For Candidates
A collaborative approach to legal recruitment.
Just like our name suggests, at Cyan Partners we are a partner led business. We guarantee that you will always be working with one of us as we guide you through the legal recruitment process.
Our ethos is simple. Proactive, efficient, available. We are here to help you progress your legal career by finding the perfect role for you.
We listen - really listen - so that we understand exactly what you are looking for and can advise on the right opportunities. At Cyan Partners, we believe that recruitment is a collaboration.
Testament to our success in building long lasting and successful relationships, is that the lawyers we place keep coming back for more.
Our experience and knowledge of the legal sector means we often work with and help candidates throughout their careers.
Coverage
Private Practice
We have been operating in the London Private Practice market since the early 2000s and have built long-lasting relationships and a strong reputation.
In-House
Our track record spans roles from General Counsel, Head of Legal and Legal Director to more junior roles in businesses ranging from FTSE companies to start ups.
Risk & Compliance
We are market leaders in recruiting lawyers for the risk and compliance function of law firms, an area which has been developing rapidly over the last ten years.
ALSP
We are one of the first recruiters specialising in the alternative legal market and have a deep understanding of the various consultant platforms and the virtual and hybrid law firms.
Live Roles
This is a selection of current roles. As a search and selection business we do not advertise all roles, so do contact us if you don't see what you're looking for.
More RolesSenior In-house Counsel - Insurance
Location
London
Category
In House
Practice Areas
Insurance
In-House Counsel – Insurance Sector – 8+ PQE Our client is a long-established insurance broker in the City with a rich heritage and strong track record. It is the twelfth la
Corporate Partner – Boutique London firm
Location
London
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial
The corporate department of our boutique law firm client makes a significant contribution to the firm in terms of headcount, turnover and profile. The partners are generally focuse
Licensing Partner or Legal Director
Location
London, Bristol, Hybrid, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial, Regulatory / Compliance
Our established law firm client has a strong retail and consumer sector focus and due to succession issues and client demand is now seeking an experienced and technically strong li
Consenting and NSIP Partner – Energy and Infrastructure (esp Renewables)
Location
London, Bristol, Milton Keynes, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Planning, Infrastructure / Energy, Environment/ESG
National and International firm with an equally impressive record in both the energy and infrastructure sectors is looking for an additional partner to play a leading role within i
Litigation Partner (potential 1st step into partnership)
Location
London, Hybrid
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Construction, Employment / Pensions, Financial Services / Funds, Litigation
Our client has a strong track record across all aspects of disputes particularly in and around general commercial litigation, real estate, regulatory and employment. The de
Regulatory Partner/Partner Designate - Energy - Leading National Firm
Location
London, Bristol
Category
Private Practice, In House
Practice Areas
Regulatory / Compliance, Infrastructure / Energy
Our client is a leading national firm which has made significant strides in recent years. The firm has a strong presence in several key sectors in which it can increasingly lay cla
Employment Partner – Top 40 UK firm
Location
London
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Employment / Pensions
Our Top 40 law firm client has a highly regarded Employment offering and is committed to adding a further partner to the busy team. The majority of partners within this team are
Energy / Clean Energy Regulatory Partner
Location
London
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Banking / Finance, Corporate / Commercial, Regulatory / Compliance
National firm with a rapidly expanding renewables and clean energy practice is looking for a partner to lead the UK energy regulatory team, covering predominantly clean energy rela
Corporate Partners – London, established practice
Location
London
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial
We have been asked to help a law firm client in London as they seek to expand an already impressive and well-balanced corporate department. The HoD is particularly interested in ta
Property Litigation Partner – flexibility + competitive compensation - LONDON
Location
London
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Real Estate, Litigation
We are working closely with our Top 40 law firm client, seeking an additional partner to join an established property disputes team and lead the London offering. With both
VC / Emerging Companies Partner – established VC practice
Location
London, Bristol, Hybrid, Birmingham, Reading
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial, IP / IT, Media / Entertainment / Sport
A number of the partners in this well regarded corporate and VC team have been in this area from the early days of the market. As such this is a well-established practice with stro
Renewable Energy Partner (either coming from practice or in house)
Location
London, Birmingham
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial, Infrastructure / Energy
The opportunity below is of strategic importance to our client and will remain so, irrespective of any economic headwinds, in 2023. In brief, Our client has a good, mainly
Competition Partner
Location
London, Hybrid, Milton Keynes, Birmingham, LEEDS, Leeds, Manchester
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Competition / EU
Our law firm client is seeking a competition partner to undertake to full range of non-contentious competition work. This could be on a full or part time basis. There is a healt
Corporate Energy Partners, (potential for Day 1 Partnership) – Flexible location
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial, Infrastructure / Energy
