Specialist Recruitment and Career Advisers to the Legal Profession in the South West

"We are proud of our record for consistently delivering on our promises and we remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of service and performance. We think we make a genuine difference to our clients and candidates and it's really nice to know that you seem to agree.

» Client Testimonials
» Candidate Testimonials

Clients

"Career Counsel are a preferred supplier of Osborne Clarke.  I find Andy and Megan approachable, easy to work with and reliable.  They have helped us successfully fill positions with no fuss or complications.  They offer a personal, professional and commercial service.  In addition to sourcing quality candidates, they have an excellent understanding of our business and provide valuable market information." - Naomi Birch, Recruitment & Resourcing Manager, Osborne Clarke

"Career Counsel have been a preferred supplier of TLT for several years and have seen consistent success in placing candidates with us. Their success is down to the exceptional level of customer service they provide. A professional approach, taking the time to get to know TLT and the Partners within the business, good quality candidates who meet the specification and a brilliant knowledge of the Southwest market. Andy & Megan are good fun, friendly, approachable and always professional, a winning combination!" - Emma Webster, Recruitment Manager, TLT LLP

"I have found it a pleasure working with Career Counsel, they provide us with a professional and friendly service. They truly do consult with us and approach each requirement intelligently avoiding the "scatter gun" approach of many of their competitors. As well as spending lots of time getting to know us as a firm, they know their candidates very well, having established strong relationships and really understanding their motivation. I will turn to Andy and Megan for advice and guidance on the market place as well as straightforward recruitment needs and find them to be very well informed." - Julia Mumford, National Recruitment Manager, Beachcroft LLP

"I would thoroughly recommend Career Counsel to colleagues. I have worked personally with both Megan and Andy and find them to be extremely professional. Not only do they have expert knowledge of the market, they have taken the time to get to know me and the firm. This results in closer matches between the candidates and the unique culture that we have. They are very industrious and organised but with a very friendly and personal approach, making you feel truly valued as a client. I find both Megan and Andy to be very honest and up-front and this has led to a very successful relationship." - Sarah Cook, Head of HR, Veale Wasbrough

"Andy and his team stand out as providing a very professional and honest approach. They take time to understand both us as a firm and their candidates, and work effectively together as a team to provide a joined up service." - James Turner, Resourcing Manager, Bevan Brittan LLP

"Andy consistently provides an efficient and professional level of service. He has a good understanding of our recruitment needs which has resulted in the introduction of good quality candidates who are appropriate for our roles. Andy is a great pleasure to deal with and we always have a lot of fun along the way." - Jean Brierley, Legal Recruitment Manager, Ashfords

"At last. Recruiters who make sure they understand our needs". - Andrew Woolley, Senior Partner, Woolley & Co. Solicitors

"I have worked with Andrew Curtis over many years and both I and members of the HR team have recruited a number of people through him. I have always found Andrew to be very professional and it is always a pleasure to do business with him; any assignment is handled promptly and responsively. Andrew is knowledgeable about the market and is always looking for new ways to improve the service and ensure he is meeting our business needs. There is sense of energy and drive towards satisfying the client needs quickly and efficiently. I have recommended him to a number of individuals and other businesses and will continue to so do." - Pat Shaw, former HR Director, TLT LLP

"I have worked with Andy for a number of years now and have always been impressed with his knowledge of the legal recruitment market. He takes the time to ensure that he clearly understands a firm's specific recruitment needs and then meets those needs with well matched candidates. In short, he is a pleasure to work with and I find every aspect of his service meets the highest professional standards." - Helen Read, Consultant, Englehart Read (former Recruitment and Resourcing Manager, Osborne Clarke)

"Andrew Curtis is one of the most able legal recruiters I know. He combines significant industry knowledge with integrity and a highly professional yet approachable manner. Whether you are looking to recruit or considering a career move, you can trust him to provide an excellent recruitment service." - Antonia Fowell, Principal, AF Consulting (HR and Recruitment Strategy Consultancy)

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Candidates

“It was brilliant to be able to contact Andy when I moved to Bristol last year. He made my job hunt after leaving London far easier than I thought it would be – particularly as I was looking for a part-time role! He genuinely works hard to get results, is great to deal with and is extremely pro-active.” - Emma Taylor, Solicitor, Beachcroft LLP, Bristol

