Deacon

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗱𝗼 𝗶𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗼𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴? We have had a number of conversations with partners and senior lawyers recently where this keeps happening. Despite financial and non-financial targets and KPIs being met, in some cases the success criteria has been changed from what was set – for partners hoping to move from fixed share to equity; for partners not moving up equity ladders; and also for senior lawyers expecting to be made up to partner. It’s perhaps not surprising that this is happening as markets and outlooks change and if firm’s revenues and profitability are static, leading to more pressure on partners to deliver. And when firms are not confident in the market, there is less appetite to promote. But it is fair to move the goal posts for those people that are delivering on everything that has been asked of them? We regularly counsel lawyers in the position and if this has happened to you recently, we have four main pieces of advice.. We are always happy to discuss careers and offer no-obligation advice to partners and senior lawyers. If we can assist, we will. Here’s who to contact: 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀: Paul Deacon, Dan Wilkins, Scott Lesner, Chris Payne, Elliot Jackson, Gita Odedra, Gemma Posner, Agi Pines and Jonathan Bower. 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀: Gideon Krotosky, Hugo Tang, Harry Austin and Angus Brocklesby. 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮: Peter Vrljic. #careerdevelopment #careercounselling #lawfirms #lawyers #partners #legalrecuitment #deacon

Even for experienced partners used to navigating major deals every day, the idea of negotiating your own remuneration package with a new firm can cause anxiety since it comes down to one key question: what am I worth? The key is to make compensation negotiations part of the whole process – not just at the end. Here are our top tips on how to develop a strategy to negotiate the best package: https://lnkd.in/emSYa3JU To find out more, contact one of our partner team: Paul Deacon, Dan Wilkins, Scott Lesner, Chris Payne, Elliot Jackson, Gita Odedra, Gemma Posner, Agi Pines and Jonathan Bower. #careers #lawfirms #legalrecruitment #deacon

𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺! Chris Payne is a prominent figure in the London legal recruitment market, known for his dynamic energy, sense of humour, and outstanding client and candidate care. He has facilitated numerous high-profile partner and team moves in London, especially in private equity, venture capital, international arbitration/ commercial litigation, and intellectual property. With a long-standing and loyal client base among the top 50 global law firms, Chris is often their trusted partner recruiter. Recently, he played a key role in the highly publicized London launch of a top 50 U.S. AMLaw Firm and is currently advising management teams at several international firms on UK, transatlantic, and U.S. merger opportunities. Here is what people have to say about Chris Payne.... #lawfirms #partners #testimonials #legalrecruitment #deacon

A useful read in The Lawyer today outlining the average PQE level as to when firms in the UK promote individuals to partnership. Promotion can be a frustrating topic, and it's not uncommon for associates to be met with vague answers when they ask about internal promotion prospects - this can sometimes lead to the "can being kicked down the road"! Deacon has extensive experience when it comes to placing senior level associates into "day one" partnership roles, so if  this is something that you'd be open to learning more about, do get in touch. https://lnkd.in/gG9PdsSW #promotion #partnership #legalcareers  

As Senior Associate you will be operating as a partner, behaving like a partner, billing (sometimes more) than a partner as well as managing clients and supervising a team. At this point in time, you’re often the most highly profitable unit for the firm. Importantly, your billings count towards “managed fees” for the partner you work for and will be considered part of their revenue – and compensation. At this point in your career, it’s vital for you to know that the partner(s) you are working for are sponsoring you for partnership and are actively advocating for you to the best of their abilities. If you get the feeling that it’s not happening, you could well be on a road to nowhere. If you’re a senior lawyer and would like to talk to us about your career goals and partnership aspirations, or if you’re a group head, hiring partner or manager and you have an opportunity in your team or firm for a senior lawyer who is ready for partnership to make this vertical move, please get in touch. We work with highly qualified talented senior lawyers globally who are seeking exactly this kind of opportunity. Please contact our Associate Team at Deacon: Gideon Krotosky, Hugo Tang, Harry Austin, Angus Brocklesby and Peter Vrljic (Sydney) #promotion #partnership #lawfirms #legalrecruitment #deacon

