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As specialist legal recruiters, we work with qualified lawyers from NQ to Partner level and the law firms looking to recruit them. We build strong relationships, offer honest advice and make introductions designed to work for the long term.
Thornton Legal is a specialist recruitment consultancy focused on qualified lawyers, from NQ to Partner.
Since 2016, we’ve built our reputation through long-term relationships, detailed regional knowledge and honest advice. We work with leading law firms across the North West, West Yorkshire and selected neighbouring markets, helping them recruit lawyers who strengthen their teams for the long term.
Our consultants understand the firms, teams and personalities behind the vacancies. That means we can offer a more informed view of the market and make introductions based on genuine fit, rather than simply matching a CV to a job description.
The people behind Thornton Legal
We're a team of professional, dedicated and knowledgeable legal recruitment consultants.
We specialise in permanent recruitment for qualified lawyers, from NQ to Partner level. We work with leading regional, national and international law firms, as well as high-quality specialist boutiques.
With a strong presence across the North West, West Yorkshire and selected West Midlands markets, we combine detailed market knowledge with a straightforward, relationship-led approach to recruitment.
Nick Tappin
Director and Recruiter
Joe Rees
Director and Recruiter
Jack Grant
Senior Recruitment Consultant
Scout Rees
Office Dog
Nick Tappin
Director and Recruiter
I’m a non-practising solicitor with more than 20 years’ combined experience in law and legal recruitment. I recruit qualified lawyers from NQ to Partner level, principally across Liverpool and Merseyside.
I work closely with leading Liverpool firms, established regional practices, national firms and specialist boutiques. I also recruit for the Manchester and Leeds offices of Liverpool-based firms where I have longstanding relationships and a detailed understanding of the business.
My knowledge of these firms goes beyond their advertised vacancies. I understand how individual teams are structured, where firms are investing, which Partners are developing their practices and where growth or succession may create an opportunity.
My legal background helps me understand the substance of a lawyer’s experience and how it could translate into another firm. I advise candidates on their market position, salary, progression and the trade-offs between different opportunities, rather than simply presenting a list of available jobs.
If you’re considering a move, or simply want an informed view of the Liverpool and wider Merseyside market, I’m happy to speak in confidence. You don’t need a CV to start the conversation.
Joe Rees
Director and Recruiter
I recruit qualified lawyers from NQ to Partner level across Chester, Manchester and Leeds.
I work with leading regional firms, national practices and specialist boutiques, helping lawyers assess opportunities that offer a genuine improvement in work, progression, flexibility or longer-term career direction.
A significant part of my work involves senior and confidential appointments. These include Partner and Legal Director moves, succession opportunities, retained searches and discussions with firms that may not be openly advertising. I help senior lawyers assess the strength of a firm’s platform, understand its commercial expectations and present their experience or business case properly.
My work across several connected regional markets gives me a detailed understanding of individual firms, teams and hiring Partners. I can provide practical information about salaries, hybrid policies, progression, team structures and current hiring appetite, including where an opportunity could be created for the right person.
If you’re considering your options, you don’t need a finished CV or a specific vacancy in mind. You can contact me for a confidential conversation about your position in the market and what a sensible next step might look like.
Jack Grant
Senior Recruitment Consultant
I recruit qualified lawyers from NQ to Partner level across Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and West Yorkshire outside Leeds.
I work with national and Legal 500 firms, established regional practices and specialist boutiques. This gives me a broad view of the opportunities available across several connected markets, from major commercial centres to strong regional firms and specialist teams.
I take time to understand the experience someone has developed, why they may be considering a move and what would need to change for a new role to be worthwhile. I can then provide relevant information about individual firms and teams, including their work, structure, culture, hybrid policies, progression and salary levels.
For law firms, I provide a clear view of candidate availability, market expectations and what lawyers are looking for from their next move. I focus on targeted introductions to people whose experience, motivations and longer-term plans fit the opportunity.
