Supporting international lawyers in their move to London.

We help New Zealand and Australian lawyers find their preferred role in the London market.

 

We have more than a decade of experience helping lawyers to make their next move, both within the London market and internationally.  

Our Managing Director was herself recruited from New Zealand to London as a lawyer, and understands first-hand the process and various considerations.

 

How we support you through the process.

  • We use our knowledge and understanding of your practice area to narrow down the leading firms in your area of expertise.

  • We provide guidance and advice on the different types of firms (US and UK) as well as various in-house opportunities.

  • We help you to tailor your CV so it will be best received by the London legal market.

  • We help you through the interview process and to ultimately land on a decision that best fits your aspirations.

  • We’re on hand to help with all the elements of a London move, like where to live and how to get around. We can also point you in the right direction to meet entry and visa requirements.

We know London.

 

Sumner Brown Search is a specialist legal search consultancy. We place lawyers at every level in the London legal market, covering both private practice and in-house recruitment.

Our international platform is broad, covering introductions to all reputable firms, and working with preferred in-house clients to offer market-leading roles. 

Finding a role in London is very much recruiter-led, which can be an unusual experience for Southern hemisphere lawyers used to applying for roles directly. The value of engaging with a knowledgeable recruitment agent as you find your feet in a new city cannot be overstated.

 
 

 How we can help

We know our markets and the strengths of the practice areas represented.

 

We can give you a birds-eye view of the options.

 

Our strong client relationships ensure we can give you a cultural and personality view on the teams.

We keep up to date with the market and can provide current compensation data for the firms you’re considering.

 

We manage the processes on your behalf to ensure timing is aligned.

 

We know what is ‘market’, which gives us leverage when negotiating your contract.

 

Let us represent you

Get in Touch

  • "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

  • "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

  • "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

  • "From a candidate's perspective, Kate is a refreshing change due to her approach and utmost dedication to any hire process."

    General Counsel, Private Equity Fund

FAQs

 

Is it better to apply for jobs before or after I leave my country?

Definitely before, especially in a post-COVID world, where a lot of interviewing is still being done over Zoom. By securing a role in advance, you can plan for your arrival, as well as any travel you would like to do before you start work.

I’m travelling on a 2-year work visa, is there anything I should be aware of?

Yes, you want to ensure you maximise your travel, but also to make sure you are the most attractive candidate to any potential employer by having as long as possible left on your visa. I would recommend finding a role before you leave your home country so that your employer knows you are able to work the full two years, and so also arrive into a European country to travel first before starting your visa period (which will begin when you enter the UK).

Can you give me advice on other aspects of a move, other than finding a job?

Absolutely! Our Managing Director is a lawyer herself, having moved from Bell Gully in Auckland, to Clifford Chance in London, a decade ago. She moved into legal recruitment, and was in London for 13 years, so can give you all sorts of advice - from where might be best for you to move (spoiler, most move to Clapham or SW London), how to get around, or even where to get the best coffee (Monmouth, Borough Market…).

Can you give me advice on salaries and the general benefits packages of firms?

Yes, our sole focus is the London market, and so we work hard to be across all facets of compensation. There are also key differences in employment rights, and how people take holidays in the UK for example, that we would be delighted to run you through.

Where are you based?

We are based in Auckland, New Zealand, but travel regularly to London. You will be able to meet with us here to discuss your needs, but have the reassurance that we’d be delighted to catch up with you in London to see how you’re getting on once you’ve arrived. Our help doesn’t end with placement; we’re with you every step of the way.