"I worked with Career Counsel when I was looking to get out of the City and return ‘home’ to my roots.  I wanted to deal with a well connected local recruiter with an in depth knowledge of the regional market and a highly professional approach. Career Counsel was all that and more.” – Justin Harrington, Partner & Head of Technology, Morgan Cole, Cardiff

"As a couple moving from London to Bristol it was very important to us that we found jobs that enabled us to move and start work at the same time. Andy helped us achieve that aim, whilst also finding us the best possible positions with the most favourable packages for us as individuals.  Andy's manner was ultra professional from the outset.  Once we had spoken to him we did not speak to any other agents.  We were confident that he had all the connections in the local market to ensure that all job opportunities were being fully explored, even if they were not advertised.  Andy's advice is informed - as an ex solicitor who took the decision to move out of London himself some years ago we respected his views, both from a professional and personal point of view.  We will continue to recommend Andy to anyone considering a legal career move to the South West." - Hannah Thompson, Associate, Osborne Clarke & Tim Pritchard, Solicitor, Bond Pearce, Bristol

"Andy really is different from other recruitment agents. He listened to my needs and understood the practical issues that I faced in looking to move to another firm following my maternity leave. He then went on to secure me an interview at the firm of my choice despite them not having a permanent vacancy. I was offered a permanent position and not only am I now working alongside high calibre lawyers with great quality work, it is also a firm that embraces flexible working. Throughout the whole process Andy was very professional and kept me constantly updated on progress. I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone looking to move on." - Deborah West, Associate, Wilsons, Salisbury

“I found Andy to be extremely professional and completely clued up on the Bristol market.  He had a very personal approach and didn't try and persuade me to apply for jobs that weren't right for me.  I was very grateful for his interview tips and inside knowledge of TLT and the employment team.  I thoroughly recommend his services.” - Siobhan Fitzgerald, Solicitor, TLT LLP, Bristol

"It was a pleasure to deal with Andy when I was looking to move from my position in Cardiff to work in Bristol.  Andy was very professional throughout the process and very quickly got to grips with what I was looking for in a new position.  I found Andy to have a really thorough knowledge of all of the main Bristol firms and of the opportunities available within those firms. As well as being very effective and tenacious in seeking out suitable opportunities, Andy was also very personable in his approach, which I found really helpful.  I would not hesitate to recommend Andy to anyone looking to find a new position in the South West." - Michala Emmett, Solicitor, Osborne Clarke, Bristol

"In my view, Andy's key attributes are his integrity and his honest and sensitive management of expectations during the recruitment process. Having trained and worked at a "magic circle" firm in the City before taking a few years out of the legal profession, I felt Andy handled my return to work with great sensitivity and skill. It is a testament to his contacts and thoughtful assessment of my requirements that approximately 10 weeks after my first meeting with Andy, I began work at one of the two leading law firms in Bristol." - Solicitor, Osborne Clarke, Bristol

“I have used a number of agencies over the years and still receive calls from some with totally unsuitable positions who then proceed to try to persuade me this would be my ideal job.  I was therefore genuinely surprised at the service from Andy and Megan.  Both were extremely professional and always available, nothing was too much trouble and the stressful experience of undergoing a series of interviews for a position I desperately wanted was made so much easier with their objective support and guidance.  Above all I felt listened to and a genuine desire from them that I secure the position that was right for me rather than just to fill a vacancy on the books.” - Lisa Smith, Barrister, Woolley & Co.

"I registered with a couple of national brands and was satisfied with their service.  I then spoke to Andy - who showed me what client service really meant.  Streets ahead!" - Partner, leading Bath law firm

"I was keen to move back to Wales having spent many years working in London and Andy helped me to achieve this goal in a very short period of time.  Andy had excellent knowledge of the law firms in Cardiff and together we identified key firms to apply to. I appreciated his expertise, professionalism and knowledge when making such a big life change." - Rob Morgan, Solicitor, Geldards LLP, Cardiff

"Andy Curtis provided me with shrewd advice on the market for corporate lawyers in Bristol, and the qualities that the leading national firms in the region are seeking." - Associate, major Bristol and national firm (previously 'magic circle' associate)

