A massive welcome Chris Excell who joins SRM Recruitment to head up and establish our legal recruitment division. Chris tells us about his career to date, what appealed to him about working for SRM and his advice for candidate and clients.
Tell us about your career to date?
I think I can safely say I have achieved a huge amount in my career when it comes to legal recruitment, having worked in the industry for over 14 years now - I have seen it all! I have set up and developed legal desks within already established recruitment firms, I’ve worked solely as a head-hunter and I have also set up and run my own recruitment business in a previous life. I’ve been fortunate to have worked with a range of high calibre law firms, both specialist boutiques and global entities. In addition, I have gained significant experience in executive search business development, working on pitches and retainers. In my most recent role, I gained particular expertise in due diligence and pre-search analysis.
What prompted your move to SRM?
I was very excited by the opportunity to lead, build and develop the legal recruitment offering here. I’m incredibly passionate about law, and legal recruitment in particular. Everything in my career to date has developed naturally building on my experience from role to role, it feels like everything has been leading up to this opportunity which was too good to pass up. With my understanding of the market, this should be a really fun and challenging opportunity for both myself and the wider SRM offering.
What was it that appealed to you about working for SRM?
There are three reasons why SRM really appealed to me:
- • Firstly, on a personal level, I was presented with such a magnificent opportunity to establish and lead the entire legal function, so how could I turn that down! Incredible, and I’m very excited to get started!
- • Secondly, the recruitment model at SRM is similar to my very first recruitment firm. The natural crossover between law firms and other professional service industries, plus I understand how it needs to work to be a success. It’s a great model to work with.
- • Thirdly, quite honestly, it’s the people. They are all genuinely a great bunch of people who are experts in their fields. I’ve also known Will Short for a few years both in a professional and personal capacity, and he only had great things to say about working here.
Tell us about yourself?
I’m a Northern boy, originally from Grimsby and I have a law degree from Lincoln University. I’m massively into my music and football (I’m a big Newcastle fan for my sins). I have also started to channel my inner Gordon Ramsey and try to master the art of cooking. I’ve lived in London for 14 years now, so I enjoy making the most of what the city has to offer. I definitely have a northern mentality – before my recruitment career and time at university, I worked in a fish factory (a rite of passage for any Grimbarian) - it really grounds you and gives you that edge to make a success in life.
What led you to specialise in legal roles?
After my law degree, I decided not to apply for a training contract. I didn’t want to start at the entry level – I am an ambitious individual and wanted to work with senior people early on in my career. Legal recruitment meant I could make a real difference, whilst giving me the opportunity to play a meaningful role working with world class law firms. I never actually envisaged a career in recruitment, but it was the best decision I have ever made. It is true what they say though about recruitment – the highs are incredible, but the lows can be tough. It’s important to build up a good brand for yourself, then your career will be more sustainable and enjoy longevity. I love the legal industry, so legal recruitment was a great fit for me.
Tell us about the roles you’ll be working on?
I’ll be recruiting across the full fee-earner market, from Associate up to Partner level, with a particular focus on the White Shoe US firms and top-tier UK law firms. On the in-house side, we’ll be recruiting for Senior Counsel roles and above both domestically and internationally.
What do hiring managers and job seekers like about working with you?
I like to think I’m personable and very approachable. I go into the detail with people. I’ll find out exactly why they need to hire someone and how this person will help take your business forward. With my knowledge and understanding of the market, I like to think I add real value with the relationships I have developed.
What’s your top piece of advice for hiring managers right now?
I can’t stress this enough; make sure you go through a thorough due diligence exercise during the search process. Sometimes hiring managers can be so focused on securing an individual, they miss the bigger picture of what this hire really would look like. Clients must conduct due diligence to the nth degree and don’t overlook any red flags – they are usually there for a reason.
What’s your top piece of advice for candidates right now?
Candidates need to be open and honest with recruiters. Remember, we are on your side so want to know everything that is happening with you so we can find the best role for you and your career circumstances. It also goes without saying, ensure you have prepared thoroughly and have a good understanding of the business before any conversations with firms. Do your research, know your clients, and have a bullet proof business plan.
Get in touch if you’re looking to hire legal roles or for help with your next
career move
If you need help to source your next legal hire or want an honest conversation about your career, get in touch with Chris Excell today on + 44 7595 748826, email
chrisexcell@srmrecruitment.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisexcell/