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I have used First Counsel both as a candidate; they have placed me twice in senior management positions, and also as a client when I have been looking for lateral hire partners. They adopt a quality not quantity approach, by investing the time to understand all your requirements, not just the tangible but the intangible ones, so that the 'fit' between individual and organisation is as close as can be expected, and both parties don't spend hours wasting each others' time.
What is boils down to is the quality of their people. They are very experienced, know their markets inside out, think strategically and genuinely build long term relationships. Mark Brandon, Chris Cayley and Tim Skipper are the three with which I have had most contact and all of them embody the qualities of what I would consider to be the ideal recruitment agency partner."
"I have been extremely pleased with the approach that First Counsel took in helping us identify a new General Counsel. It was effortless working with Chris in terms of shortlisting and gaining candidate insight all the way through to the final close. Chris genuinely invested time to ensure he fully appreciated our company culture and values before he started to look at candidates who would fit into this environment. I wouldn't hesitate to work with Chris again."
"First Counsel is a cut above the rest. They listen to their clients and don't try to fit square pegs into round holes. They have done a great job for Grass Roots in providing us with two excellent lawyers at very different stages of our rapid worldwide expansion."
"First Counsel combined an efficient and pro-active service with a genuine and likeable team."
"I was very pleased with First Counsel's service in helping me to secure a new senior lawyer for my team at Cushman & Wakefield. Michelle Corneby took the time to understand my specific requirements and the unique culture of our organisation before selecting a small number of candidates to put forward that fitted the bill. Although First Counsel did not have an exclusive mandate for this role, we ended up interviewing only candidates that Michelle had found for us because of her thorough approach. They were all of a very high standard and we have successfully hired a top quality lawyer on his first move in-house. First Counsel also took the pain away of preparing the advert at short notice to meet print deadlines."
"Chris Cayley and First Counsel care. It is as simple as that. They take the time to understand what you are looking for, guide you when you simply don't know, and ultimately find you the perfect fit for the role. He and his colleague are one of the few in the recruitment business who understand companies, understand people and understand roles. Their expertise is rare, and coupled with Chris' great personality it makes him someone with whom you can partner with ease on your recruitment project."
"Having made the decision to enter the job market I got in touch with First Counsel on the back of a recommendation from a colleague and I can confidently say I was not disappointed. They are a professional outfit who are clearly very well connected to their market. I liked the personable yet no nonsense approach of the team and in particular Gary and Tim. As a candidate who is now a client I can highly recommend First Counsel."
"In a competitive business environment, all law firms must manage their procurement of goods and services effectively. Post merger, we wanted to address our cost base and through First Counsel we engaged a specialist interim project manager to help us streamline our buying systems and deliver cost savings.
Over a seven month period, his contribution has been both professional and valued. He achieved savings running to 7-figures over the life of contracts in three core spend areas and transferred knowledge and skills to enable us to continue the project, adopting best practice in our ongoing procurement after his departure. We would not have achieved as much without such skill and support, and the decision to "in-source" procurement expertise and advice has been wholly justified."
"The assignment was not simple: to search for a mid-level, high-potential legal marketeer to take over marketing and BD activities in our Rome office. Moreover, to make it even more complex is the fact that legal marketing is a relatively new field in Italy, thus scarcity of experienced people puts an extra challenge. First Counsel promptly delivered in a creative and somehow surprising way: they were able to identify a US-based candidate, perfectly bilingual with exactly the experience and potential we were looking for and - above all - eager to relocate. Then the search process: it has been managed in a very professional way with clear reporting and prompt updates."
"It was proving to take a little longer than we thought to recruit the perfect director of business development and someone recommended we talk to the interim team at First Counsel. Within a short space of time, they found us the solution: a seasoned interim director of business development. Hitting the ground running, she provided effective leadership to our marketing team and to our marketing efforts over a period of six months. More than this, she gave us the benefit of her broader commercial experience. All in all, we were able to maintain momentum and take the time required to select absolutely the right permanent appointee."
"We (the recruiting organization, and candidate, at that stage) share similar views: you did a really good job and really cared; you stood out from the "run of the mill" recruiter by adding value to the actual process, rather than merely introducing a CV. A friend of mine, who is a headhunter in a non-legal sector, personally recommended First Counsel to me. I found all interactions with you to be very professional and efficient. I felt we understood each other well throughout the process and you took considerable care (and time) to make sure that I, the candidate, was kept regularly up-dated with all relevant information, including detailed feedback. You were also keen to understand my concerns; I felt you actively listened and helped to increase understanding between candidate and recruiting organization, which helped me to come to a decision to join."
