News/Blog
Thornton Legal news, opinion and insights on legal and recruitment matters.
- Written by Published
Since the early date of Thornton Legal, we've had a great relationship with Brabners, particularly with the Liverpool links of both businesses. A top firm with a top Managing Partner. Thanks for taking the time Nik.
Click here for his website profile and here for his Linkedin profile.
- Tell us about your background, and your role at Brabners?
A commercial lawyer by background. As managing partner my focus is on people, clients and profile; and setting the tone for a high performing and friendly, caring and collaborative environment where everyone is engaged and supported and feels enabled and empowered to give and get the best out of themselves and their careers
- How’s business?
Not without challenges of course and taking nothing for granted….but faring far better than we could have hoped for a year ago with work levels up year on year. Solid foundations, finances and team spirit have stood us in good stead
- What has the last 12 months taught you?
A lot! Being a purpose led and values driven business makes all the difference. The importance and value of trust. How much we take for granted. How important it is to appreciate the simpler pleasures in life. How little I contribute on the home front through the week…
- What is the outlook for the next 12 months?
Very optimistic – with two office moves, a continued recruitment drive, growth opportunities and making the most of what we’ve learned about ourselves and the way we live and work, there is much to look forward to
- How does Brabners stand out from the crowd?
Our independence and culture
- What working practice changes will continue post pandemic?
Any and all changes which serve a useful purpose, not least in enabling colleagues to play to their strengths and harness efficiency, productivity, wellbeing and happiness as much as possible
- What opportunities can you see?
Many, not least the increased ability to win work and recruit talent from further afield - making the most of the fact that geographic location and office-based presence is now far less important
- Recruiting is a challenge for all law firms, why should someone choose Brabners?
We are big enough to attract big ticket work and clients but not so big that you won’t feel like a valued member of the Brabners family. You’ll be properly supported and feel genuinely part of a tight knit team but given all the encouragement you need to be ambitious for yourself (and our firm), develop and build your practice with trust and autonomy and with an absence of red tape and unnecessary complexity, process or distraction
- What do you know now that you wish you knew at the start of your career?
Your devotion and hard work will be worth it. And, don’t worry, it’s going to be fine not to take yourself too seriously…
- Written by Published
I'm writing this on the 14th April, at a time when it feels as if the country is rushing to reopen and life is beginning to feel a little bit more normal for many people.
The first quarter of 2021 four us as a business was extremely busy and reflects the general mood of the legal industry which is gaining more and more confidence as the months roll by.
We are approaching the point where we are working on as many legal vacancies as we were prior to the pandemic at the beginning of 2020.
Areas such as real estate, banking and corporate are seeing a flurry of recruitment activity and extension of the stamp duty holiday has seen a record number of new residential conveyancing vacancies.
At the risk of sounding like a broken record the “fight for talent” when it comes to recruitment has never been more relevant and it feels as though it is going to be difficult for the industry to keep up. What I mean is that it has always been difficult to find good lawyers for jobs, but the uncertainty of the last 12 months has exacerbated this problem with many candidates who would previously have considered moving firms, retreating into their shells, and exercising a strong degree of lawyerly caution.
I sense, from speaking to partners and lawyers, that there will be a move in some quarters to start bringing staff back to the office, at least on a part time basis, over the next few months. I've also had a number of conversations with high quality junior lawyers who have been busy throughout the pandemic and not received anything like they were expected to in terms of salary increases and bonus payments. Where the business will be extremely interested to see how this pans out over the course of the next six months.
In terms of Thornton legal as a business we have made a number of great placements into a variety of roles including pensions , real estate development , private and public family home residential property, amongst others.
What has been extremely interesting is that law firms are increasingly willing to hire junior level paralegals and legal assistance in a way that they were reluctant to for most of last year.
We very much hope that the combination of the third lockdown and the magnificent vaccination rollout ensures that the recovery continues unabated and I'm able to report similar successes in July.
Until then, stay safe and good luck.
- Written by Published
FBC Manby Bowdler is a relatively new client of Thornton Legal, who fit very well into the profile of firm we have good success with. They are a leading full service law firm in the West Midlands, Shropshire and Worcestershire.
Many thanks to their Managing Director, Neil Lloyd, for taking part in our Q&A series.
Click here for his website profile and here for his Linkedin profile.
- Tell us a about your background, and your role at FBC Manby Bowdler?
I spent the best part of 20 years leading teams at both head office and within the West Midlands for Lombard, part of the Royal Bank of Scotland. I joined FBC Manby Bowdler 5 years ago as their Sales Director, with a brief to grow the Commercial offering. I became Managing Director April 1st 2020.
- How’s business?
Not bad considering the challenges this year. I have a really well engaged team that are going the extra mile to deliver for our clients. It has helped being a full service firm and the strategic investment we made last year in a new core technology platform, has held us in good stead over the past 12 month. Our offices have remained open by appointment only throughout and certain teams such as Private Client and Conveyancing have been extremely busy.
