Our focus is always on the long-term objective of building a lasting relationship even if that means advising a candidate against a move if the opportunity or timing is not right. We go to great lengths to understand our candidates’ fundamental career goals and will often work with them for several months before introducing them to clients and, when we do, we know the importance of our role as their brand ambassador.
We offer appraisal assistance and promotion planning advice to candidates wanting strategic direction for their career ambitions as well as help and guidance on how best to develop their personal brand internally and externally.
We provide critical input on our candidates’ business plans and help them to distil their most vital data into persuasive, marketable and credible cases that are often head and shoulders above those of their competitors.
We provide critical input and interview coaching at all stages of the interview procedure and business planning. Through our partnerships with leading executive coaches we also offer access to mentoring and coaching programmes throughout the interview process.
We know that we are able to bring the best possible opportunities to our clients with our calibrated and market informed strategies. We negotiate persuasively and effectively on behalf of our candidates due to our specialist knowledge which brings skill, transparency and responsiveness to their search.
of senior candidates are referred to us from former candidates
of non-partner candidates are referred to us from former candidates or clients
of candidates are placed into a new position within 12 months of instructing us
of candidates consider the role we place them in to be positively career making and/or career changing
Somaya is incredibly well connected in the legal market, which allows her to make introductions that will be of genuine interest to both sides. When it comes to the interview process, Somaya adds real value in discussions surrounding business plans and market opportunities. I’m grateful for her support throughout the process.
Matthew Heyworth | Family Partner | Mills & Reeve
Somaya is simply amazing. She really takes the time to get to know you, your values and what you are looking for so that the introductions she makes fit. As a woman at the top of her game, she also just gets what it means to be a woman and mother in a leadership role. She is the consummate professional and a pleasure to work with.
Zoe Rose | Family Lawyer & Team Leader | Hedges
I have had the pleasure of knowing Somaya personally and professionally for several years and I am impressed by the honesty and integrity with which she conducts herself. Having been at a senior position at my firm for a number of years, I was initially reluctant to embrace a new opportunity for fear of the unknown. Somaya was incredibly patient with me throughout the process, took the time to listen and addressed all of my concerns. She was approachable, easy to talk to, always available and kept me updated after every round of the recruitment process as well as providing me with valuable insight into the remuneration package offered. It would not be right of me if I failed to thank Somaya’s highly efficient and experienced PA, Carey Vigor, who went to great lengths to co-ordinate all our diaries throughout the interview process. Somaya’s experience and knowledge of her market and personalised service really make her stand out and I would not hesitate to consider recommending her to anyone who is looking to grow their practice and embrace a new opportunity.
Zahra Kanani | Legal Director | Howard Kennedy
I know I’ve said it many times before but thank you for everything you’ve done.
Katherine Res Pritchard | Family Partner | Howard Kennedy
Somaya operates in a completely different league to other recruiters. She knows the market inside out and has her finger firmly on the pulse with regards to upcoming opportunities. Her tailored approach contrasts with the scattergun tactics adopted by many other recruiters, while her contacts and experience of the market allow her to offer guidance and support throughout what could otherwise be a daunting process.
Jonathan Lyness | Family Associate | Withersworldwide
Somaya is an exceptional recruiter. Throughout the process she was highly professional and supportive. Somaya is very well connected in the world of Private Wealth and forges strong and trusting relationships with the candidates and firms she works with. Somaya went above and beyond in her role as recruiter. It was an absolute pleasure to be able to work with her. Thank you Somaya.
Emma Willing | Family Partner | Penningtons Manches Cooper
Somaya is a brilliant recruiter. She is exceptionally well connected and really understands the business. I found her to be warm, personable and supportive, but also very professional. She was a lot more thorough and detailed than any other recruiter I’ve ever worked with and really went the extra mile. It was also clear that me that she has equally good relationships with the firms we worked with as she does with the candidates she represents.
Olivia Piercy | Family Partner | Hunters Law LLP
I have dealt with many recruiters over the years and Somaya is one of the best. At least four aspects that, in combination, make her stand out from the rest. First, she knows the international arbitration market extremely well and has good contacts across the industry. Second, she provides sound strategic advice in respect of most areas relevant to a career move. In a way, she acts as a coach, which I thought was invaluable in my preparation and decision-making process. Her involvement was not only limited to high-level input. For example, she also provided guidance and detailed feedback in respect of my business plan, which I thought was invaluable. Third, she is proactive. Unlike many other recruiters, she does not need to be chased, quite the opposite. She often helps drive the process, which provides significant help during busy periods. Fourth, Somaya is candid and adopts a no-nonsense approach. She is not afraid of telling things as they are, which is precisely what you need when you are planning a career move. Somaya is at the top of her game and I can highly recommend her.
