A specialist in recruitment law? That’s a bit niche, isn’t it? How on earth did you end up doing that? These are questions that are often posed by clients, colleagues, and friends; and even by myself every now and again!
Recruitment law is indeed a niche field, but it offers a fascinating blend of legal expertise, people, and an ever-changing job market. I found this out first hand when I was in-house Counsel for a group of recruitment companies in Brighton back in 2012, having spent the previous 14 years as a solicitor in private practice. And by 2013 I had set up a law firm that specialises in providing commercial legal services to recruitment companies.
Why?
A Rapidly Changing Landscape
The world of recruitment is in constant flux. Technological advancements, cultural shifts, and global events all have a significant impact on how organisations attract, hire, and retain talent. Working with clients in this ever-changing landscape is both challenging and rewarding. And of course, Recruiters are a wonderful breed of their own!
Legal Complexity
Recruitment law isn’t just about placing candidates and signing contracts. It encompasses a myriad of legal intricacies, from employment and debt recovery, data protection and contract drafting, to dispute resolution and Gangmaster Licencing. Complexities such as IR35, the Conduct Regulations and the AWR are manna from heaven for a legal geek like me!
Making a difference
Some of the issues I deal with for recruitment companies can make or break an organisation. Claims against them can be financially and reputationally disastrous, as can signing a contract without understanding it. I love that my firm is a one-stop-shop for recruitment companies where they can phone up or email us and we’re there with a solution.
Specialisation
The more I do, the better I get. Having started in 2014 with just 2 recruitment company clients I now act for 100s of recruitment companies, and I can assure you there is very little that I haven’t seen. This puts me in the perfect position to spot legal bell weathers, about which I can forewarn my clients and help them stay at the top of their market. I talk recruiters’ language, I understand their issues and I just “get it”.
Becoming a specialist in recruitment law might have raised a few eyebrows, but it’s a niche field that offers a unique blend of legal challenges, human intricacies, and high stakes – and I love it.
If you would like to talk to a solicitor who understand both recruitment and the law, please don’t hesitate to contact me on lucy.tarrant@cognitivelaw.co.uk or call 0333 400 4499.