Our client has a growing reputation in the clean energy sector. Covering all aspects of renewables from Hydrogen, EV through to on shore wind and solar, the team are successful and
Renewable Energy Finance / Project Finance Partner
Location
London, Hybrid
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Banking / Finance, Infrastructure / Energy
Our client is looking to add an additional finance Partner with renewables sector experience to the team. The firm has strong relationships with lenders (clearing banks, seconda
Commercial Partner (FS focus) - Flexible on location and work patterns
Location
London, Bristol, Hybrid, Leeds, Manchester
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial, Data Protection, Financial Services / Funds, IP / IT
With an exceptional reputation in the FS sector and a strong commercial offering our law firm client is looking to add a further commercial partner to the team who has experience o
Corporate / ECM Partner – London, from £140,000+
Location
London
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial
Our national firm client is seeking to hire a further corporate partner for its London office who has ECM corporate experience and a corresponding network. The firm has a s
Corporate VC / Fast Growth Partners
Location
London, Birmingham, Manchester
Category
Private Practice
A number of the partners in this well regarded corporate and VC team have been in this area from the early days of the market. As such this is a well-established practice with stro
Corporate / M&A Partner – International Firm
Location
London
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial
Corporate / M&A Partner – International Firm Our international law firm client continues to grow in London, with a particular focus on its transactional teams. The firm is no
Property Partner (housebuilder focus) – flexibility + competitive compensation
Location
London, Bristol, Milton Keynes, Birmingham, Reading, Manchester
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Real Estate
We are working on an exclusive role for a Top 50 firm seeking an additional partner to join an established property team. The regeneration team within the commercial property gr
Consenting and Planning Senior Associates – Infra and or Energy/renewables
Location
London, Bristol, Hybrid, Milton Keynes, Birmingham, Reading, Leeds, Manchester
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Planning
I am acting for a firm that is developing a growing reputation in the consenting (i.e. NSIPs, DCO, TWAO etc) space, and is on all the necessary panels. With a growing team and gr
Real Estate Finance Partner – Focus on skill set, not “following”
Location
London, Bristol, Hybrid, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Banking / Finance, Real Estate
Real Estate Finance Partner – Focus on skill set, not “following” Our international client has excellent, panel relationships with clearing banks and secondary funders and has a
Commercial Partner – Tech Sector
Location
London, Bristol, Hybrid
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Competition / EU, Corporate / Commercial, Data Protection, IP / IT
Our law firm client has a long-standing presence in the technology, healthcare and pharma sectors and the firm has been kept exceptionally busy across all its transactional teams a
Planning Partner – National Firm (flexible on location and working arrangements)
Location
London, Bristol, Hybrid, Birmingham, Reading, LEEDS
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Planning, Real Estate
We have recently been instructed on a new partner-level planning role within our national firm client. Most likely this will suit those with a broad range of planning expertise fro
Renewable Energy Partner – London, flexible
Location
London, Bristol, Hybrid
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Banking / Finance, Corporate / Commercial, Planning, Regulatory / Compliance, Infrastructure / Energy, Environment/ESG
Our City and national law firm client continues to make strong in roads into the domestic UK renewables market and has been actively engaged in renewables work over the long term,
Planning Partner – flexible locations and working patterns
Location
London, Hybrid
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Planning
Planning Partner – flexible locations and working patterns We are acting for an award-winning national firm seeking an additional planning partner to join the team. With an
Construction Partner - Non-contentious focus
Location
London, Hybrid
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Construction
Construction Partner - Non-contentious focus This national law firm client is actively looking for a non-contentious construction partner to help grow the practice and suppleme
Emerging companies / VC Partner - London
Location
London, Hybrid
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial
Acting for both funds and corporates this VC team has had another strong year. With a focus on the tech and media sector the pipeline is looking very healthy for the next financial
Property Partner – London, from £130,000+
Location
London, Hybrid
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Real Estate
Our client has a strong track record across all aspects of the real estate life cycle particularly in and around the mid-market and is turning its attention to growth in London aft
Corporate /VC Partner - £180,000 to Equity
Location
London, Hybrid
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial
Our well-established law firm client is seeking an additional corporate transactional partner to join their sector focused technology team. The group are looking for technology
Commercial & Regulatory Partner – Energy & Renewables
Location
London, Bristol, Hybrid
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Competition / EU, Regulatory / Compliance, Infrastructure / Energy
Our law firm client has a great reputation for mid-market, domestic energy deals in both old-style energy but increasingly renewables. Given the growth of the team recently and the
Planning/DCO Consenting Partner – Leading UK firm
Location
London, Bristol, Hybrid
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Planning, Real Estate, Infrastructure / Energy
We have been instructed on a new partner level role by an established client with a leading reputation for DCOs and consenting work across both Energy and Infrastructure sectors.
