OUR EXPERTISE

Placing outstanding lawyers into private practice and in-house roles in London.

 

 

We are true sector specialists.

We understand the technical requirements of our clients and candidates, and we build
long-lasting relationships within the market.

This means we find the best fit - for clients and candidates.

 

"Sumner Brown Search’s knowledge of the funds practices and in-house funds teams in London is second to none."

— Partner & Head of Investment Funds Team, US Law Firm

 

Trust

We know our clients, and they trust us to be a true extension of their business.

 

Expertise 

Our candidates rely on us to guide them on their next step. Our in-depth industry knowledge means we match the right candidate with the right team.

 

Credibility 

We feel proud and privileged that many of our candidates go on to become our clients. There is no better endorsement.

 

Finding the best fit for...

 

Kate Sumner-Brown, Managing Director

A former Private Funds Lawyer, Kate has spent more than 10 years assisting clients with search mandates and advising candidates on career moves within the London legal market. Having practised law herself, she has a strong technical understanding of her clients’ and candidates’ practice areas and expertise. 

Prior to moving into recruitment, Kate trained and qualified as a lawyer with Bell Gully in New Zealand, before moving to London to join Clifford Chance as an Associate in the Private Funds Group.

Kate graduated from the University of Otago (New Zealand) with a Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Commerce (Management) and a Bachelor of Physical Education (Exercise Prescription and Management). Kate was admitted to the bar as a barrister and solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in 2006.

 

  • "Sumner Brown Search has provided us with a personalised, targeted service. They have taken the time to understand our business and then match candidates suitable to our needs who also fit in culturally with our firm. We would highly recommend them."

    Partner & Head of Private Funds Group, US Law Firm

  • "We approached Sumner Brown Search to undertake our General Counsel search through recommendation. Kate took the time to understand what we were looking for from the General Counsel role, along with the cultural attributes of our firm. She was able to blend her specialist expertise, market knowledge and diligent and committed approach to bring us the most suitable candidates in the market. Her ability to network and build relationships meant that we felt confident she was able to access the best individuals for the position."

    Chief Operating Officer, Private Equity Fund

  • "From a candidate's perspective, Kate is a refreshing change due to her approach and utmost dedication to any hire process. Kate really does her homework on candidates and builds a network of rated candidates (with third party validation) at all levels in anticipation of recruitment mandates."

    General Counsel, Private Equity Fund

  • "Working with Kate was fantastic. Right from the start it was clear that she had a very broad and detailed knowledge of the market as well as having the personal contacts to enable her to make introductions at both a junior and senior level."

    Associate, US Law Firm

  • "I have worked with Kate as both a client and a partner-level candidate over several years. Her knowledge of the funds practices and in-house funds teams in London is second to none."

    Partner & Head of Investment Funds Team, US Law Firm

Our Specialised Structure.

 
 

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Practice area focus

Practice area focused model for Lawyer recruitment - London - Sumner Brown Search

Just like the lawyers we work with, we are practice area specialists. This focus allows us to effectively engage with our clients, both private practice and in-house clients.

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Market
knowledge

Lawyer market and industry knowledge - recruitment London - Sumner Brown Search

We regularly connect with our market, and continually work to understand the changes and developments that affect it.

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Senior
experience

Legal and practice experience - Search consultancy - Sumner Brown Search - UK

We have over a decade of recruitment and legal practice experience. This depth of understanding is crucial to facilitate successful introductions.

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Relationships

Recruitment long term relationship - Sumner Brown Search - UK

We invest in long-term relationships. We enjoy what we do, and understand that it’s a privilege to be able to help our clients grow, and our candidates reach their career objectives.

How can we help?