Resources

Property Law Continues to Dominate Hiring Demand If you’re a solicitor in Yorkshire or the North West and you’ve been wondering whether it’s “a good time to move”, here’s what we’re seeing day-to-day. Over the last 43 days, the most consistent hiring demand we’ve observed has been in: The headline isn’t “look at our vacancies”.The headline is: Property law isn’t...

Recruitment has a reputation problem. Most people have a story where they felt like a number, a CV was sent without permission, or a conversation suddenly turned pushy the moment money was involved. If that’s been your experience, you’re right to be cautious. But here’s the honest truth about how we’ve built Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions: I’d rather lose a fee...

Counteroffers are one of those moments where leadership gets tested. Handled well, they can save a key person and reset trust. Handled badly, they can create a bigger problem than the resignation itself: pay resentment, a wobble in team confidence, and a culture where people learn they only get valued when they threaten to leave. This guide is a practical,...

Hybrid Working:  What Candidates Mean vs What Firms Hear Hybrid working should be simple. In reality, it’s one of the biggest sources of frustration I see on both sides of the market, because “hybrid” isn’t a standard term. In this guide, I break down what candidates usually mean when they ask for hybrid working, what firms often hear, and how...

Are These Killing Your Ability to Hire? Most hiring issues are not “a candidate problem”. They are process problems. If you are struggling to land the people you actually want, here are three common culprits I see in professional hiring markets (legal and accountancy included). Use these as credible internal conversation starters, not as hard promises externally. 1) Speed wins...

Why tailoring your CV matters (and why good candidates get ignored) If you’re applying for roles and not getting traction, there’s a good chance it’s not your experience. It’s how your experience is being presented. We recently advertised for a Recruitment Consultant role and received 109 applications. A few people told us in messages or cover notes that they had...

Why Ethical Recruitment Matters | H-FTS When Doing the Right Thing Means Losing Business Last week, I faced a decision that perfectly demonstrates why Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions operates differently from traditional UK recruitment agencies. A law firm contacted us about Private Client Solicitors  and from the email they reached out to us with, we had 2 suitable candidates locally from...

Why Professional Recruitment Isn’t About CV Volume Last week, I encountered a situation that perfectly illustrates the fundamental difference between professional recruitment services and the “spray and pray” approach that’s damaging our industry. The Client Experience That Changed Everything A Yorkshire-based accountancy practice approached H-FTS about filling a senior accounts role. Following our proven recruitment process, I: Their response? “Thanks...

Another tale from the UK recruitment trenches where professional courtesy in legal hiring seems to have gone on extended leave… Well, well, well. Gather ’round for another episode of “David Did It!” – where I spill the tea on legal and accountancy recruitment realities that would make your nan clutch her pearls. So picture this: one of our legal and...

Finding the right legal professional goes beyond reviewing qualifications and experience. While technical competency is essential, cultural fit often determines whether a new hire will thrive in your practice or become another costly recruitment mistake. Research shows that poor cultural fit is responsible for up to 89% of hiring failures, making it crucial for law firms to assess this during...

Published by David Hawthorne-Finch | Hawthorne-Finch Talent Solutions The accountancy recruitment landscape has never been more competitive. With the Big 4 firms wielding massive budgets, prestigious brand names, and structured graduate programmes, you’d think independent accountancy practices wouldn’t stand a chance in attracting top talent. But here’s the thing – I’ve just witnessed something remarkable that completely challenges this assumption....

Hey everyone! It’s time for another dose of “David Did It!” Today, we’re diving into a rather important topic: how to spot a toxic employer before it’s too late. Grab your tea, get comfy, and let’s spill the tea on all things workplace dynamics. Workplaces can be incredible spaces for growth, camaraderie, and achievement. But sometimes, they’re not. And the...

You’ve got the skills. You’ve got the experience. But if your CV isn’t doing you justice, it might be the reason you’re stuck refreshing your inbox, waiting for that interview invite. Recently, I worked with someone in this very position. Their experience? Amazing! Their CV? Well, let’s just say it was the literary equivalent of trying to read War and...

As we step boldly into 2025, the job market is buzzing with change and opportunity. In the legal recruitment sector, shifts in technology, candidate priorities, and employer strategies are reshaping the landscape. Whether you’re a candidate polishing your CV or an employer seeking top-tier talent, staying ahead of these trends is key to success. Let’s dive into the top predictions...

Picture this: You’re out shopping for the perfect pair of shoes. You’ve got a vision in your head—sleek, stylish, practical for every occasion—but you forgot to check your size. Now, you’re walking into stores, vaguely describing “something nice,” and leaving disappointed when nothing fits. This is exactly what happens when you’re looking for your dream candidate without a proper job...

Navigating a career in law can be like playing a complex game of chess. It’s all about the right moves at the right time. But what happens when you become so focused on your next “big move” that you unwittingly limit your future opportunities? One of the biggest challenges we see in today’s legal job market is candidates outpricing themselves,...

In the ever-evolving world of law, legal recruitment continues to be shaped by rapid advancements in technology, changing client expectations, and evolving regulations. As we move into 2024, both candidates and law firms are eager to understand what skills will be most in demand in the legal job market. For aspiring lawyers and experienced solicitors alike, staying informed of these...

Navigating the world of legal recruitment can be challenging for both law firms and candidates. Whether you’re a client looking to hire top legal talent or a candidate seeking your next career move, understanding the recruitment process is key to success. This comprehensive FAQ guide addresses common questions to help you better understand legal recruitment and make informed decisions. 1....