
For Candidates
A consultative approach to legal recruitment
Our mission is to advance legal careers and place engaged people with our clients. We listen so that we understand what our candidates are looking for and can advise on the opportunities available. That’s why our candidates will always be working with one of our partners as we guide them through the recruitment process; we work collaboratively to make sure you can consider appropriate available options.




We are a partner led business. You will always be working with one of us as we guide you through the recruitment process, and beyond.
Testament to our success in building long lasting and successful relationships, many of our clients are people we have placed in the past. As we've been working in legal recruitment for many years, we've also been fortunate to work with and help many people more than once, at different stages of their careers; people often come back to us for career advice.
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 RolesDirector of Risk - Top 30 Firm
Location
London
Category
Risk & Compliance
Practice Areas
Regulatory / Compliance
Our client, a highly regarded top 30 firm, has an outstanding opportunity for an experienced law firm risk and compliance professional. Working closely with the firm’s Managing
LEGAL CONSULTANTS - CORP/COMM
Location
Fully Remote
Category
ALSP
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial, Data Protection, IP / IT
Legal Consultants - Corp/Comm- Part time - Fully remote We have fantastic opportunities for senior lawyers with corporate and commercial experience to work part-time and ful
Legal Counsel - London - NQ+
Location
London, Hybrid
Category
In House
Practice Areas
Banking / Finance, Corporate / Commercial
Legal Counsel - City of London – NQ+ PQE We have an exciting new instruction from a global leader in litigation funding. Our client is one of the largest litigation funders in
Financial Crime - In House Counsel - London
Location
London, Hybrid
Category
Private Practice, In House, Risk & Compliance
Practice Areas
Regulatory / Compliance
Our client is a world-class leading professional services firm with over 5000 employees globally in 21 countries. The fee earners are supported by a superb team of business accepta
In-House Commercial Lawyer – Legal Sector – 4+ PQE
Location
London, Hybrid
Category
Private Practice, In House
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial, Data Protection, Insurance, Regulatory / Compliance
Our client is an international law firm with an outstanding reputation for excellence, headquartered in the City of London and offices across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It
Contentious Risk Lawyer – Legal Sector – 4+ PQE
Location
London, Hybrid
Category
Private Practice, In House
Practice Areas
Insurance, Regulatory / Compliance, Litigation
Our client is an international law firm with an outstanding reputation for excellence, headquartered in the City of London and offices across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. It
Legal Counsel - Corp/Comm/FS - 2+PQE
Location
London, Hybrid
Category
In House
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial, Financial Services / Funds, Litigation
We have an exciting new instruction from a global leader in litigation funding. Our client is one of the largest litigation funders in the world, with an impressive track record o
Compliance Manager -FS - City of London
Location
London, Hybrid
Category
In House
Practice Areas
Banking / Finance, Financial Services / Funds, Regulatory / Compliance
We have an exciting new instruction from a global leader in litigation funding. Our client is one of the largest litigation funders in the world, with an impressive track record o
Senior Knowledge Lawyer – Energy & Infrastructure - London
Location
London, Hybrid
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Infrastructure / Energy
Our client is a world-class law firm with over 5000 employees globally in 21 countries. The fee earners are assisted by a superb team of knowledge lawyers who support on the t
Litigation Associate – Commercial Disputes –Remote working – 3+ PQE
Location
Fully Remote
Category
ALSP
Practice Areas
Litigation
Our client is an award-winning boutique law firm staffed with partners of exceptional calibre. This fee-share model firm prides itself on its commitment to quality, a supportive en
Commercial /Financial Services Lawyer - Insurance -FTC
Location
London, Hybrid
Category
In House
Practice Areas
Insurance
Commercial Lawyer – Insurance sector – FTC – 3+ PQE Our client is one of the largest global life and health reinsurance companies in the world, with operations in 26 countr
Corporate Insurance Partner - Leading International Firm
Location
London
Category
Private Practice
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial, Insurance
Our client is a highly regarded international law firm which has been making significant progress in recent years in developing its international network and range of services. It
Insurance Lawyers - with language skills
Location
London
Category
In House
Practice Areas
Insurance
French/German/Spanish speaking Insurance Lawyers Needed – London based Our client is a highly specialist advisory business working in the field of risk analysis, insurance reli
Legal Counsel - Alpha FX
Location
London
Category
In House
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial, Financial Services / Funds, Regulatory / Compliance
Alpha FX is an award-winning financial services firm, providing currency risk management solutions and payment services to high-quality corporates and institutions internationally.
Construction or Projects Lawyer – Hourly rate/Remote work
Location
Hybrid, Fully Remote
Category
Private Practice, ALSP
Practice Areas
Construction, Infrastructure / Energy
We are proud to be working with a boutique growing hybrid model law firm; a specialist in the built environment, pulling together the very best projects and talent in the market.
Commercial / Technology Consultants - Remote/Hourly Rate
Location
Hybrid, Fully Remote
Category
Private Practice, ALSP
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial, Data Protection, IP / IT, Media / Entertainment / Sport
We are proud to be working with a growing hybrid model law firm. A specialist in the built environment, pulling together cutting-edge technology and construction, proudly working
Commercial Lawyer - InHouse - ESG
Location
London, Hybrid
Category
In House
Practice Areas
Corporate / Commercial, Environment/ESG
We have an exciting opportunity to join the world’s largest sustainability consultancy. Our client has over 5000 employees, in 160 offices across 40 countries. The business engages
Partner / Leadership Opportunity - Employment Tax
Location
London, Hybrid, Fully Remote
Category
Private Practice, ALSP
Practice Areas
Employment / Pensions, Tax
Our client is a unique multi-disciplinary professional services practice designed to serve the needs of human resources teams globally. Offering legal, tax, immigration, pensions


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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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 .
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.