"We were very pleased with First Counsel's service, which was attentive and efficient. They were keen to understand fully our culture, "set-up" and detailed requirements, and as a result they were able to find candidates who were right for us."
"When I was appointed as Finance Director, I knew that I was joining a first-class firm which was well managed but which could achieve higher levels of profitability. My previous experience led me to believe that there were cost efficiencies to be gained, as well as other hard and soft benefits, from implementing an intelligent procurement process, although the scale of the operations was such that this did not merit, at least at first glance, a full-time appointment and team. I knew, however, where to turn and First Counsel sent their best procurement expert to see me and soon afterwards he embarked on a ten-month interim assignment to secure major savings for us. The results were spectacular and we have seen a return of between 10:1 and 15:1, with the sums involved running into the millions. This was all achieved whilst maintaining good relations between finance and the other operational functions - not an easy feat in itself. The impact did not, however, end there and we have been able to establish a sound legacy of procurement best practice amongst our senior managers and also brought a unique procurement insight into the firm's own pitching and negotiating processes with clients."
"First Counsel did a terrific job helping us recruit a senior lawyer for the role of International Counsel. As a recruiter they were exemplary, but more importantly they added value by providing quality guidance and advice which I valued and relied upon throughout the process. Their wisdom and experience really showed. I would be happy to instruct them again and to recommend them."
"I have been working with First Counsel for some time now and most recently on an advertising campaign, as a result of which we have made an appointment. I found them knowledgeable about the market, responsive and enjoyable to work with. First Counsel has consistently introduced a high calibre of applicant to WPP and I have been impressed by their ability source people from the backgrounds we are looking for. I have also always felt that they are listening and have mine and WPP's interests to the fore. In addition, their candid and pragmatic advice about the market and the people they introduce is noticeable and was appreciated. I will happily continue to use them and to recommend them."
"I was very pleased with how First Counsel handled our assignment. We were looking to appoint our first lawyer in Europe and First Counsel provided a shortlist of applicants, all of whom had very relevant experience for the role, quickly and effectively. We were able to make an appointment from that shortlist and are delighted by the outcome, after a process that was trouble free. I enjoyed working with First Counsel and happily recommend them."
"On two occasions recently we needed to hire in specialist expertise on an interim basis. In both cases, the need was urgent and in both cases First Counsel delivered the goods. In short order, they found us the right interim manager for the job. The first, a marketing manager, completed a three-month project in just two months; the second, an interim head of business development, came in, held the fort and added significant value while we recruited for the permanent position. Interim management is a pragmatic solution to short-term resourcing problems. First Counsel delivers that solution better than anyone."
"After a long and fruitless executive search, First Counsel took on what had been described as a near-impossible task and within a few weeks had found the right candidate for the role. They are responsive, creative and, ultimately most importantly, know their market."
"Bates Wells and Braithwaite employed First Counsel to help us in the search for our first Partnership Executive Officer. I am very glad we did so. They helped us produce a focused job description and then handled the sifting of the 120 applicants down to a manageable shortlist from which we had 3 good candidates with the result that we were able to offer the job and make an appointment all within our timescale. I have no doubt that without First Counsel's role we would not have achieved this result. They were throughout very professional, supportive and efficient."
"I enjoyed working with Tim Skipper immensely. We were looking for a consultant that really understood our business, could demonstrate a sound knowledge of the market and would be a strong ambassador for us when representing the opportunity we had. Tim met our expectations and we have been able to recruit a fantastic candidate for our role. Throughout our process, Tim was completely on the ball and gave very honest, practical advice - something that I valued greatly. We will work with First Counsel again and look forward to continuing the relationship."
"I enjoyed working with First Counsel. They are my favourite recruiter by far as they avoid talking rubbish."
"We have worked successfully with First Counsel on a number of assignments now and value their involvement in the recruitment process. They have a professional approach, provide constructive advice and have taken the time to get to know Beazley. As a result, they consistently introduce relevant and high calibre people to us, which has resulted in a number of successful appointments."