Banking Partner – London, from £160,000+
Location
London
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Banking / Finance
Our national firm client is seeking to hire a further banking partner for its London office. The firm has a number of good panel relationships across its network and would like
Project Finance Partner - Energy / Renewables - £175,000+
Location
London
Category
test
Our national law firm client has been busy in the lateral market and has recently added bench strength in both corporate energy and project development. Undoubtedly Energy and part
Corporate Partner – London
Location
London
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial
Our law firm client has a national and international network of offices and is committed to further growth in its busy London corporate team. The firm can happily accommoda
Planning Partner - National firm (large scale Infra and Energy)
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Infrastructure / Energy, Environment/ESG
Our top 50 law firm client has a strong reputation across all areas of the infrastructure and energy market. With increasing activity and some significant projects on the horizon t
Project Finance Partner - Energy / Renewables - £175,000+
Location
London
Category
test
Our national law firm client has been busy in the lateral market and has recently added bench strength in both corporate energy and project development. Undoubtedly Energy and part
Project Finance Partner - Energy / Renewables - £175,000+
Location
London
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Banking / Finance, Infrastructure / Energy
Our national law firm client has been busy in the lateral market and has recently added bench strength in both corporate energy and project development. Undoubtedly Energy and part
Renewables/Clean Energy Partner - “cultural fit essential”
Location
London
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Banking / Finance, Corporate / Commercial, Infrastructure / Energy
We are working with a very good firm that has a strong focus on renewables and clean energy and a desire to grow further with the right, senior lawyers who have a profile and focus
M&A and ECM Partner – London, succession opportunity
Location
London, Hybrid
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial
My client is keen to talk to established M&A/ECM partners who have a network amongst the AIM, Main market community/brokers. You will need to have a following of some sorts to indi
Property Partner (Renewable Energy focus) – City Firm, but flexible location
Location
London
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Real Estate, Infrastructure / Energy
Our City and national client has a strong reputation across all areas of the energy market, but a particular focus on renewables; from significant wind farm projects through solar,
Commercial Partner – Technology focus
Location
London
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial, Data Protection, IP / IT
Our client has a strong technology focus across its transactional teams. It is looking for an additional commercial partner who is comfortable undertaking the full suite of commerc
Commercial (Development) Projects Partner – Energy/Renewables -Day 1 Partnership
Location
London, Bristol, Hybrid, Birmingham, Reading, Leeds, Manchester
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Banking / Finance, Construction, Corporate / Commercial, Real Estate, Regulatory / Compliance, Infrastructure / Energy
Our UK law firm client is specifically seeking a qualified lawyer who is either a senior associate or equivalent (legal director/counsel etc) to join the energy team as a first day
Corporate Partners – SME and OMB focus
Location
London, Hybrid
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial
Though relatively small in terms of partner numbers our London-based law firm client has seen consistent growth in profitability. The corporate department have a mandate to grow on
Real Estate Partner – Supportive Firm
Location
London, Hybrid
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Real Estate
This client is proving incredibly appealing to our candidates across practice areas and are a pleasure to deal with. Property makes up a substantial percentage of the firm’s revenu
Public procurement – Top 40 Law firm seeking senior lawyers
Location
London, Bristol, Hybrid, Birmingham, Reading, Leeds, Manchester
Category
Private Practice, In House
Practice Areas
Competition / EU, Construction, Corporate / Commercial, IP / IT
Our UK law firm client is specifically seeking a qualified lawyer who is either a senior associate or equivalent (legal director/counsel etc) or existing law firm partner to join t
Commercial Projects/ Project Development Partner – Renewables
Location
London, Bristol, Hybrid, Birmingham, Reading, LEEDS
Category
Private Practice, In House
Practice Areas
Construction, Corporate / Commercial, Infrastructure / Energy
We have just been instructed on a new role with a strong (but not 100%) focus on renewables. Our law firm client has made good inroads into this sector over the last 10 years. S
Legal Counsel - NQ+
Location
Hybrid
Category
In House
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial, Litigation
We are proud and excited to be working with a prestigious global automotive company to recruit a legal counsel to join the UK legal team. The company is a passionate and collab
Head of New Business Intake
Location
London