- What has the last 12 months taught you?
A couple of things jump to mind. Firstly remaining calm, focusing on our firm, not what others were doing and giving our leadership complete clarity on the direction we chose to move in. Secondly solid consistent communication which has probably been the main lesson. Weekly messages, monthly round ups and quarterly all staff calls have been crucial in keeping everyone informed of our progress throughout the year.
- What is the outlook for the next 12 months?
Positive. We have a great team and wonderful client base both of which are supported by some of the best technology in the legal sector. We’ll continue to invest in talented people and technology to maximise our position.
- How does FBC Manby Bowdler stand out from the crowd?
For years we have said we deliver Stellar Service for our clients – and we train that into our teams from the minute they arrive. We give every client the chance to provide feedback and subscribe to ReviewSolicitors which has given me lots of proud moments over the past 12 months.
- What working practice changes will continue post pandemic?
The most obvious one is agile working. Pre-pandemic we already had some teams working from home on occasion, myself included. In fact I have no desk/office to call my own. Clearly over the past 12 months everyone has now experienced working from home. It’s suited some but not all. We won’t be back in the office 5 days a week but I can see us asking everyone to do at least a couple of days in an office.
The other one I hope continues is the use of video conferencing. Don’t get me wrong I’m looking forward to meeting people in person but no-one can say it hasn’t been an important tool in our communication tool kit.
Finally, as a sector we’ve made massive strides digitally and if all the firms in the UK are using 70% less paper, such as we are, then that’s good for both our client journey and the planet.
- What opportunities can you see?
The biggest one I can see is that the talent pool that used to be restricted to the West Midlands so you were close to the office can now be UK wide. I can see no reason why lateral hires need to be bound by geography – especially given our technology platform and how we’ve had to adapt to ensure supervision is still constructive.
- Recruiting is a challenge for all law firms, why should someone choose FBC Manby Bowdler?
For almost 200 years FBC Manby Bowdler has provided legal advice to individuals, families and businesses of the West Midlands. We offer candidates the opportunity to work with some of the best lawyers, and non-lawyers in the region where they can develop their skills within a business the prides itself of delivering the best client service.
- What do you know now that you wish you knew at the start of your career?
That the path you begin on might not be the one you end up going down. I spent 20 years in banking and always thought I’d spend the rest of my career there. When FBC approached me 5 years ago I knew very little about the legal sector but have listened and taken every opportunity to learn from those around me. Becoming Managing Director 12 months ago was a dream come true and I’m fortunate to have a great team around me.
- Written by Published
SAS Daniels has been a key client of Thornton Legal's since our first few months of trading back in January 2016, with several lawyers placed in their fours offices - Stockport, Macclesfield, Congleton and Chester.
In what has been a very busy few months, thanks to their CEO and Head of Corporate, Jeremy Orrell, for taking the time to contribute to our new Q&A series.
Click here for his website profile and here for his Linkedin profile.
- Tell us a about your background, and your role at SAS Daniels?
My background is as corporate finance lawyer who has led over 1000 corporate deals in my 38 years as a corporate lawyer. I am recognised as a Leading Individual in Legal 500. I have applied that knowledge and experience in firm management in my role as the firm’s CEO.
- How’s business?
Buoyant. Business has bounced back after a difficult few months, and we are now beating pre Pandemic fess and KPI’s.
- What has the last 12 months taught you?
The need for relentless attention to the needs of the business and to address performance and systemic issues which have not been entirely apparent. A regular revisiting of the status quo and challenging norms are key to taking the business forward. Quick decision making is vital.
- What is the outlook for the next 12 months?
We are very positive and expect to see a significant rebound in the economy as the Lockdown is relaxed. There are unprecedented personal savings estimated to be an extra £192bn which have accumulated during the last 12 months which should fuel a consumer led recovery in uncertain times. Households expect to spend more that £50bn of their Lockdown savings in 2021. Meanwhile, corporate liquidity has hit record levels and companies are now holding more cash than at any time since records began. In due course some of this will be invested in new ventures. The spending of surplus cash by both businesses and by the consumer will stimulate the demand for legal services.
- How does SAS Daniels stand out from the crowd?
There are few firms that provide city centre level expertise from outside the main city centres. We provide that. Our geographical reach, with 4 offices located in Cheshire and Greater Manchester, ensure that we are well placed to provide that level of expertise for clients based in those areas.
- What working practice changes will continue post pandemic?
There will be more WFH but we believe strongly that working in an office is critical for team working , mentoring , proactivity , creativity , mental wellbeing , and personal and firm growth.
- What opportunities can you see?
We believe that there is a significant opportunity to benefit from the anticipated increased demand for legal services.
- Recruiting is a challenge for all law firms, why should someone choose SAS Daniels?
We are a firm with a strong ethos where we want to see everyone reach their full potential. Career development is at the heart of our business and key to our continued success.
