DWF and BCL Legal: working in unison

Background

DWF, a global legal business, with over 27 key locations and over 3,100 employees hosted an agent briefing for consultative advice and assistance recruiting for their complex injury team.

The briefing was held by a DWF’s HR Advisor, the Recruitment Business Partner and one of DWF's legal directors to run through their ideal candidate(s) and receive consultation from three external recruitment agencies.

Challenges

Saturated market

Put simply, the team required two lawyers between three and five years’ PQE in a clearly saturated market.

Declined incentive to move

Defendant complex injury is a difficult area to recruit for as there isn't always a clear differentiator between the type of work and salary bracket between employers.

Solution

At the briefing, BCL Legal advised the DWF team to think outside the box. In ascertaining the team’s ideal candidate and in order to overcome the challenge of a saturated market, BCL Legal strongly advised the consideration of lawyers with transferrable skills; but someone with a high level of desire and motivation to do the job.

Although DWF seemed to have a warranted initial objection to candidates looking or willing to relocate – with the concern they might not have the right experience – they kept an open mind.

Outcome

Successful outcome: two hires
Quick turnaround: BCL Legal was briefed on 29^th July and the two hires accepted offers by mid August

This was down to the following:

Honest and effective communication and collaboration

Both parties were on the same page from the outset – down to the briefing held by DWF.

Efficiency

Due to effective communication from the client-side, we were able to move things quickly. BCL Legal sent over a relevant shortlist the day after the briefing.