found me a suitable new role! Excellent and professional service.

Lesley

Accountant
Accountancy Practice

I would highly recommend both Lee and David. They made the experience of looking and obtaining new employment as stress-free as it can be, ensuring my CV was updated to appeal to prospective employers. Very supportive throughout.

Michelle

Legal Candidate
Legal Practice

Lee very rapidly secured me my ideal job.
Very appreciative.

Julie

Property Solicitor
Legal Practice

I had a fantastic experience working with David. From the beginning, he really listened to what I was looking for and matched me with opportunities that aligned with my experience and career goals. Throughout the process, he was supportive, communicative, and always available to help.

What stood out the most was his dedication during the final stages, he acted as a strong advocate on my behalf, negotiating to ensure the best possible outcome for me. His professionalism and commitment made the whole experience smooth and stress free. I highly recommend David to anyone looking for a recruiter who goes the extra mile!

Shima

Conveyancer
Legal Practice

I had the privilege of attending a meeting last year titled “Beyond RGU: Your Launchpad to Becoming a Legal Pro,” where I thoroughly appreciated hearing David speak.

He also offered invaluable insights and guidance on how to make my CV more appealing to recruiters.

I am incredibly grateful for his feedback and direction.

Vicar

Law

David is the “go-to” for litigation recruitment.

Matthew

David is a results-oriented recruiter with a strong commitment to achieving positive outcomes for his clients. He consistently acts in clients’ best interest and demonstrates unwavering determination to secure the perfect roles when engaged. If you’re seeking your ideal position, I highly recommend connecting with David.

Bolu

Litigation Senior Associate
Legal Practice

David has been fantastic. His personable approach means he’s extremely easy to work with. I would highly recommend his expert assistance.

Nicole M

Litigation Senior Associate
Legal Practice

David has been such a pleasure to work with. His support, guidance and dedication are unmatched and made all the difference with my job hunt.

Anna P

Corporate/Commercial Lawyer & Practice Manager
Legal Practice

From the moment David contacted he was very supportive and helpful in explaining things. He kept me updated throughout and the whole process was very smooth and comfortable with his guidance. Thank you for your help and wish you the best.

Gowsi G

Family Solicitor
Legal Practice

David Hawthorne-Finch was amazing in that he smoothly supported me in securing a new position with a firm of solicitor. From the moment he contacted me about the role after seeing my CV, he helped me secure an interview and from there on everything just went so quick and smoothly and I was offered the position. David kept me informed all throughout the process without pushing me to accept the initial terms of the agreement but making sure that I was happy and that I considered my options thoroughly. I cannot thank him enough for his kindness and support and for being genuinely happy for me and wishing me the best in my career. I highly recommend David and Hawthorne-Finch for anyone looking forward to a new career move.

Michele

Immigration Lawyer
Legal Practice

Working with you has been an absolute pleasure, and I sincerely appreciate the dedication you’ve shown in ensuring every stage of the process has been smooth and enjoyable. In all honesty, I haven’t encountered recruiters who have been as attentive and supportive as you have been. Your genuine care and guidance have made a significant difference, and I am truly grateful for your presence every step of the way. Your professionalism, kindness, and dedication are qualities that I will gladly share with others, as they have left a lasting impression on me.

M. Uwakhoye

Paralegal
Legal Practice

David is an exceptional and first class recruiter. He builds relationships and your trust quickly and acts with the upmost integrity and professionalism, I would highly recommend his services. He has a real passion and dedication to get the best candidates possible. Working with David is a real pleasure.

Rebecca

HR Director
FMCG

David helped me find my current role and became my exclusive recruitment specialist through his meticulously attention to detail, ensuring that the right position is found for the right person. He took the time to find out what was important to me, my reasons for moving, and what I needed for my own progression. He worked tirelessly and never put me under any pressure. He is an absolute dream to work with compared to the usual aggressive recruiters. I have already recommended him to many of my friends and colleagues. Trust me, you’re in a safe pair of hands with David.

Sophie

Tax Manager
Accountancy Practice