Legal Recruitment

SPECIALIST UK LEGAL PRACTICE RECRUITMENT

Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions provides specialist recruitment support to independent, regional, mid-tier, national and Legal 500 law firms across the UK.

We recruit Solicitors from NQ through to Partner level, Chartered Legal Executives, paralegals and legal support professionals across Litigation and Dispute Resolution, Family Law, Private Client, Residential Property, Commercial Property, Corporate and Commercial, Employment, Construction, Regulatory, Immigration, Costs and other specialist Legal Practice areas.

David Hawthorne-Finch leads our Legal Practice recruitment across London, the South East and the East of England. Lee Hawthorne-Finch supports law firms and legal professionals across Yorkshire, the North West and selected Midlands markets.

We take time to understand each firm’s technical requirements, client base, team structure, working arrangements and progression opportunities before approaching suitable professionals.

Candidates receive clear information about the law firm and opportunity before their CV is submitted. We obtain informed written consent for every client-specific introduction and maintain open communication throughout the recruitment process.

Looking to recruit for your law firm or considering your next Legal Practice career move? Complete the form to speak with our team in confidence.

Get in touch

"*" indicates required fields

Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away.

LEGAL PRACTICE RECRUITMENT ACROSS THE UK

We support UK law firms with permanent recruitment across fee-earning, leadership, legal support, risk, compliance and specialist professional appointments. Each search is shaped around the firm’s technical requirements, location, working arrangements, team structure and longer-term objectives.
UK Legal Practice Recruitment

LEGAL PROFESSIONALS WE RECRUIT

We recruit across a broad range of qualifications, experience levels and specialist responsibilities, including:

  • Newly Qualified Solicitors
  • Solicitors and Associates
  • Senior Associates
  • Legal Directors and Heads of Department
  • Salaried Partners, Equity Partners and senior leadership appointments
  • Chartered Legal Executives and CILEX professionals
  • Paralegals and Legal Assistants
  • Legal Secretaries and Practice Support professionals
  • Risk, Compliance and Quality professionals
  • Costs Lawyers and specialist Legal professionals

We also support professionals whose experience falls outside conventional job titles, including senior fee earners with a following, Consultants considering permanent employment and specialists seeking a leadership or succession opportunity.

Legal Practice Areas and Client Advice

LEGAL PRACTICE AREAS WE RECRUIT ACROSS

We recruit across commercial, private client, contentious, regulatory and publicly funded Legal Practice areas. Our work covers established core disciplines as well as specialist and senior appointments, including:

  • Litigation and Dispute Resolution
  • Corporate and Commercial Law
  • Employment Law
  • Family and Children Law
  • Private Client, Wills, Trusts and Probate
  • Residential Property and Conveyancing
  • Commercial Property and Real Estate
  • Property Litigation and Leasehold Matters
  • Construction and Engineering Law
  • Banking and Finance Law
  • Insolvency and Restructuring
  • Personal Injury
  • Clinical Negligence and Medical Negligence
  • Regulatory, Inquests and Professional Discipline
  • Criminal Law and Duty Solicitor Work
  • Immigration and Public Law
  • Court of Protection, Mental Capacity and Deputyship
  • Intellectual Property, Technology, Media and Data Protection
  • Charity and Not-for-Profit Law
  • Costs Law
  • Risk, Compliance and Legal Practice Management
  • Legal Finance, Costs and Operational Support

If your requirement falls outside these areas, contact our team for an honest discussion. We will assess the role, market and candidate availability before confirming how we can support your search.

Legal Practice team working together in a professional office

PERMANENT AND LOCUM LEGAL RECRUITMENT

Permanent Legal Practice recruitment is our principal service. We support law firms recruiting experienced professionals for full-time and part-time permanent positions, from paralegal and NQ level through to Legal Director and Partner appointments.

Where a client requires short-term support, we can also assist with locum recruitment for temporary assignments, maternity cover, sickness, increased caseloads, project work and capacity requirements.