- What do you know now that you wish you knew at the start of your career?
That law is a business and firms should be run as a business. Opportunities were missed by many firms but I think that all well run firms understand that they need to provide high level expertise delivered at a competitive price with excellent service delivery.
- Written by Published
Whether you are working in private practice or in-house, getting noticed can be a challenge particularly in the larger organisations. Even if you are regularly delivering quality work, it may not be spotted as other solicitors vie for recognition as well.
Here are some Thornton Legal tips to get noticed:
Be visible
Sometimes being good at your job just isn’t enough to get spotted. Get in involved in office events so colleagues and Partners get to know you over and above your day to day work. These include CSR, regular socials, networking events etc
Refine your interpersonal skills
As you climb the career ladder you will interact with a wider network of professionals and you’ll need to be able to work with them all effectively. Strong communication skills aren’t just needed for technical legal cases, just also for explaining information to clients and external contacts. The more people who know and rate you, the better chance you have of word getting back to the key decision markers at your firm.
Do more than your job description
To get spotted you need to go over and above the call of duty sometimes. Don’t go overboard as you’ll never get your own work done, but stepping up to help otherwise with their work, projects, events etc will put you on the path to progression as you mix with others your firm, including the decision makers.
Be client focused
From the early stages of your legal career you should be thinking about how you own network of clients and refers who give you work but also business to other practice areas. Building a following is one of the best, if not the best way of getting noticed, promoted and financially rewarded. Having good clients doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time and investment. What is your firm doing well, what can be done better, how can the service be improved and how can client’s costs be reduced?
Become an expert in business
A law firm is a business after all! Solicitors who understand their client’s goals will always be highly regarded by Partners. Show them that you understand business clients demands for better value for money spent, and don’t be afraid to make suggestion that respect traditions but that also show you have a grasp of what the future of the legal progression looks like. These may include alternative billing structures, new approaches to managing client relationships or different recruitment strategies.
Use these tips to improve your profile in the office as well as in the legal community. Get involved in non fee earning activities, work on your communication skills, go over and above sometimes, build your own following of clients and become an expert in your client’s business. Before you know it, you’ll be Managing Partner!
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Thornton Legal is a leading legal recruitment company, recruiting for legal jobs across the North West, Yorkshire and Midlands. We are passionate about providing a professional, innovative and reliable legal recruitment service that is focused on quality and ensures our clients are matched with the strongest legal talent available. Contact one of our legal recruitment consultants today on 0151 307 5757 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to see what we can do for your law firm or legal career.
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When you do land the perfect job here are some tips to create the best first impression in your new role:
Arrive on time, even better, early
Wether remotely or in person, it’s a good habit to get into from the outset and will ensure you’re ready and fully prepared for the day ahead.
Positive mental attitude
Always be positive, even if you’re not always feeling it. It will rub off on colleagues and ensure you’re seen as an optimistic, upbeat problem solver.
Dress appropriately
It’s important to dress like you mean business. Observe the dress styles of your new colleagues to get an idea of what is appropriate in your new work environment.
Get to know your colleagues, remember names!
Taking time to get to know your new colleagues will help you to feel comfortable in your new role and settle in quickly. Introduce yourself and ask them about themselves and, importantly, remember their names! Even if it means jotting them down initially.
Be friendly and professional
This will take you a long way and will make your colleagues more willing to help you out when you need it.
Be organised and proactive
During your first days in your new role listen carefully to everything you’re told and take notes. If you’re unsure, ask and be organised from the word go to ensure you stay on top of your workload.
Avoid office politics and gossip
While it is important to be friendly and engage with your new colleagues, avoid gossip and office politics, no matter how tempting it can be to join in. You start a new role with a clean slate and you want to keep it that way rather than clouding your initial impressions of the firm and the people you’re working with.
Ask questions and ask for help
If you’re unsure of something ask for help as people will expect this from a new colleague. As processes and procedures are being explained, ask questions to deepen your understanding and knowledge.
Show appreciation
When colleagues do take time out of their busy schedule to show you the ropes and help you out, show your appreciation.
Show commitment
Don’t be a clock watcher and do volunteer for tasks over and above your role to show your enthusiasm and commitment to your employer.
Be quick to observe and slow to judge
Spend your first weeks observing how your colleagues approach their work. You will learn a lot and showing humility rather than judging people will stand you in good stead. Making mistakes is inevitable but turn them into positives by learning from them.
Participate in social events
This shows willing and that you’re keen to get to know your colleagues. You can learn a lot about the culture of the company in a more informal setting and it also helps to boost team building.
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Thornton Legal is a leading legal recruitment company, recruiting for legal jobs in across Merseyside, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire, Yorkshire and the West Midlands We are passionate about providing a professional, innovative and reliable legal recruitment service that is focused on quality and ensures our clients are matched with the strongest legal talent available. Contact one of our legal recruitment consultants today to see what we can do for your law firm or legal career.