Meet The Team
Joe Rees
Director and Recruiter
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. +44 (0) 7903 222 898
What I do...
I work with law firms and lawyers across Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and the West Midlands. Over the years I've developed strong relationships with my law firm clients, meaning I am trusted with most of the roles I handle on an exclusive basis.
A little bit about me...
How did you get into legal recruitment?
I’ve been a professional services recruiter since 2005, starting in accountancy and finance before moving across into legal private practice in 2013. Nick Tappin and I started Thornton Legal in January 2016 and we are now an established name in the North West, with an ever-increasing presence in Yorkshire and the Midlands. Thornton Legal is named after a village on the Wirral where Nick and I are from.
What do you do at Thornton Legal?
I’m one of the two owners of the business so I have fee earning and operational responsibilities with anything marketing and IT related falling to me. As a recruiter I look after a qualified solicitor desk covering Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Yorkshire, as well as working closely with Tim to support his Manchester city client base.
What advice would you give someone wanting to start their own business?
Just go for it. If you back yourself and work hard, you’ll be successful.
What do you do to relax?
Run, drink wine and occasional cocktails (usually a Margarita or Bloody Mary) and hang out with my wife and little boys, Theo and Gus. I’m also a keen but very amateur gardener and a grade A declutterer! In March 2020 I fulfilled an ambition to have chickens, and all 7 of them are very happy layers.
Is there a sport you wish you could play?
I’ve always been reasonably handy at sports, particularly in my younger days. My friends and family would say I’m competitive and I’d 100% agree! Rugby was my sport at school which I really enjoyed but eventually my (lack of) height became a problem – 5’9 is a little on the small side for a number 8! I have a pool table at home which doesn't get used as much as I'd like, hopefully the boys will give me a game in a few years.
What is your favourite book?
I’m not a great reader to be honest. My wife will read four books in the time I get through one! The books I enjoy tend to be sport, music, travel or food related, rarely fiction.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I’m a keen runner, and have taken park in half marathons, marathons and a 60k ultra-marathon in the Lake District a couple of years back. If my body and time allow, I’d like to do another at some point.
What is your favourite quote?
“You win some, you lose some, but you live to fight another day!” Craig’s Dad, Friday