Our recruitment support includes:

  • Full-time permanent positions
  • Part-time permanent positions
  • Fixed-term contracts
  • Locum and interim assignments
  • Senior and leadership appointments

We discuss the working arrangements, required experience, assignment length, salary or rate, office expectations and anticipated start date before approaching suitable candidates.

Looking for permanent or locum Legal Practice support? Contact our team to discuss your requirements.


REGIONAL LEGAL RECRUITMENT ACROSS THE UK

Legal Recruitment London

David supports law firms and legal professionals across the City of London, West End, Canary Wharf and Greater London, together with the surrounding markets of Essex, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Surrey and Kent.

Legal Recruitment Yorkshire

Lee supports independent, regional, mid-tier, national and Legal 500 law firms across Leeds, Sheffield, York, Harrogate, Bradford, Hull and the wider Yorkshire region.

Legal Recruitment North West

Lee supports law firms and legal professionals across Manchester, Liverpool, Cheshire, Lancashire, Cumbria, Warrington and the wider North West.

WHAT OUR CLIENTS AND CANDIDATES SAY ABOUT US

Every successful placement is built on trust, clear communication and a thorough understanding of what both the law firm and legal professional are looking to achieve.

Our clients value our personal approach, honest advice and carefully considered candidate introductions. Candidates value the support they receive throughout the process, from the first confidential conversation through to interview preparation, offer negotiation and onboarding.

Read what law firms and legal professionals have said about their experience of working with Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions

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!

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.

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.

Legal Candidate
Legal Practice

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

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!

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.

Law

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tax Manager
Accountancy Practice

Our process as a legal recruitment agency

Successful recruitment is all about precision and partnership. We build a deep connection with you and your business, allowing us to understand your needs completely and deliver the perfect candidate. As a talent firm, our process gives you a seamless and stress-free experience. Here’s how we do it:

Step 1: getting to know you

We need to know your challenges and exactly what you're looking for to match the right person to your role. We'll start with an in-depth conversation to understand your needs, team culture and the role you’re looking to fill. Whether it’s a senior risk professional or a trainee solicitor, we have the expertise to find the right person.

Step 2: creating a unique recruitment strategy

Every role and every law firm has unique needs, so we craft a bespoke recruitment plan designed specifically for you. As part of our strategy, we'll weave in market intelligence and tap into our largest candidate database and legal industry connections to uncover the best legal talent.

Step 3: finding and rigorously evaluating the talent

Finding suitable candidates that match your needs is the first step. But our team of consultants won't just present you with everyone who fits the role. We take our candidates through rigorous evaluations to make sure they're the right fit for your business and your role. We assess every aspect of a candidate’s suitability, from experience to cultural fit, to make sure you're only hiring the best and brightest skilled professionals.

Step 4: meet your star candidates

Once we’ve created a shortlist of exceptional talent that we know will enhance your business, we manage introductions and interviews. Understanding how your candidate's personality will fit into your business is just as important as assessing your candidates' skills in an interview. Every candidate you'll meet is hand-selected to fit your needs.

Step 5: sealing the deal and supporting the transition

Once you're ready to make an offer to your chosen candidate, we'll take care of all the complex stuff. From handling offers to negotiating terms, we manage the final stages of the recruitment process with integrity and professionalism. We're also here to support you in the onboarding process, helping your new talent to fit in seamlessly.
Legal recruitment London connecting lawyers with Legal 500 firms

Why choose Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Ltd as your legal recruitment agency?

When it comes to recruiting legal professionals, you need a partner who understands the intricacies of the legal market and values your time and trust. Our expertise, combined with our personable approach, delivers every time. Here’s what sets us apart:

Your trusted recruitment partner

We’re more than just your bog-standard legal recruiters who provide candidates in volume with no screening. We’re your dependable partner, committed to supporting you long term with our talent matchmaking services. With us, you’ll have a guaranteed pipeline of quality legal talent ready to enhance your business.