"We really appreciated First Counsel's professionalism in our recruitment process. They consistently introduced high calibre people to us, which led to a successful appointment. We have dealt with other recruiters in the past and can recommend First Counsel as by far the best."
"We initially used First Counsel because they listened to what we wanted, thoroughly researched and profiled each candidate and gave us a balanced and informative opinion based on more than just the CV. The more we have worked with them, the more they have demonstrated an ability to consistently perform at the highest level. They are a first class outfit and a very likeable bunch of people."
"I was very pleased with the work that First Counsel undertook for Inspired Gaming. They were successful in finding people for us for two very different and challenging roles. They produced strong applicants for both positions, gave excellent advice throughout the process and were enjoyable to work with."
"Just a brief word to thank you for all your assistance in relation to this recent piece of recruitment; your hard efforts and efficiency are much appreciated by us."
"First Counsel successfully identified our first Legal Counsel. We found their service to be thorough and professional, and they worked with us to ensure a successful completion of the assignment. I have no hesitation in recommending or using First Counsel again in the future."
"First Counsel conducted a very successful campaign for us which resulted in the recruitment of three high calibre individuals into our team. We view the recruitment processes of being of tremendous importance and we were delighted with the service that First Counsel provided and with the outcome. They applied themselves to the campaign with enthusiasm, rigor and professionalism and took the time to ensure that they fully grasped our needs both in terms of skill set and fit with the existing team. I have no hesitation in recommending them."
"First Counsel has made its mark in a competitive environment. They can be relied upon to approach recruitment in a shrewd manner that does not compromise on quality or professionalism."
"I was delighted with First Counsel's work. They handled an important appointment for the group, with professionalism, perseverance, candour and expert advice. Their market knowledge and assessment of individuals is excellent."
"First Counsel successfully managed the recruitment campaign for our in-house International Legal Counsel. Throughout the campaign I found their service to be excellent. An appropriate short-list was provided in a timely manner, resulting in the successful appointment of our chosen candidate. Should the need arise, I would use the services of First Counsel in the future."
"First Counsel provided an excellent service and identified a first class list of candidates for a key position in our organisation. They were professional, helpful and responsive at all times and provided spot-on advice throughout. I was delighted to have had the benefit of their guidance and experience during the recruitment process."
"We have used First Counsel to assist us with recruitment briefs within IT and Marketing, for both London focused roles and for roles with a European focus. During these recruitment campaigns, First Counsel have become an integral part of our recruitment process. They are involved at the start and have given us invaluable advice with regard to job specifications and possible structures. They work closely with us throughout the selection process to successful completion. Their consultants have a wealth of knowledge and experience which is appreciated by me and the B&M line managers that they work with. I look forward to working with First Counsel on future recruitment campaigns."
"I was very pleased with the service I received from First Counsel, who quickly and effectively sourced applicants for us. We have now recruited someone whom we are delighted to have joining the group. First Counsel clearly put the interests of MWH and the applicant first and I am more than happy to recommend them."
"I was very pleased with service I received from First Counsel, who successfully sourced two high calibre corporate lawyers for us through an advertising campaign. I was impressed not only by their professionalism, but also by their ability to reach a broad pool of lawyers internationally. I would have no hesitation in using First Counsel for future assignments."
"First Counsel really do take time to understand what I am looking for, understand how we work and make good judgments about who would work well within our team and our business."
