The Brief interviews BCL Legal Associate Director, Charlotte Newton, as she reflects on her career in recruitment and her journey to Associate Director...
How many years have you worked in recruitment?
I’ve worked in recruitment for 9 years and in legal recruitment for 7
How long have you worked at BCL Legal?
4 years!
Do you have a legal background?
No! I studied Politics and International Relations at the University of Manchester and went straight into recruitment after graduation.
What are your market specialisms?
I focus on recruitment in Manchester City Centre and specialise in real estate (which includes construction and planning), corporate, banking, private client and family - from newly qualified solicitor to partner level. I work with regional, national and international law firms.
The journey to Associate Director
I joined BCL Legal in 2018 to focus on recruitment across Liverpool and Lancashire across all disciplines (excluding residential conveyancing and personal injury). I was promoted to senior associate in 2019. In 2020, I picked up recruitment across the whole of the North West focusing on real estate, corporate, banking, private client and family. I was promoted to Associate Director in 2021 and I now specialise in recruitment across Manchester City Centre.
What do you enjoy about the job?
1) I mange my own desk. At BCL Legal you have your own patch so you cover particular disciplines in one location. This means you can become a real specialist in your field, and offer the best advice. I plan my own day, I decide where to focus my efforts, who to call, and who to meet. I work autonomously but I’m also part of a wider North West, and BCL, team, where we share information for the betterment of the business.
2) It’s very fulfilling - you genuinely do make a difference. This is evidenced by the lovely testimonials we receive from candidates and clients on a daily basis! If you’re good at your job, you do build longstanding relationships with candidates and clients. People genuinely do enjoy working with us, and they come back to us when they’re looking to move again (and refer their friends to us!). One of the most rewarding things for me is getting a referral - it shows I’ve done a good job.
3) No two days are the same. You’re speaking to, and meeting, new people every day. Recruitment is a rollercoaster ride. It is fast-paced at times and there are certainly twists and turns! Things don’t always go to plan and you have to be resilient. You’re dealing with people and their situation can change very quickly!
4) You get out what you put in. Recruitment isn’t easy - it’s not just sending CVs. If you work hard, learn from your mistakes, and listen to those around you, it can be a very rewarding job. If you’re good at your job, it can be very rewarding both emotionally and financially.
How can you help?
I work with solicitors at NQ to Partner level so, if you’re looking to secure a new role in Manchester City Centre, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me.
What is the market like?
It’s an incredibly buoyant market. There are lots of opportunities across all of the disciplines I cover at all levels (NQ solicitor to Partner level). It’s a good time to explore the market as there is so much choice on offer and such a high demand for solicitors. In the last year, I’ve seen lawyers make some incredible moves that I wouldn’t have seen a couple of years ago, due to the high demand for solicitors. I’ve seen lawyers move from much smaller firms to big national and international firms.
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