Custom tactics

What works for one business isn't guaranteed to work for another. That's why we develop bespoke recruitment plans tailored to your exact needs, delivering results that align with your goals and culture.

Quality over quantity

Many recruitment agencies in the legal industry focus on volume over any other factor. Instead, we present you with the best legal professionals and won't waste your valuable time with unsuitable candidates. Our thorough vetting process means we'll only bring the professionals to businesses who we know will make a difference.

Ongoing support

Our commitment doesn’t end when your candidate has signed on the dotted line. We provide ongoing support to both clients and candidates, helping them to settle in and sticking around for support and personalised advice whenever you need it.

Transparent communication

We act with integrity, and we'll keep both you and your candidates in the loop throughout the entire process. Our communication is clear, simple and honest. You’ll always know where you stand with us.

FAQs

Do you recruit for temporary legal roles?

Yes, we specialise in both temporary and permanent recruitment. Whether you need contract candidates or long-term hires, we can find the right professional talent to meet your needs.

What types of legal roles do you recruit for?

We recruit for a wide range of legal positions, including criminal lawyers, commercial solicitors, senior associates, real estate lawyers and heads of departments. Our expertise spans a range of sectors including corporate law, family law and risk and compliance. We also offer specialist services in the accounting and financial services sector.

What makes Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions Ltd different from other legal recruitment agencies?

Our commitment to integrity, personalised strategies and quality over quantity sets us apart. We’re more than just a specialist agency - we’re your trusted partner in building an exceptional legal team.

How do you support clients during the recruitment process?

We provide end-to-end support, from understanding your needs and evaluating candidates to assisting with onboarding and post-placement guidance. Our clients come from a breadth of organisations in varying legal disciplines, meaning we can support you with even your most niche hiring needs.

How do you ensure candidates are the right fit for our team?

We take a thorough approach to evaluating candidates, including assessing their technical skills, experience across the legal landscape and alignment with your company culture. Our process includes detailed screening, interviews and reference checks to ensure every candidate we present meets your expectations, whether you're recruiting real estate lawyers or aspiring solicitors.

News & Updates

Featured image for Are You Interviewing for Skills or Hiring for Success?

Are You Interviewing for Skills or Hiring for Success?

When a hire doesn’t work out, the explanation is often surprisingly similar. “Their CV looked great.” “They interviewed really well.” “They had exactly the experience we were looking for.” On paper, the decision seemed straightforward. The candidate ticked every box and appeared to be the safest choice. Yet six months later, they have either left the business or failed to...
Read article
Featured image for David Did It! The Best Placements Don’t Always Happen in the Obvious Places

David Did It! The Best Placements Don’t Always Happen in the Obvious Places

One of the things I’ve been reflecting on this week is how differently recruitment businesses are structured, and how much that structure directly impacts the outcome for candidates and clients. In the last few weeks, I placed two candidates: one as an Audit Manager and another as an Accounts Senior. What made both placements interesting was that neither opportunity was...
Read article
Featured image for Why Your Interview Process Is Costing You Legal & Accountancy Talent

Why Your Interview Process Is Costing You Legal & Accountancy Talent

Why Your Interview Process Is Costing You Top Legal & Accountancy Talent (And How to Streamline It) So we have all been there when a candidate is interviewing and the Client comes back to be surprised they accepted another offer. It is not because your team was bad or the role wasn’t of interest, it was solely because the interview...
Read article
Featured image for David Did It! – AI & Employment References – The Interview

David Did It! – AI & Employment References – The Interview

I Asked AI 10 Questions About Employment References… Here’s What Happened One of my favourite things about being a journalist was asking the questions everyone else was thinking but nobody wanted to ask. Yes did I use that to put people on the spot, Yes do I still use “I just have to ask as I used to be a...
Read article