"I asked First Counsel to assist me in recruiting a Director of Human Resources and a Director of Marketing. They were very helpful not only in finding good recruits but in helping me prepare job descriptions and articulate what I was looking for in a way that would be attractive to high calibre candidates in the market place. I found their approach professional, knowledgeable and user friendly and would highly recommend them to others"
"First Counsel have provided a first class service and support to a recent recruitment exercise looking for a senior position within the firm. They have taken time to get to know the firm and our specific requirements which has made it feel very much like to team effort all the way through"
"A good recruitment agency is defined as much by what it doesn't do as by it what it does do. It doesn't inundate you with CVs, it doesn't simply summarise the candidate's career history in their covering note without adding insight, and it doesn't waste your time by sending along candidates who, despite a respectable CV, are clearly not right for the job or the firm. Amazingly, very few recruitment agencies seem to pass this simple test. Recruitment takes an enormous amount of my time, so I only want to work with firms that really understand our needs and ensure that candidates are the right calibre and fit with our team. First Counsel are one of the few that meet this test. Their candidate assessments knock spots off those provided by even their best competitors. I like their people and find them straight talking and helpful"
"We have used First Counsel on a variety of projects, each time they have demonstrated a great understanding of recruitment trends within our marketplace. Customer service and advice have been excellent and they have delivered quality candidates to help develop our growing team"
"SJ Berwin have been working closely with First Counsel as a preferred supplier for several years focusing on discreet searches, qualified legal hires and senior business support roles. Their dedicated, dynamic and highly experienced team have developed an in depth understanding of our culture and requirements so we have great faith in their ability to fulfill our needs. They embrace even the trickiest of assignments and have the tenacity and sense of humour to stick with it when the going gets tough"
"Working with First Counsel is a highly positive experience. We have come to rely heavily on the quality of their short-listing expertise and the very high standard of service delivery that they offer. From initial instruction through to completion, First Counsel acts as an extension of our Firm - something that we view as a key success factor with regard to any of our agency relationships. First Counsel understands our business and our culture and we admire their core principles; both elements are crucial for us to work successfully together. First Counsel is certainly in the forefront of our minds in terms of recruiting expertise for law firm management"
Testimonials
"Having worked with First Counsel since their very early days, they have consistently had something almost all of their competitors lack - the ability to really listen to your needs and then take the time to ensure they find exactly the right recruitment solution for you, not them. Far too many recruitment firms say they are listening but in reality they are often just trying to get candidates in to a job as soon as possible, as long as it appears to be a reasonable fit. This is what I call the quantity not quality approach.I have used First Counsel both as a candidate; they have placed me twice in senior management positions, and also as a client when I have been looking for lateral hire partners. They adopt a quality not quantity approach, by investing the time to understand all your requirements, not just the tangible but the intangible ones, so that the 'fit' between individual and organisation is as close as can be expected, and both parties don't spend hours wasting each others' time.
What is boils down to is the quality of their people. They are very experienced, know their markets inside out, think strategically and genuinely build long term relationships. Mark Brandon, Chris Cayley and Tim Skipper are the three with which I have had most contact and all of them embody the qualities of what I would consider to be the ideal recruitment agency partner."
COO - Professional Services Firm
"I have been extremely pleased with the approach that First Counsel took in helping us identify a new General Counsel. It was effortless working with Chris in terms of shortlisting and gaining candidate insight all the way through to the final close. Chris genuinely invested time to ensure he fully appreciated our company culture and values before he started to look at candidates who would fit into this environment. I wouldn't hesitate to work with Chris again."
Raj Verma, Corporate HR Director, Sodexo
"First Counsel is a cut above the rest. They listen to their clients and don't try to fit square pegs into round holes. They have done a great job for Grass Roots in providing us with two excellent lawyers at very different stages of our rapid worldwide expansion."
Helen O'Byrne, General Counsel, Grass Roots Group PLC
"First Counsel combined an efficient and pro-active service with a genuine and likeable team."
Iain Simm, Group General Counsel, BBA Aviation
"I was very pleased with First Counsel's service in helping me to secure a new senior lawyer for my team at Cushman & Wakefield. Michelle Corneby took the time to understand my specific requirements and the unique culture of our organisation before selecting a small number of candidates to put forward that fitted the bill. Although First Counsel did not have an exclusive mandate for this role, we ended up interviewing only candidates that Michelle had found for us because of her thorough approach. They were all of a very high standard and we have successfully hired a top quality lawyer on his first move in-house. First Counsel also took the pain away of preparing the advert at short notice to meet print deadlines."
Rachel Harris, Executive Officer and European Counsel, Cushman & Wakefield
"Chris Cayley and First Counsel care. It is as simple as that. They take the time to understand what you are looking for, guide you when you simply don't know, and ultimately find you the perfect fit for the role. He and his colleague are one of the few in the recruitment business who understand companies, understand people and understand roles. Their expertise is rare, and coupled with Chris' great personality it makes him someone with whom you can partner with ease on your recruitment project."
Jo Bower IMI plc
"Having made the decision to enter the job market I got in touch with First Counsel on the back of a recommendation from a colleague and I can confidently say I was not disappointed. They are a professional outfit who are clearly very well connected to their market. I liked the personable yet no nonsense approach of the team and in particular Gary and Tim. As a candidate who is now a client I can highly recommend First Counsel."
