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Law Firm Management Testimonials

Candidate

“Coming from outside of the sector I was looking to work with a specialist firm that could provide insight and in depth knowledge about the industry. First Counsel delivered on both counts and worked with me to help understand the roles available and where my skills and experience fitted into the mix. In contrast to some of the other recruiters I spoke to the team at First Counsel saw my non traditional background as an asset. Ultimately the professionalism, advice, guidance and persistence of the team at First Counsel helped secure an offer with a Magic Circle firm.”

Candidate

Deborah - I just wanted to express my thanks to you for your assistance, guidance, integrity and professionalism during the interview process for the role at B&M. It is not often that I have come across such a combination of qualities in one recruitment consultant. You must not change your approach nor change your attitude to the job - I was always left with the feeling that you actually cared about the next step in my career and not just about the dollars. Thank you for everything.

Newly appointed Global Head of Client Development, Baker & McKenzie

"I found the prospect of moving abroad for a job opportunity extremely daunting, but First Counsel and in particular Rebecca made the whole process a much more calm affair! From initial introductions, through to the interviews and a painstaking wait for the final decision, Rebecca showed professionalism, empathy and most of all patience with me!

First Counsel helped me achieve a life changing opportunity and I won't hesitate to use them again both as a candidate and as a client."

James Grandage - Marketing Technology Manager, Maples & Calder, Cayman

“I have recently secured a new role through First Counsel, and have been very pleasantly surprised by the standard of service, openness and professionalism I have experienced.

Following my initial meeting with Tim Skipper, I felt that Tim really considered my skill set, my future aspirations and my values and approach – I didn’t feel like I was just a potential commission to be earned.

Subsequently, Tim put me in contact with Rebecca Ellis who was dealing with a particular role which Tim felt might be a good fit.

Throughout the interview process, I found Rebecca honest, helpful, responsive and accessible. Working in HR – I am acutely aware that this is not a given in a recruitment consultant!

I should also point out that I don’t currently have a legal background, and appreciate that this is often highly desired by law firms when recruiting HR roles. Both Tim and Rebecca were able to help me articulate my skills successfully, and also persuaded their client to think more broadly.

I would be more than happy to recommend First Counsel. I can see from both sides of the relationship that they have a refreshing approach to recruitment.”

Sarah Tucker – HR Business Partner, Olswang

“After sending my CV to Katherine at First Counsel, I was amazed at the speed that the whole recruitment process moved. Katherine was able to facilitate interviews suited to my skills very quickly and took the time to understand exactly what I was looking for in my next role. Katherine is an honest, personable and inspirational person who has a knack for understanding an individual's situation, she also ensures her clients receive an excellent service, before, during and after interviews and offers great results. I would fully recommend Katherine as a recruitment consultant. “

Sheena Shah, Business Development Executive, Clyde & Co

"Tim and his team are the only straight-talking recruiters in town and my first port of call if I need advice or am seeking new opportunities. There is no 'sales-talk' and their reach is impressive, not only in the UK but also internationally. I wanted to move back to Asia and Tim helped make that goal a reality in record time."

Josephine Wagner Poedenphant - Baker & McKenzie - Singapore

"When I decided it was time to make my next career move, I registered with a number of recruitment agencies who specialised in business development and marketing roles. However, I found Tim, Rebecca and Debbie at First Counsel to be head and shoulders above the rest of the agencies in terms of their support, communication, genuine interest in matching me with the right roles, friendliness and honesty.

I would definitely recommend First Counsel to anyone looking for their next step up the career ladder."

Laura Wade, Business Development Manager, Allen & Overy LLP

“It's never easy changing jobs or moving to a new city but Katherine at First Counsel made it a smooth process from start to finish. Before taking the plunge into the London market, I contacted many agents within the Professional Development field but none of them could match the market knowledge, industry insight and honest approach that I received from Katherine and the First Counsel team. There was never any false hope or padded answers with her - she gave me the information and feedback straight on which is what I needed in order to move forward in my job search. Her relentless effort and constant support is what sets her above other recruiters. She took the time to understand me and my objectives which ended up helping her place me with firms that shared the same values and work ethos. There are some people who go to work and get the job done but then there is Katherine who not only gets the job done but does it in a way that you walk away feeling like you won the lottery. Katherine is dynamite and I cannot recommend her enough.”

