Jonathan Taylor, our London Director, recently helped an International Arbitration lawyer in the City of London to pivot into climate change disputes for a top-tier team. Here's our candidates story, the process and how we helped!
Jonathan first met the 4PQE lawyer in 2022 after they expressed an interest to move to Climate Change Disputes or an ESG focused area from a successful career in International Arbitration. Being at one of the most prestigious teams in London, the candidate was always going to be looked upon as favourable by rival City firms. The challenge was finding a firm that would complement the candidate's ambition to work within a niche practice area.
The Challenge
While climate change disputes will be a significant practice area in the future, it is very much still an up-and-coming area with limited available roles. After much research, it became clear that only a few teams were doing anything in the space.
This candidate interviewed with several firms. However, none were focused on growing their ESG practice to the scale she desired, meaning we kept looking for the perfect role.
How We Helped
At Sonder, we go above and beyond to tap into our network and find the right fit, no matter how lengthy the process of finding this role might be.
During this particular search process, we had to under-go extensive market research, connect with the right people and source roles that weren't not actively open in the market. For our candidate, we prepared detailed market maps and relevant materials to support their search. She was engaged with us from the very start and worked only with us to allow us to look across multiple relevant firms strategically. We provided honest, real-time advice to keep our candidate in the loop throughout the process and guided her through the interview process.
This overall placement took seven months since the initial approach, as this candidate had a very niche criterion which required time and effort to make the ideal placement. Our consultants were highly engaged with this candidate, allowing them to understand what she looked for in her ideal placement.
The Solution/Outcome
After a long search, an ESG role was eventually presented within a top-tier firm where a disputes lawyer's skillset and mindset would be useful. While this role only offered a one-year fixed-term contract, we spoke with the client in depth to negotiate a presentable option for our candidate, who was thrilled to get the opportunity to move into an ESG practice.
Soon after formal interviews, she was offered the position, which she formally accepted.
I really enjoyed working on this search. Not only was the candidate a true talent and personable individual, but it was also one of them projects that we worked on as a team. Every consultant across London had their ear to the ground with ESG disputes, and we really worked well together to bring this to fruition. - Jonathan Taylor (Director of London)
If you’re considering making a move that will level up your career, email us to book a free no-obligation meeting.
* As part of our candidate-consultant confidentiality, we have kept this candidate’s information private.
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