Andy Williams, EMEA Group Business Manager, Finance & Projects, DLA Piper UK LLP
"In a competitive business environment, all law firms must manage their procurement of goods and services effectively. Post merger, we wanted to address our cost base and through First Counsel we engaged a specialist interim project manager to help us streamline our buying systems and deliver cost savings.
Over a seven month period, his contribution has been both professional and valued. He achieved savings running to 7-figures over the life of contracts in three core spend areas and transferred knowledge and skills to enable us to continue the project, adopting best practice in our ongoing procurement after his departure. We would not have achieved as much without such skill and support, and the decision to "in-source" procurement expertise and advice has been wholly justified."
Partner, UK firm
"The assignment was not simple: to search for a mid-level, high-potential legal marketeer to take over marketing and BD activities in our Rome office. Moreover, to make it even more complex is the fact that legal marketing is a relatively new field in Italy, thus scarcity of experienced people puts an extra challenge. First Counsel promptly delivered in a creative and somehow surprising way: they were able to identify a US-based candidate, perfectly bilingual with exactly the experience and potential we were looking for and - above all - eager to relocate. Then the search process: it has been managed in a very professional way with clear reporting and prompt updates."
Allen & Overy, Rome
"It was proving to take a little longer than we thought to recruit the perfect director of business development and someone recommended we talk to the interim team at First Counsel. Within a short space of time, they found us the solution: a seasoned interim director of business development. Hitting the ground running, she provided effective leadership to our marketing team and to our marketing efforts over a period of six months. More than this, she gave us the benefit of her broader commercial experience. All in all, we were able to maintain momentum and take the time required to select absolutely the right permanent appointee."
Director of HR - leading Midlands law firm
"We (the recruiting organization, and candidate, at that stage) share similar views: you did a really good job and really cared; you stood out from the "run of the mill" recruiter by adding value to the actual process, rather than merely introducing a CV. A friend of mine, who is a headhunter in a non-legal sector, personally recommended First Counsel to me. I found all interactions with you to be very professional and efficient. I felt we understood each other well throughout the process and you took considerable care (and time) to make sure that I, the candidate, was kept regularly up-dated with all relevant information, including detailed feedback. You were also keen to understand my concerns; I felt you actively listened and helped to increase understanding between candidate and recruiting organization, which helped me to come to a decision to join."
Gilead Sciences Europe
"We were very pleased with First Counsel's service, which was attentive and efficient. They were keen to understand fully our culture, "set-up" and detailed requirements, and as a result they were able to find candidates who were right for us."
Martin Armstrong, Legal Director - Philips Electronics UK
"When I was appointed as Finance Director, I knew that I was joining a first-class firm which was well managed but which could achieve higher levels of profitability. My previous experience led me to believe that there were cost efficiencies to be gained, as well as other hard and soft benefits, from implementing an intelligent procurement process, although the scale of the operations was such that this did not merit, at least at first glance, a full-time appointment and team. I knew, however, where to turn and First Counsel sent their best procurement expert to see me and soon afterwards he embarked on a ten-month interim assignment to secure major savings for us. The results were spectacular and we have seen a return of between 10:1 and 15:1, with the sums involved running into the millions. This was all achieved whilst maintaining good relations between finance and the other operational functions - not an easy feat in itself. The impact did not, however, end there and we have been able to establish a sound legacy of procurement best practice amongst our senior managers and also brought a unique procurement insight into the firm's own pitching and negotiating processes with clients."
Finance Director - UK Top 10 firm
"First Counsel did a terrific job helping us recruit a senior lawyer for the role of International Counsel. As a recruiter they were exemplary, but more importantly they added value by providing quality guidance and advice which I valued and relied upon throughout the process. Their wisdom and experience really showed. I would be happy to instruct them again and to recommend them."
Reinsurance Group of America
"I have been working with First Counsel for some time now and most recently on an advertising campaign, as a result of which we have made an appointment. I found them knowledgeable about the market, responsive and enjoyable to work with. First Counsel has consistently introduced a high calibre of applicant to WPP and I have been impressed by their ability source people from the backgrounds we are looking for. I have also always felt that they are listening and have mine and WPP's interests to the fore. In addition, their candid and pragmatic advice about the market and the people they introduce is noticeable and was appreciated. I will happily continue to use them and to recommend them."