Carly Schell, Business Development Executive

“I recently used First Counsel for my first big career move. I cannot speak more highly of the help and assistance I received, in particular from Katherine Turvey. I felt at all times that I was being treated as an individual and that we were working together to find the right job that fitted me. The support and advice at all stages was professional, friendly and honest and I did not ever feel pushed or forced into anything I did not feel was right. I have and will continue to recommend First Counsel to friends in future.”

Alex Williams, Business Development Co-Ordinator, Hogan Lovells

"First Counsel is a highly professional and also a proactive recruitment firm. They have a clear understanding about what is happening in the market palce. Its consultants have real interest in their clients they take the time to really understand the business and the culture, which enables them to match this with the best candidate. Clients and candidates are treated with honesty and dignity. During the process I was kept informed and was also provided with feedback. I would highly recommended First Counsel, they are excellent in their field ."

Farah Baksh, Business Development Candidate

"I arrived in the UK May last year with a view to looking for an HR position over the next 6 months. In that time I registered with numerous agencies who specialised in HR placements. They were mainly large, well known firms who appeared exceptionally professional and promised the world when you went in to register - however over the months it proved that very few of them were actually prepared to go the extra mile or take chance on a South African who although born in the UK had no UK working experience.

Then I met Gary - I responded to an advert on Changeboard and within a couple of days Gary responded to say he is still going through the CV's he has received however at this early stage he liked what he saw from my CV and he would be in touch. From that moment on Gary's communication was nothing short of outstanding. I finally met him and found his relaxed, honest, direct approach so refreshing. Within days he had my CV out with 3 or 4 recruiters which ended up with me having 2 interviews. Although Gary had said that it was going to be a challenge as I had no UK experience and no legal experience he was going to give it a go as he believed in me and my experience. From the day I met Gary I knew he was genuinely interested in trying to help me and he did!

I would recommend Gary and First Counsel to any candidate as I have found the whole experience to be world class in terms of Gary's attention to detail and commitment to me the candidate. Even if Gary had not managed to place me I would be writing this mail as his tenacity, honesty and friendship has been memorable.

Well done to you and First Counsel to have such competent, genuine folk like Gary on your team - you can only go from strength to strength."

Hilary Maurice, HR Candidate

" When I was looking to take the next step in my career Katherine and her team at First Counsel was very helpful and professional. I was fully supported throughout my job search, and felt a true dedication from Katherine to find the right role for me.
I would thoroughly recommend First Counsel to someone looking to make their next career move. "

Caroline Niklasson, Business Development Candidate

"Tim is clearly a leading figure in this recruitment sector but what stands him out above others is his detailed knowledge of the legal industry. Career development of his clients is an absolute priority and the quality of both candidates and law firms that approach Tim speak volumes."

Nick Sims, Senior BD professional, Freshfields

"I have so many nice things to say about First counsel in general and Gary in particular that if I write them all, you will think that the webmaster has written these lines himself. But I've never come across such a professional team, aware of all the good opportunities on the market, very encouraging, very responsive (Gary will apologize if he returns your call more than 3 hours after you called him!) and lovely to work with. When I arrived in London 3 months ago, after 5 years in Asia and 6 in France, I did not know how I would be perceived on this difficult market. Well Gary did more than his job, he immediately suggested that we meet, provided me with interesting information and guidance. Agent or coach? Felt more like the second. If tomorrow I was back on the market (hopefully not that soon!), I already know who I would immediately call. Thank you Gary, you are an impressive confidence builder."

Alex de Bonneval, Learning & Development candidate

'Having never worked at a law firm before the prospect was a little daunting to say the least. However, Katherine made the recruitment process incredibly easy and ensured that I found the job that was absolutely right for me. It was so refreshing to have that approach, where the consultant is genuinely concerned about how the role suits your personality, skill set and experience.'

Helen Terry, Events Manager, Bircham Dyson Bell

"Can I just take this opportunity to thank you for all of your help over the last few months - it has been really refreshing to work with a Consultant who really knows what they are doing & understands the business (compared to most other HR agencies I've dealt with), and to work with someone who has the courtesy to keep candidates up to date with what's going on. I will definitely recommend you to any colleagues of mine who may be looking to work in the legal sector."

HR Manager candidate

“Katherine is unique amongst recruiters. From all the recruitment advisors I have dealt with in the past she has been the most dedicated, experienced and honest of them all. In my opinion Katherine worked extremely hard to find me my perfect role within a fantastic firm. She took the time to find out exactly what type of organisation and role would be right for me and gave me invaluable advice and guidance which I had not had from other recruitment advisors. I would not hesitate in recommending Katherine to anyone looking for their next move within the legal industry.”

