BCL Legal Recruitment

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Partner FAQ’s

I am considering making a lateral move, how is the market?

In good markets and in difficult markets, talented partners who can add value and bring client relationships with them are always in demand.

Do I need to use a recruiter, how do I choose which one?

A good recruiter will know their market and will know who to speak to and what information they will be looking for. Also, using a recruiter is also beneficial for bouncing ideas around before committing to them and they can play a key role when it comes to negotiation. When choosing which recruiter to use you must be looking for one, they will need to understand what you are looking for in a move and be honest enough to tell you if it’s possible.

Do I need to prepare a CV and a business plan?

Yes to both, the CV will tell a firm who you are and what you have done but it’s the business plan that will show them what you are going to be able to achieve moving forward.

What level of detail does the business plan need to contain?

The businesses case to recruit at partner level in this market has to stack up and therefore your business plan has to stack up. You’ll need to analyse you current business, think about your clients and your team. What exactly is your market? What have you billed over the last 3 years? What work has client relationships generated for other departments? What do you charge? At what level are your relationships and how to maintain and develop them? Is there a threat of the relationship remaining with your current firm? These are just a few of the matters that must be tackled in a strong business plan, the level of detail is key.

What if I do not have a client following, can I still move?

It would limit the options available to you, we are occasionally instructed on roles at partner level where no following is necessary. This might be the case where succession planning is the key driver if panel relationships can guarantee a source of work. If you do not have a following and you are at partner level then this should be something you should look to address. It is important that you demonstrate commercial awareness and client development skills.

How do I decide which firms to approach?

You should meet with your recruiter and during that meeting draw up a targeted plan. Which firms you target will depend upon your own search criteria: Where are you looking geographically? What type of culture are you looking for? What level of remuneration do you require? What sort of synergy do you require with your existing client base? What level of resource do they currently have within the team? These questions will enable you and your recruiter to target those firms who you believe are best placed to help you achieve your career objectives.

I do not want to jeopardise my current position, will this matter be dealt with confidentially?

Yes, firms would never be able to recruit if there wasn’t complete trust and confidence that the matter is dealt with confidentially. Often an initial meeting can take place outside office hours or even off site if required. Be prepared however that as you progress towards the final stages of the process that references might well be taken from clients who you are proposing will be following you.

How long will the process take?

There is no definitive time -frame, matters can sometimes turn around in a matter of weeks but usually if you are considering a number of options then with multi meetings the process from beginning to end can take a number of months.

Does a lengthy notice period make me a less attractive candidate?

No, senior level candidates are often on 6 month or sometimes even 12 month notice periods and this will be factored in by the firm you are joining. Do factor this time into your business plan, what will happen to your clients during this period?

Am I bound by any restrictive covenants?

Potentially, you will need to check your contract of employment. If there are any issues it is important that they are flagged up at the earliest possible stage.