WPP plc
"I was very pleased with how First Counsel handled our assignment. We were looking to appoint our first lawyer in Europe and First Counsel provided a shortlist of applicants, all of whom had very relevant experience for the role, quickly and effectively. We were able to make an appointment from that shortlist and are delighted by the outcome, after a process that was trouble free. I enjoyed working with First Counsel and happily recommend them."
Royal Caribbean Cruises
"On two occasions recently we needed to hire in specialist expertise on an interim basis. In both cases, the need was urgent and in both cases First Counsel delivered the goods. In short order, they found us the right interim manager for the job. The first, a marketing manager, completed a three-month project in just two months; the second, an interim head of business development, came in, held the fort and added significant value while we recruited for the permanent position. Interim management is a pragmatic solution to short-term resourcing problems. First Counsel delivers that solution better than anyone."
Head of Administration, Anglo-US firm
"After a long and fruitless executive search, First Counsel took on what had been described as a near-impossible task and within a few weeks had found the right candidate for the role. They are responsive, creative and, ultimately most importantly, know their market."
Taylor Wessing
"Bates Wells and Braithwaite employed First Counsel to help us in the search for our first Partnership Executive Officer. I am very glad we did so. They helped us produce a focused job description and then handled the sifting of the 120 applicants down to a manageable shortlist from which we had 3 good candidates with the result that we were able to offer the job and make an appointment all within our timescale. I have no doubt that without First Counsel's role we would not have achieved this result. They were throughout very professional, supportive and efficient."
Bates Wells and Braithwaite
"I enjoyed working with Tim Skipper immensely. We were looking for a consultant that really understood our business, could demonstrate a sound knowledge of the market and would be a strong ambassador for us when representing the opportunity we had. Tim met our expectations and we have been able to recruit a fantastic candidate for our role. Throughout our process, Tim was completely on the ball and gave very honest, practical advice - something that I valued greatly. We will work with First Counsel again and look forward to continuing the relationship."
Brodies
"I enjoyed working with First Counsel. They are my favourite recruiter by far as they avoid talking rubbish."
Reed Smith Richard Butler
"We have worked successfully with First Counsel on a number of assignments now and value their involvement in the recruitment process. They have a professional approach, provide constructive advice and have taken the time to get to know Beazley. As a result, they consistently introduce relevant and high calibre people to us, which has resulted in a number of successful appointments."
Beazley PLC
"We really appreciated First Counsel's professionalism in our recruitment process. They consistently introduced high calibre people to us, which led to a successful appointment. We have dealt with other recruiters in the past and can recommend First Counsel as by far the best."
Leading Investment Fund
"We initially used First Counsel because they listened to what we wanted, thoroughly researched and profiled each candidate and gave us a balanced and informative opinion based on more than just the CV. The more we have worked with them, the more they have demonstrated an ability to consistently perform at the highest level. They are a first class outfit and a very likeable bunch of people."
Mayer Brown Rowe & Maw LLP
"I was very pleased with the work that First Counsel undertook for Inspired Gaming. They were successful in finding people for us for two very different and challenging roles. They produced strong applicants for both positions, gave excellent advice throughout the process and were enjoyable to work with."
Inspired Gaming
"Just a brief word to thank you for all your assistance in relation to this recent piece of recruitment; your hard efforts and efficiency are much appreciated by us."
Ashurst
"First Counsel successfully identified our first Legal Counsel. We found their service to be thorough and professional, and they worked with us to ensure a successful completion of the assignment. I have no hesitation in recommending or using First Counsel again in the future."
Scottish Re
"First Counsel conducted a very successful campaign for us which resulted in the recruitment of three high calibre individuals into our team. We view the recruitment processes of being of tremendous importance and we were delighted with the service that First Counsel provided and with the outcome. They applied themselves to the campaign with enthusiasm, rigor and professionalism and took the time to ensure that they fully grasped our needs both in terms of skill set and fit with the existing team. I have no hesitation in recommending them."
Imperial Tobacco
"First Counsel has made its mark in a competitive environment. They can be relied upon to approach recruitment in a shrewd manner that does not compromise on quality or professionalism."
Charles Russell
"I was delighted with First Counsel's work. They handled an important appointment for the group, with professionalism, perseverance, candour and expert advice. Their market knowledge and assessment of individuals is excellent."