Category
Risk & Compliance
Practice Areas
Regulatory / Compliance
Head of New Business Intake – Leading law firm Our client is an international law firm with an outstanding reputation for excellence, headquartered in the City of London and
Commercial / Procurement Lawyer -
Location
London, Hybrid
Category
In House, Risk & Compliance
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial, Data Protection
Our client, a highly regarded top 30 London-based law firm, has an outstanding opportunity for a senior commercial lawyer to join the Risk Management Department. Reporting to th
Senior Associate - 7+ PQE - Environment, Climate and Sustainability
Location
London, Bristol, Birmingham, LEEDS, Leeds
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Environment/ESG
Our client is a leading international law firm which is currently enjoying consistent growth and success. The firm, which is highly regarded for its real estate practice, is lo
Risk & Compliance Lawyer - NQ+
Location
London, Hybrid
Category
Risk & Compliance
Practice Areas
Regulatory / Compliance
Risk & Compliance Lawyer – NQ+ - London Our client is a leading UK law firm which is genuinely something a bit different. The firm is highly regarded for its work and whilst alr
Leading London Boutique
Chris and Michelle recently assisted us to recruit our new Head of Compliance. From the initial briefing meeting right through to offer, the process was handled with professionalism and integrity, they listened to what we wanted and they delivered. Both Chris and Michelle were an absolute pleasure to deal with throughout and I would definitely recommend them for any recruitment in this sector.
Luke Powell, Managing Partner, Macfarlanes LLP
I definitely felt like we’d come to the right person to work with throughout the process.
Lesley O'Leary, COO, Charles Russell Speechlys
We had a critical role to fill and Chris was our first port of call. He takes time to understand both the firm looking to hire and also the talent pool. He is considered, responsive, honest and has integrity in spades. His network is extensive and it is clear candidates respect him. Matching talent with the right opportunity for both parties is not easy and the personal and bespoke approach taken by Chris makes him and Cyan Partners stand out.
Director of Risk & Compliance, Leading International Firm
I thoroughly recommend Chris Cayley and Cyan Partners to professionals looking for their next move or businesses looking to recruit talent which is aligned with their strategy and values. Chris invests his time in understanding the role for which he is recruiting, but also looks to align the values and aspirations of the person and the business. I worked with Chris over a number of years and he brought me an opportunity which suited my own personal goals and ambitions, and meant I'd be working with people who valued my individual skills and nature.
General Counsel, Leading International Firm
I have valued Chris’ advice and investment in a long-term relationship with me as an individual. Chris has maintained contact over a number of years with valued feedback, discerning career progression advice and well targeted roles of potential interest. His stand-out quality of service, ethos and culture led me in turn to turn to him without hesitation when seeking a headhunter for senior roles in my own organisation, including within my own team. Highly recommended.
Head of Department - Tax
Sarah, is an extremely motivated and energetic consultant with first class people skills. She leaves no stone unturned in achieving the very best result. Given too her breadth and depth of knowledge Sarah is a consultant of first choice
Financial Services Partner
Sarah was fantastic in supporting me with my move from start to finish. At the outset Sarah really took the time to get to know me and set up interviews with the right fit firm. Sarah was very knowledgeable about the market, the firm's requirements and matching skills and personalities to the role. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Sarah. She was very supportive throughout the process, kept me regularly updated and was diligent in helping to prepare me for interviews. I would highly recommend Sarah!
Family Partner
I was working with several recruitment agents when I came across Sarah. She listened to my specific goals, aspirations, and focused her approach on what I wanted. Sarah was professional, accessible, and supportive in my relocation. She is experienced, friendly and down to earth. It is obvious to see how she has nurtured and maintained excellent relationships with many of the big players in the London law market.
Richard Given, 10x, General Counsel
I have known Chris for many years now and he has consistently provided me with excellent service and support. He has a deep understanding of the legal sector. He has a knack for identifying the right candidates for opportunities and the right opportunities for candidates. Chris is able to work across geographies and industries and recognises the importance of the long term in building people's careers and building relationships with employers.
Head of Recruitment, financial services company
Michelle is a resilient recruiter who works well under pressure and with a constantly changing landscape. She strives to achieve the right results at the right time. Michelle has a professional approach to each role and is comfortable working at all stakeholder levels.
