Alex Lynch: His Story from Law Grad to Legal Recruitment
How it started...
I got into the University of Kent to study law in 2017. I really enjoyed the course, met some great people and loved learning about the legal world. For some reason, however, I couldn't picture myself as a lawyer. I also graduated at the point when Covid struck the UK. Opportunities became scarce, and the ability to learn and develop remotely became difficult.
I did some digging and researched roles within legal recruitment before securing a job at an agency in the City. I knew I wanted to stay in the legal space, and the job description sounded promising and well suited to my personality.
My experience at this particular agency was good. I learnt more about law firms in and around London, how they run and what attributes they look for in lawyers. However, I soon realised that I wanted to get involved in Private Practice recruitment instead of the contract work I was doing. The work seemed more exciting and rewarding, with better earning potential.
After applying via LinkedIn and meeting the team at Sonder, I was offered a role within their London private practice recruitment team. It was a more junior role but a better salary with the promise of training and clear career development. I made the move.
How it’s going...
I remember my first placement very clearly. I helped a Financial Regulatory Associate make a lateral move in the City, with a significant uplift in salary. The individual I sourced was thrilled to get the opportunity, and I got a real buzz after completing the process.
Soon after this, I supported two more placements with the help of two consultants across the business. Then, after nine months, I was promoted to Consultant, enjoying another uplift in salary and the perks of working for myself and Sonder. I speak to clients and candidates daily and have gotten to grips with the market. Placing top talent into great opportunities never gets old. I also love working for a growing company within a young team. We work hard, but we work together, the culture is great, and I have everyone to thank for my quick development.
Top Tip! For those looking to start a career in recruitment: ask questions! A good team will always help you out.
To discover more about what we do as legal recruiters, from tailoring CVs, to helping with the interview process, talking to partners and negotiating salaries, read this article.
Why A Career in legal recruitment...
- People-driven – As a legal recruiter, getting to know our clients and candidates is the most important part of the job. Understanding their individual goals, values, and skills is key to success. I enjoy talking to new people every day, building a rapport, and having the ability to help them. We even host regular events where I can meet candidates face-to-face, network and discuss the market.
- Working within the legal sector – After completing a degree in law, I was keen to stay in this space. Working as a recruiter, I can talk to top lawyers, discuss their work and put my skills into practice.
- Diversity – No day is the same! Don't get me wrong, there are highs and lows (recruitment can be tough), but the highs 100% make up for it. While staying connected in the office, we are given the freedom to organise our days and talk regularly to consultants overseas. I even work with marketing on personal branding.
Why a career with Sonder Consultants...
Training and development
By joining Sonder (at any level), you will be given a tailored onboarding experience and training program to learn the skills required to be a successful recruiter. We will always invest in your growth as an individual, supported by the latest technology and a team of experts.
A clear path to seniority
We are fully transparent and provide a clear picture of how you can develop your career at Sonder. Providing the exact promotion criteria - we'll help you every step of the way.
High earning potential
Working as a Consultant for Sonder, you work for the business but also for yourself. We operate a highly competitive commission scheme in the market where you take home a percentage of everything you bill with no threshold applicable, with overachievers also earning top-up bonuses on top of commission.
Work within a growing global team
Sonder was founded in 2016. Therefore, we are still relatively young but are enjoying success and significant growth. With a vast network and connections worldwide, we have placed lawyers from London to New York, California, Texas, Miami, London, Dublin, Amsterdam, Berlin, Copenhagen, Dubai, Canada, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Melbourne, Auckland, The Channel Islands, British Virgin Islands and The Cayman Islands.
Secondment opportunities
With offices in London, Sydney and New York, there are options for you to work within these jurisdictions (visa permitting) if you would like the opportunity to travel. Our international growth plans include opening offices in San Francisco and Singapore in the next 24 months, and for the right candidate, there is the opportunity to assist in these office launches.
Culture
Despite sometimes being across the pond from our colleagues, they never seem far away. Culture, communication and teamwork have been key to our success. We celebrate the wins, hash out the losses, help each other and support personal commitments and lifestyles.
Sonder represents the fundamental truth that everyone has a story, no two individuals are the same, and we all take different paths to achieve our goals. With this clear message embedded into our brand, we help our team and candidates gain a sense of purpose and a feeling of belonging.
Want to be part of the action? Join our team. Learn more about our latest opportunities.