Contentious Risk Lawyer – Legal Sector – 4+ PQE

Location

London, Hybrid

Michelle Corneby

Director

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 is currently experiencing growth on a global scale and the infrastructure is growing to support it.

We have an exciting opportunity for a contentious lawyer to join the risk and compliance team to support on a wide range of issues including disputes, investigations, SRA conduct, professional indemnity, and regulatory issues. The internal team is currently experiencing a resurgence of energy with recent senior appointments and a review of internal process and procedures leading to the creation of new roles.

We are seeking a qualified solicitor with at least 4 years’ PQE in contentious matters. You may be a fee-earner seeking a move away from targets or an in-house lawyer looking for a new challenge. If you have previously worked in a professional services environment or have experience in professional indemnity that would be beneficial, but not necessary. The role will entail complex and sometimes highly sensitive issues and we are seeking a robust but diplomatic advisor to navigate the landscape.

A friendly and supportive team and a chance to grow and develop as the role evolves is on offer. You must be resilient, collegiate, and able to deal with a wide range of stakeholders in a professional environment. Good judgement, the ability to explain and reason and a can-do approach will all be essential.

The demand for law firm in-house lawyers is growing rapidly and this is a fantastic chance establish your career in this area at a high profile and interesting law firm. You will have the chance to work on complex deals and agreements, take on responsibility and be part of a global team with future opportunities to advance yourself.

Back to Roles Apply

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

Luke Powell, Managing Partner, Macfarlanes LLP

I definitely felt like we’d come to the right person to work with throughout the process.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.