Priya Mistry – BD Executive Candidate

"As a senior job seeker, I am becoming resigned to the frustration of not having phone calls returned by recruitment consultants. Gary is a remarkable exception. Of 8 calls I made one day, all of which promised to ring me back, only Gary actually did so that day. Not only that, but he was very candid about the post and my very slim chances of being considered, as it was in a sector in which I have no experience. So rather than be polite and encourage me to apply, knowing that nothing would come of it, he was honest without being offensive and stopped both of us wasting our time. A model which others in the industry ought to follow. I thoroughly recommend him on that basis"

Terry Clark, Senior HR professional

"Debbie Collett & Gary Jones do exactly what good recruiters should do by matching strong candidates to good roles, they are highly professional with regards to their approach and above all honest.

I felt fully supported through out my search and this was assisted by the pragmatic and friendly way in which they approached helping me.

At all times I received sound practical advice and genuinely believe that they wanted me to succeed in finding the right fit for my career progression.

I have no hesitation recommending Debbie & Gary to anyone looking for their next role or those looking to recruit key professional staff."

Lee Beesley, Business Manager candidate

"I used so many agencies in my job search this time, but Debs was one of the very few who I really connected with. She took time to listen and understand my situation, and was patient and charming through my long drawn-out decision making. Talking to Debs before and after each of the many interviews for this job helped me focus and kept me feeling positive.

Gary came on board at the 11th hour and gave me the confidence to ask for the package I wanted, handling the negotiations quickly and effectively.
Thank you both for helping to make a very good match."

Louise Field, Key Client and Client Listening Programme Manager, Bird & Bird

"I was in contact with Tim Skipper of First Counsel about 3 months prior to making the big move to London. I was kept up-to-date of market developments, as my move was in the height of this difficult economic climate.

As soon as I arrived in London, I met with Tim and he was able to provide me with some great insight into the London market, as well as putting many great job opportunities on the table, even securing an interview that same day. During the interviewing process, First Counsel were always extremely professional, providing sound advice along the way.

Thanks to Tim and the team at First Counsel, I was was offered a fantastic opportunity in a really short timeframe, within a well known global firm. I am now working within this great team, of which many members were recruited by First Counsel.

First Counsel will, without a doubt be my first point of call if I find myself in the job market again, I highly recommend them as a professional services recruitment agency."

Amelia Janke, who was placed at White and Case as a Practice Development Coordinator

"I recently used First Counsel for the first time, following a recommendation from a friend who spoke very highly of the organisation as a whole and Tim Skipper in particular. From the outset I was extremely impressed by the professionalism displayed - clearly vetting applicants carefully for their clients, yet at the same time remaining sympathetic to my needs as a candidate.

I worked closely with both Tim Skipper and Debbie Collett, both of whom displayed profound, unbiased knowledge of the legal marketplace. At all times the feedback and advice I received was prompt and superbly balanced - realistic, yet encouraging, supportive and optimistic. Best of all, they took time to understand my experience, wishes and personality, really listening to what I was saying. I had accepted an offer within three weeks.

I was delighted with First Counsel - the overall service was far superior to anything I received elsewhere. Debbie and Tim are consummate professionals and fantastic people with it! Next time First Counsel will be my first port of call."

Jenny Stebbing, Business Development Coordinator at Mishcon de Reya

"I have known Tim Skipper for many years and, having met them all, I can vouch that he is quite simply the best recruiter for professional service firm support roles in the City. Tim "gets it", he knows his market and he is pragmatic as well as resourceful. He is a strong bridge of communication between candidate and firm and he always seems to get the best out of both parties in negotiations. He has now placed me three times which is evidence he is focused on building relationships for the long-haul. Next time I am looking for a role or to recruit someone special, Tim will be the first person I call."

Clare Jones, who joined Nabarro as Senior Business Development Manager

"I contacted First Counsel with a view to making a move some time over the coming six months or so. As it transpired, they had the ideal role for me on the stocks at that time and things moved quickly. I was grateful that First Counsel was able to put me in front of the decision makers quickly and the process was smooth and efficient. They clearly work as a team and whenever you speak to someone at First Counsel you know that they will be up to speed on things and able to help. In a market where recruitment businesses are going to be feeling the pinch, only the best will survive. In my experience First Counsel will surely be one of these."