The Rise of Collective Action Claims and How London Law Firms Are Capitalizing In recent years, collective action claims have significantly increased, reshaping how large-scale disputes are managed. These lawsuits, where groups collectively bring claims to court, have become vital tools for addressing widespread corporate misconduct, from product defects to consumer fraud, environmental disasters (ESG), and privacy breaches. Why Class Actions Are Growing: Several factors drive the rise in collective action claims. Enhanced consumer awareness and activism, fueled by social media, make it easier for individuals to mobilize against corporate misconduct. Regulatory changes across jurisdictions have lowered barriers to filing, simplifying the process for litigants to unite. Easier access to litigation funding has also played a key role. As corporations grow in size, the potential for widespread impact increases, making collective actions more necessary. Benefits to Law Firms: Law firms have quickly adapted, recognizing the financial and reputational benefits of managing collective action cases. These cases often involve substantial settlements, leading to significant fees. Handling high-profile cases also boosts a firm's reputation, attracting more clients and talent. Many firms are developing specialized teams and investing in resources like technology and expert witnesses to manage these complex cases, positioning themselves as leaders in this lucrative field. Conclusion: The rise of class action claims marks a shift toward collective justice in response to widespread wrongdoing. For law firms, this trend offers new opportunities to expand both revenue and reputation in an evolving legal environment. Opportunities: At Deacon, we work closely with leading firms active in collective action claims, both on the claimant and defendant sides. We're also collaborating with firms strategically building specialized class action practices, including U.S. disputes boutiques considering launching London offices. The opportunities are substantial, and our clients are particularly interested in team hires. If you’re a Partner in this field and want insights into the current market, please reach out for a confidential chat: Chris Payne [email protected] 07878 360 792

"Great experience. But too many moves on the CV." This is feedback from a leading partner when reviewing the CV of a candidate. When making a move, you have to consider how this will make your CV look. To be an attractive lateral candidate, especially for BigLaw roles, you need CV stability. If you have moved firms regularly and have not stayed somewhere for at least one long stint, it will be hard to convince a firm to invest in hiring you if there is a fear you may leave prematurely. There will also be doubts as to whether you are a top-performer if you a constantly moving firms, and whether you have developed the skills you need if you do not have a stable career history.  Next time you move, ask yourself how this will be perceived. For more tips follow or connect with me. Want to hear about opportunities in the market? Details below. ✉️ [email protected] 📞 0426131622      

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝘂𝘁? To find out more, please go to www.deaconlegal.com or speak to one of the team: L͟o͟n͟d͟o͟n͟ 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺: Paul Deacon, Dan Wilkins, Scott Lesner, Gita Odedra, Chris Payne, Elliot Jackson, Gemma Posner, Agi Pines, Jonathan Bower. 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺: Gideon Krotosky, Hugo Tang, Harry Austin and Angus Brocklesby. A͟u͟s͟t͟r͟a͟l͟i͟a͟ Peter Vrljic #legalrecruitment #lawfirms #lawyers #deacon

“𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗸𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗜’𝗺 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁, 𝘀𝗼 𝗜 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲.” This is quite often the response our consultants at Deacon get when they call prospective candidates. And it’s completely understandable. If you are happy in your current role, feel that you have a lot of good will internally, are paid well, and have great progression prospects, why should you talk to someone about making a move? Many of the initial conservations we have with lawyers at Deacon are not focused on us trying to move them straight away. We prefer to build up long-term working relationships with people before assisting them with their search for a new role, advising them on: • strategies to be promoted to senior associate, counsel, and eventually partner • training contract seat rotations and how to maximise your chances of being retained by your firm upon qualification • the right time to consider making a lateral move • how to develop your practice • market trends • the pros and cons between going in-house or to another law firm • business development and networking Talking to a recruiter shouldn’t just be about discussing live roles and them pressurising you to move. The best recruiters invest their time in you to develop a consultative relationship which will benefit you if and when you decide to move. In need of career advice and looking to build a relationship with the right recruiter? Contact Gideon Krotosky, Hugo Tang, Harry Austin, Angus Brocklesby and Peter Vrljic (Sydney) #careerdevelopment #legalcareers #legalrecruitment #deacon

𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗟𝗮𝘄𝘆𝗲𝗿𝘀. Finally want some good news regarding making a move to New York? A partner has reached out to say they want to recruit Australian M&A lawyers ready to make the move. Are you ready after a few years of quiet? I am. Let's go: ✉️ [email protected] 📞 0426131622