Alejandro Garcia | International Arbitration Partner | Stewarts
I cannot rate Somaya and her team highly enough. From our very first telephone call it was clear how fantastic she is at her job. I immediately felt that she understood me and what I needed. This, when coupled with her excellent judgment and knowledge of the legal world, meant that she was able to put forward quickly bespoke and accurate suggestions and opportunities. Her matchmaking skills are spot on! In addition to the above she is the ultimate cheerleader. I felt incredibly supported throughout the whole process and her pep talks are outstanding. I cannot imagine going through the experience without her guidance and will not hesitate to recommend her services to employers and employees alike.
Anna-Laura Lock | Legal Director | Rayden Solicitors
Somaya is a consummate professional whose hassle-free style belies a vigorous approach. She has a formidable grasp of the legal market and combines charm, character and an unbending will to succeed. She is an absolute pleasure to work with.
Rory Bennett | Planning Lawyer | Linklaters
Somaya you are not a recruiter but a true match maker. The time and effort you put into making sure the candidate and the firm are a good fit is unprecedented. Your perseverance and devotion to making sure the process is moving along smoothly and timely is second to none. I do not know any other agent who would devote so much time and attention to their candidate. Sincere thanks from the bottom of my heart.
Monika Byrska | Partner | Howard Kennedy
Somaya is the only recruiter I have recommended my friends and contacts use. She is discrete, professional and knows the high-end family law market inside out. She gave me straight and completely honest advice about what would be best for me and I do not think I would be in the position I am now without her.
Alex Woolley – Associate | Farrer & Co
Somaya has great contacts and knowledge of the legal sector at a very high level. She knows exactly which firm may be interested in what you have to offer and is very quick to act. She's very honest in her feedback about your strong and weak points, which helps you prepare for the interview process. She helped me land the job of my dreams in a matter of weeks and in the middle of a world pandemic and a looming recession - a true testament to her value as a recruiter!
Olalla Garcia-Arreciado – Registered Foreign Lawyer (Spanish-Qualified) | Howard Kennedy
Somaya has been a pleasure to work with, always giving reassuring and solid guidance and advice from start to finish. I felt that Somaya really worked hard to ensure my interests and needs were considered at every stage and felt fully supported throughout. I can’t recommend her enough.
Nina Lake – Partner | Howard Kennedy
I cannot thank Somaya enough for her help in the process, which was invaluable throughout. She made the experience go by smoothly and quickly. Her knowledge of the market and in managing my expectations from the get-go were second to none.
Natasha Slabas – Partner | DMH Stallard
Somaya is highly recommended. She is extremely thorough and on top of her brief. She is also very easy to work with - a strong communicator who recognizes the sensitivities of a career move and helps to steer you through the process.
Jamie McKie – Senior Associate | Dentons LLP
Somaya recently placed me as a partner in a Tier 1 law firm. Somaya was fantastic throughout the process, ensuring I was fully briefed and prepared and was excellent at continuing contact with the firm and keeping the process moving. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her.
Emma Harling-Phillips – Partner, Planning | Pinsent Masons
Somaya is a very professional Recruiter, who makes you feel at ease throughout the whole process and recommends positions that are truly beneficial to you and furthering your career. She is knowledgeable in the family law sector, having practiced in it herself. She also regularly keeps you up to date and knows about roles before they are advertised - giving you the edge.
Jessica Reid – Partner | Dawson Cornwell
Somaya is an absolute pleasure to deal with and gets results! She offered invaluable advice, support and feedback throughout the process and was always incredibly accommodating in scheduling telephone appointments and meetings around a busy working day. I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone looking to make the next move.
Carrie Duncan – Partner & Head of Private Client | Anthony Gold
The service that Somaya provides is second-to-none in my experience. She has a genuine knowledge of the markets in which she operates and a strategic nous focussed on delivering results. Somaya is committed, supportive and delightful to work with and she takes the time to tailor a professional and trusted service that is bespoke to your needs and objectives. In short, I would not hesitate to recommend her.
Daniel Wilmot – Partner | Stewarts LLP
Somaya recruited me from the Bar to Partnership at Forsters LLP. In a word, she was brilliant. She is discrete, utterly professional and charming. She knows the industry inside-out having worked as a solicitor herself and having briefed counsel in high-level cases. She made me feel at ease throughout the process. She was prompt at dealing with queries. She was really details focused and supportive. She helped to find solutions to issues. She had the total confidence of everyone involved. I cannot praise her highly enough, and now that I am on the other side of the profession I shall be using her for any recruitment needs I have in the future.
Matthew Brunsdon Tully – Partner | Forsters LLP formerly of 1 Hare Court.