Verity Roberts, Business Development Manager at Mishcon de Reya

"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."

Richard Bunn, placed as Chief Operating Officer at Withers & Rogers

"First Counsel have helped me with my last 2 moves, and both times I have been very impressed with their knowledge of the market and who is doing what. In my opinion they are the best agency recruiting for professional services sales and marketing roles.

My last move came recently in very tough market conditions and Tim Skipper identified a number of excellent opportunities for me. I was lucky enough to be in a position to choose from several offers, and at no time did I feel pressured to accept something which wasn't 100% right for me.

Their approach from day one has always been to treat this as a long term relationship and I look forward to working with Tim and his team should I be in the market in the future."

Michael Moss, placed as Head of New Business at Osborne Clarke

"In a world were the vast majority of recruitment consultancies are solely focused on completing a employers brief - and where the individual feels like they are just part of a transaction, at last a company that is equally concerned with the job seeker's requirements and needs.

This is made apparent by the time taken to understand the individual's skills and experience, so as not to place them in a predefined 'box' or job description. The result is that both the prospective employer and employee end up with a better match that is more likely to succeed.

Added to this First Counsel has people on the ground in various locations (including Dubai) that are willing to provide help and assistance on the local issues, which are key when contemplating changing location.

I would happily recommend First Counsel to anyone looking to either recruit for a key position or make a move themselves."

Business Support candidate

"I was most gratified by the way in which First Counsel handled my application process. Based around regular but not intrusive contact, passion and dedication, they clearly have a desire to find the right candidate the right role."

Business Support candidate

"My experience as a candidate with First Counsel was an excellent one from start to finish. At all times I was kept fully informed as to the state of play and felt that they really cared about me as a person as opposed to being just one of a large number of applicants to the role. It is this personalised approach that marks First Counsel out from their competitors - I look forward to working with them as a client in the future."

Business Support candidate

"Can I just take this opportunity to thank you for all of your help over the last few months - it has been really refreshing to work with a Consultant who really knows what they are doing & understands the business (compared to most other HR agencies I've dealt with), and to work with someone who has the courtesy to keep candidates up to date with what's going on. I will definitely recommend you to any colleagues of mine who may be looking to work in the legal sector"

HR Manager candidate

"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

"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."

David McLaughlin, Finance Director, Simmons & Simmons

"For the first time in my career, a recruitment consultant has assisted me enormously in securing the job I wanted - the role of Business Manager at Linklaters. Gary was recommended to me and from my initial email contact with him through to agreeing the terms of my new employment contract, he has impressed me. He is open-minded and analytical - quick to identify a potential match between my CV and the Linklaters role - and has managed my expectations perfectly by doing exactly what he said he would do in terms of communication and the provision of information throughout the process. I will recommend Gary and First Counsel to applicants and clients."

Sally Procopis, placed as Business Manager at Linklaters

"Thank you for the bottle - incredibly generous. Third day in - really nice team and fantastic firm. I'm sure I made the right choice. Thank you both again for all your hard work setting it up. I can't speak highly enough of First Counsel."

Toby Craig, placed as, Marketing Communications Advisor - Capital Markets, Linklaters LLP, London

"Having just been through the whole candidate experience you really are so far ahead of other agencies as to be in a different league. I do tell everyone and will continue to do so. You have stayed true to your values and as far as I am concerned at least, that shows. The thing for me is that most of us - myself included - spend most of our time happily in work. It therefore takes quite a good memory to remember how it FEELS to be looking for a next job. For a candidate - it becomes the number one thing in their life. For the consultant of course, they do not share that feeling because it isn't happening to them. The closer the recruiter can align themselves to the candidate experience the more in tune they will be and more likely they are to getting it right. From my first contact I had a sense that First Counsel were unlike other agencies. You took the time to get to know me and which direction I really wanted to head in. You kept me in the loop every step of the way. My phone calls and emails were responded to promptly and I had a really sense that you were completely on top of things. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending First Counsel to both individuals looking for their next move or indeed those looking for someone to join their team."

Kate Sanderson, placed as, HR Director at Watson Farley & Williams

"First Counsel combine a highly professional approach with a personal touch. I received good market information, detailed job specifications and sound practical advice delivered with encouragement and enthusiasm. I have no hesitation recommending Debbie to anyone looking for their next role or looking to recruit key professional staff. Easily the most enjoyable recruitment process I have been through with a first class professional consultancy."

Candidate placed at Pinsent Masons as a Business Manager