Bringing clarity in a complex environment
The legal sector has never been more competitive. International, UK, US practices; big, medium, boutique firms, full service, specialist and multi-disciplinary businesses – all competing in an increasingly challenging market.
What distinguishes the great from the good, is the talent of their lawyers – in particular the partners who drive their practice areas. Today, the qualities required of a partner are multiple and complex. Technical expertise is a given. But business development skills, market profile and team leadership are all part of the mix.
Specialist leadership advisors to:
- Law firms
- Chambers
- Associations
- Regulators
Our data driven approach and a sector leading 98% success rate, puts us in pole position to identify and recruit outstanding partners.
Our approach to law firm partner recruitment is unique. We don’t just have a black book of lawyers who are unhappy elsewhere. Nor do we take a one size fits all approach to our clients. Our starting point is to properly understand your culture and strategic objectives and ensure that candidates are suitably aligned.
We see our role as looking beyond your network and identifying the stars that others may have missed. And we don’t exclude those who may appear to be fixtures elsewhere. Experience has taught us that many may be excited by a new challenge if we properly advocate the opportunity.
Our methodology is rooted in rigorous research, not market gossip. We pride ourselves in looking beyond the obvious in creating a target list.
Uniquely, our recruitment team is complemented by an adviser with 20 years’ experience of law firm leadership. Understanding what it’s like to sit on your side of the table provides an added dimension, enabling us to look beyond the theoretical in identifying top talent.
An Independent Mind
Sharpening the role of a law firm NED
We have seen a growing number of non-executive appointments in all sizes of law firm across the UK, and this trend appears to be one that is set to continue. To understand this trend we wanted to explore the drivers and understand why some firms are keen, and equally why others do not feel the need or the inclination to take this step. We talked to a range of managing partners, chairs and non-executives from leading international, City and regional law firms throughout England and Scotland – those who have and those who don’t have non-executives on their boards.
Bringing forward passionate and diverse Board Leaders
Senior board appointments require a highly targeted, personalised search to identify appropriately qualified senior leaders, and it is essential that each of them is then approached by an articulate and well-informed advisor. Through our dedicated board practice, we appoint over 250 chair and non-executive roles every year: our networks give us extensive reach across sectors, and deep insights into the challenges – and opportunities – faced by boards today.
Developing high-performing boards
Saxton Bampfylde has the expertise and experience to provide chairs with the comprehensive insight they need to run an effective board, having led governance reviews at both executive and non-executive level. Our review process is designed to be relatively light-touch, allowing boards to comply fully with governance recommended practice and providing data and practical recommendations that can be used to improve board/team effectiveness, maximise strengths, and tackle weaknesses. Our view is structured around a tried and tested model, but can be adapted to specific organisational needs.