Litigator - Boutique Firm
Sarah is a down-to-earth, approachable, responsive and highly intuitive person. She was fantastic in helping find the right firm and role for me; she spent considerable time speaking with me before my interviews, she provided excellent advice and gave me the confidence I needed to be successful. She was also brilliant at the negotiation stage, liaising sensitively and diplomatically with me and the firm to ensure that both sides got a deal we were happy with whilst also helping us build a positive relationship. All in all, I felt that she was on my side; she displayed a great deal of integrity, honesty and even-handedness throughout the process and was always very upfront and genuine with me the entire time, which I really appreciated. I would highly recommend going to Sarah for anyone looking to secure their next legal role
Commercial Partner
Chris is fantastic. He has a deep knowledge of the legal marketplace and is immensely well connected. However, over and above his deep sector knowledge and excellent skills as a recruiter, he is discreet, honest and a real trusted advisor. I recommend him without hesitation (and often do).
Property Partner
It was a pleasure working with Andrew Wintle. He guided me through the process of securing partnership at an outstanding firm. Andy matched me perfectly with the firm and was always on hand for a chat, pre interview. We also met a number of times as (quite rightly) he needed to know me, the candidate, in order to promote me. I couldn't recommend Andy highly enough to both firms and individuals alike.
Simon C, GC and Company Secretary
Michelle is one of those rare recruitment consultants who actually appreciate and listen to candidate’s needs. I was always informed where we were in the process, information and insight was appropriately shared and importantly if I called my calls were returned. Very few people share Michelle's understanding that candidates have needs in this process as much as employers and that today's candidate becomes tomorrow's employer. Personable, friendly and understanding. An excellent recruiter
Head of Resourcing
Andrew is well-connected in the legal recruitment market and I’ve known him for several years. He has an excellent grasp of the Partner landscape in London and takes time to understand his candidates and clients’ needs. He’s also a pleasure to deal with, and I continue to instruct him without hesitation.
Marta P. Senior in-house candidate, London
From my own experience I can say that Michelle Corneby is one the best headhunters in her field in London. Michelle is a great communicator, assertive and always focused on the opportunities. She can connect easily with people and make things happen in a positive and professional manner.
Head of Talent Acquisition, Leading International Firm
I have used Chris for multiple key senior legal roles in recent years. Chris really promotes a true partnership approach, taking time to understand the organisation, role and stakeholders involved. He is extremely thorough and maintains constant feedback throughout. With a thoughtful and pragmatic approach, Chris offers ideas and solutions to ensure the best shortlists, and produces insightful summaries that offer an honest comparison between candidates. I find Chris a delight to work with, have used him as a trusted sounding board on more than one occasion, and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to others looking for a professional legal recruitment partner.
Head of Department
Andrew invests the time to understand your business and the culture which is invaluable to helping find the best lateral hires. The results have been excellent.
Paul Gilbert, Director LBC Wise Counsel
I have worked in the legal profession for thirty-five years. Recruitment, retention and resource planning are vital to creating a sustainable team and this is the foundation on which everything is built. There are very few recruiters I have met who I would unconditionally recommend, but Chris Cayley is one. He is of course excellent at what he does, but what stands out, always, is how much he cares about his clients and candidates. His professionalism, care, judgement and integrity are outstanding .
Former in-house lawyer and Board Governance expert, London
Michelle is one of the best legal head-hunters I have come across. She is a lawyer herself, so she understands the challenges and demands in house lawyers face. Much more importantly, she gives clear career advice to lawyers at all stages of their careers making sure they make the right career moves. She also cares about the candidates she works with - a rarity these days.
Corporate Partner
Andy Wintle worked diligently on my behalf and I felt he really listened, and understood what would best suit me and my practice over the long term. We discussed and considered a number of options throughout the process and his feedback and pragmatic advice was very helpful and delivered in a constructive and professional way.
Managing Partner
We have worked with Sarah Coughtrie of Cyan Partners for the past couple of years and hope to continue our working relationship for many years to come. As a small to medium sized boutique law firm we recognise we do not have the prominence of some of the larger London law firms but know we have a lot to offer to the right candidate. We needed a recruitment specialist who recognised the benefits a boutique firm could offer employees and who bought into and engaged with our vision for the future. Sarah listened to our requirements, gave advice where needed and has worked tirelessly to introduce the right candidates. I would have no hesitation in recommending Sarah or Cyan Partners to anyone who is in need of a recruitment specialist.
Bianca D. Junior candidate, Bristol
Michelle is everything you could want if you are going through the recruitment process. She is knowledgeable, personable and goes above and beyond to ensure all parties involved find a mutually beneficial match. She took the time to listen to what I truly desired from a role before guiding me to my dream role. I am grateful that she not only placed me in my role but took the time to check in prior to make sure I was happy and settled. She was a true pleasure to work with.