Level: NQ
Practice Area: White-Collar Investigations
From: A Magic Circle firm
To: A leading US firm
Recruiter: Andrew François
Background
An NQ associate from a Magic Circle firm reached out to Sonder after seeing one of our advertised roles. Although slightly junior for the position, their academic excellence and training made them a standout candidate. He had been actively interviewing elsewhere, but after discussing the role and firm in detail, he was eager to pursue the opportunity.
Process
The junior disputes market in London is notoriously competitive — particularly within white-collar and investigations. After initial outreach went quiet, a direct call to a partner at a leading US firm changed everything. The partner was clear: only top-tier candidates would be considered. Confident in this candidate’s potential, we submitted their credentials to the recruitment team.
The CV was well received, though progress was slow, with multiple candidates under review and interview timelines stretching longer than expected. But after several engagements, he was invited to interview. Ahead of the meeting, Andrew spoke directly with the hiring partner to understand his interview style and expectations, ensuring the candidate was thoroughly prepared. That preparation and composure paid off, earning excellent feedback at every stage.
Outcome
After a final discussion with the Managing Partner, the firm extended an offer, which the candidate promptly accepted. He has now joined one of London’s most respected investigations teams on a strong US-rate salary — a move that perfectly aligned with their long-term goals.
Recruiter Reflection
This placement underscored the power of proactivity and persistence. A single phone call opened the door, and consistent communication kept the process on track. Thorough preparation gave the candidate the edge in a competitive field.
— Andrew François, Senior Consultant
Considering your next move within disputes or investigations? Sonder Consultants partners with leading UK and US law firms to place top-tier talent across London and other global legal hubs. Get in touch to discuss current opportunities or market insights.
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