Wolseley plc.
"First Counsel successfully managed the recruitment campaign for our in-house International Legal Counsel. Throughout the campaign I found their service to be excellent. An appropriate short-list was provided in a timely manner, resulting in the successful appointment of our chosen candidate. Should the need arise, I would use the services of First Counsel in the future."
FM Global
"First Counsel provided an excellent service and identified a first class list of candidates for a key position in our organisation. They were professional, helpful and responsive at all times and provided spot-on advice throughout. I was delighted to have had the benefit of their guidance and experience during the recruitment process."
Save The Children
"We have used First Counsel to assist us with recruitment briefs within IT and Marketing, for both London focused roles and for roles with a European focus. During these recruitment campaigns, First Counsel have become an integral part of our recruitment process. They are involved at the start and have given us invaluable advice with regard to job specifications and possible structures. They work closely with us throughout the selection process to successful completion. Their consultants have a wealth of knowledge and experience which is appreciated by me and the B&M line managers that they work with. I look forward to working with First Counsel on future recruitment campaigns."
Baker & McKenzie
"I was very pleased with the service I received from First Counsel, who quickly and effectively sourced applicants for us. We have now recruited someone whom we are delighted to have joining the group. First Counsel clearly put the interests of MWH and the applicant first and I am more than happy to recommend them."
MWH Global
"I was very pleased with service I received from First Counsel, who successfully sourced two high calibre corporate lawyers for us through an advertising campaign. I was impressed not only by their professionalism, but also by their ability to reach a broad pool of lawyers internationally. I would have no hesitation in using First Counsel for future assignments."
PWC Logistics
"First Counsel really do take time to understand what I am looking for, understand how we work and make good judgments about who would work well within our team and our business."
Gillian Sutherland, Business Development Partner, Davis Langdon
"I asked First Counsel to assist me in recruiting a Director of Human Resources and a Director of Marketing. They were very helpful not only in finding good recruits but in helping me prepare job descriptions and articulate what I was looking for in a way that would be attractive to high calibre candidates in the market place. I found their approach professional, knowledgeable and user friendly and would highly recommend them to others"
Alison Morley, Managing Director, Capsticks
"First Counsel have provided a first class service and support to a recent recruitment exercise looking for a senior position within the firm. They have taken time to get to know the firm and our specific requirements which has made it feel very much like to team effort all the way through"
Kate Sanderson, Deputy Director HR, Training and Development, Nabarro
"A good recruitment agency is defined as much by what it doesn't do as by it what it does do. It doesn't inundate you with CVs, it doesn't simply summarise the candidate's career history in their covering note without adding insight, and it doesn't waste your time by sending along candidates who, despite a respectable CV, are clearly not right for the job or the firm. Amazingly, very few recruitment agencies seem to pass this simple test. Recruitment takes an enormous amount of my time, so I only want to work with firms that really understand our needs and ensure that candidates are the right calibre and fit with our team. First Counsel are one of the few that meet this test. Their candidate assessments knock spots off those provided by even their best competitors. I like their people and find them straight talking and helpful"
Serena Simmons, Director of Business Development, Lovells
"We have used First Counsel on a variety of projects, each time they have demonstrated a great understanding of recruitment trends within our marketplace. Customer service and advice have been excellent and they have delivered quality candidates to help develop our growing team"
Neil Templeton, Marketing Director, Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP
"SJ Berwin have been working closely with First Counsel as a preferred supplier for several years focusing on discreet searches, qualified legal hires and senior business support roles. Their dedicated, dynamic and highly experienced team have developed an in depth understanding of our culture and requirements so we have great faith in their ability to fulfill our needs. They embrace even the trickiest of assignments and have the tenacity and sense of humour to stick with it when the going gets tough"
Louise Crumpton, Senior HR Manager, SJ Berwin
"Working with First Counsel is a highly positive experience. We have come to rely heavily on the quality of their short-listing expertise and the very high standard of service delivery that they offer. From initial instruction through to completion, First Counsel acts as an extension of our Firm - something that we view as a key success factor with regard to any of our agency relationships. First Counsel understands our business and our culture and we admire their core principles; both elements are crucial for us to work successfully together. First Counsel is certainly in the forefront of our minds in terms of recruiting expertise for law firm management"