"In contrast to my experiences with other recruitment consultants, I found Andy very helpful, easy to deal with and professional. In particular, he was pro-active in putting my name forward to Bevan Brittan and in communicating regularly with them, with the result that I secured a full time position when the job was advertised as being temporary. The whole process was quick, efficient and discreetly and promptly handled by Andy and I would have no hesitation in using him again should I need similar services in the future." - Ed Husband, Associate, Bevan Brittan LLP, Bristol

"As soon as I called Andy, I knew I had found an agent who was different from the others. He really listened to what I was looking for, tried to understand my background and personality and gave me a feel for the culture of the firms I was applying to. He kept me fully informed about what was going on and always returned my calls promptly. I suppose he made me feel valued as an individual and a client rather than just another CV he was trying to get off his desk as quickly as possible. Because I was moving from a big London firm I was worried that the quality of work might not be as good as I was used to, but that is certainly not the case - I'm still doing really high quality work, but feel that I have escaped the rat race of London life and have cut out the long commute." - Shireen Shaikh, Partner, Wilsons, Salisbury

"I have to say that I was thoroughly impressed with Andy and his professionalism throughout my recruitment process. Andy provided me with a detailed role description, informed me promptly and concisely about the interview, and obtained detailed feedback. Andy was also very easy to get hold of, always returned my calls and maintained exceptional professionalism throughout the recruitment process. He provided the right advice and assisted me in making the right decision for my career." - Sandeep Sadhra, Solicitor, TLT, Bristol

"Andy dealt with me in a thoroughly professional and appropriate way and handled the whole process delicately and with tact and diplomacy." - Partner, major South West law firm

"I had extensive contact with Andy over a period of months during 2004 when I was looking to move from a major City firm to a partnership position in Bristol. This was a big decision for me and Andy was never less than helpful, attentive and professional. His insight into the Bristol legal market and his willingness to give advice and opinions on the broader aspects of a move to Bristol (I had no previous experience of the area) were very helpful to me. With Andy's help, I managed to secure a partnership offer in one of the main Bristol firms and, whilst I eventually decided to stay in London, I would not hesitate to recommend Andy to anyone looking to make this kind of move". - Senior Associate, 'Magic Circle' firm

"Andrew has a sophisticated and in-depth knowledge of the legal market and appears to have an endless contact list. Whilst this in itself gives him a distinct advantage over other consultants, it is his drive and enthusiasm which most impressed me. Andrew takes a personal interest in all of his candidates which allows him to propose them for positions which are ideally suited to their individual needs. This selective and personal approach avoids everybody's time being wasted and means that Andrew delivers the best results in the quickest time."- Peter O'Brien, Solicitor, Osborne Clarke, Bristol

"I found Andy to be extremely professional and helpful in assisting me with my job search in the Cardiff area. I always felt confident that Andy would represent my interests properly by making discreet enquiries in the marketplace and providing me with reliable and informed advice on my options." - Solicitor, Eversheds, Cardiff

"Andy was my consultant when I was looking to change firms in 2004. Andy was very helpful in selecting firms to which I was of interest and, indeed, eventually found me a position in a firm that occupied the building immediately adjacent to the firm I was planning to leave. Andy was tenacious, which must be of benefit to firms looking seriously to recruit, but was always friendly and helpful to me as an applicant." - Phillip Young, Associate, Horsey Lightly Fynn, Bournemouth

"I was very pleased with Andy's help when I was job hunting. He offered honest and professional advice and support during the application process and helped me negotiate favourable terms and conditions when I was successful. He always kept me updated on any progress and was friendly and accessible. I am happy to recommend him." - Sara Whiteley, Solicitor, Bristol

"I moved from a global law firm based in the City to a large regional firm in the South West. Andy Curtis was professional, helpful and responsive. He seemed to be well connected with all the regional players, alert to opportunities and a great facilitator. I now enjoy doing high quality work within an excellent team in a great environment and have not looked back. I would not hesitate to recommend Andy to anyone looking to change their job." - Stephen Dilley, Solicitor, Bond Pearce, Plymouth

"Andy provided an excellent service when relocating from London to Cheltenham last year. He was highly professional in all respects and well liked by all of the firms I had contact with. I would thoroughly recommend his services." - Simon Brazier, Solicitor, Willans, Cheltenham