If you’re open to hearing about the market but aren’t actively applying for jobs, that’s completely fine. You don’t need a CV or a particular vacancy in mind to have an initial confidential conversation.
Scout Rees
Office Dog
Scout is an important part of the Thornton Legal team, although her interests lie more in walks, treats and finding the comfiest place to sit than legal recruitment. She’s always happy to meet someone new and helps make the office feel like ours.
Values
We’re not like other legal recruitment agencies. Our values drive everything - from how we work with clients and candidates to the way we run our business.
One of the best legal employment agencies in the UK.
30%
of new candidates come from recommendation
75%
of candidates registered go on to interview with a law firm
50%
of the interviews go on to offers
88%
of those offers are accepted
92%
of placed candidates are still with the same firm after 12 months
90%
of clients have instructed us more than once
82%
of registered candidates have been met
98%
of placed candidates would recommend us
60%%
of new candidates receive an offer within 28 days
Testimonials.
View All Testimonials
I chose Thornton Legal as opposed to other companies in the market given its unique placement in the North West and also the hands on approach from Joe and Nick who both have a great understanding and knowledge of the industry and contacts with the firms which operate within the area. I was making a big move and so it was important to me that it was to the right firm. Joe and Nick spoke to me in depth about the role I was seeking and were able to quickly arrange conversations with leading firms. I soon received offers which Joe and Nick gave me very helpful advice and guidance on and one of which I accepted. I'd highly recommend Thornton Legal to my colleagues and anyone looking for work or the next move in the industry.
Commercial Litigation - Senior Associate
I recently used Thornton Legal to help me secure a role at Hill Dickinson. Nick is well connected in Liverpool and has a good grasp on the market. I would not hesitate in recommending him to others.
Heathcare Litigation Associate
Joe is very knowledgeable of the legal market and I found his advice and support invaluable during my job search. Moving jobs is a big decision, but Joe made the process less daunting and gave me all the information and support I needed to make an informed decision without putting on any pressure.
Residential Property Solicitor
Thanks again for all your help with getting me to where I am. It has not always been easy but you’ve made the process far better than it could have been. I’d certainly recommend you to other potential candidates. Professional and pleasure to deal with through out.
Family Partner
I found Nick to be really helpful throughout the process. He provided accurate information upfront and came back quickly with answers to any queries I had. I would definitely recommend.
Construction Associate
Nick was amazing in helping me secure my NQ role. He was always quick to answer any queries I had and gave great advice at every stage. I would definitely recommended Nick and Thornton Legal to anyone wanting to make a move.
Family Associate
Nick is great. From day one, his communication was on point and within a matter or minutes he was able to suggest options, touch on potential job opportunities and guide me through the interview process so that I could put my best foot forward. After day 1, I interviewed, got the role and job was done. Highly recommended.
Real Estate Solicitor - Liverpool
It can be genuinely difficult to find a recruiter in this sector who you feel actually cares about you and isn’t just in it for the commission, but Jack does. He’s super communicative, I found that he checked in with me regularly, and took the time to get to know my needs which he combined with his local knowledge to make sure my future move could be the right one. I would recommend Jack to anyone looking for a new role!
Commercial Property Solicitor - Manchester
Joe has an impressive attention to detail when matching existing and upcoming job specifications to his client’s requirements. Joe provided helpful, personalised advice at every stage of the process.
Real Estate Associate - London
I had a fantastic experience working with Jack as my recruiter. From the very beginning, he was helpful, attentive, and genuinely invested in my success. He took the time to understand my background, career goals, and preferences, and consistently kept me updated throughout the process. Jack connected me with some truly great opportunities that aligned perfectly with what I was looking for. His professionalism and support made the entire job search experience smooth and encouraging. I highly recommend Jack to anyone looking for a dedicated and insightful recruiter!
Immigration Solicitor - Manchester
Law Firms We Partner With
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2nd Floor 4 St Paul’s Square Liverpool L3 9SJ