Commercial Team
A focus on our expertise within Private Practice.
Commercial Law is a perpetually thriving sector due to its vital function within the economy and respectively within society as a whole. In line with this changing social landscape, the commercial law job market is a highly competitive space that requires services of the highest calibre. In effect, our passionate stance and well-informed perspective place us at the forefront of leading recruitment services associated with commercial law. And, as the legal market continues to grow and diversify, our approachable team are here to support you with their considerate approach towards methods of communication and discretion.
Here's what our Head of Commercial, Jon-Paul Hanaran, had to say:
"Our Commercial team is continually challenged to not only source the leading talent across all commercial law disciplines but also, crucially, to have a clear understanding of the idiosyncratic nature of the legal market itself. Our team has spent the last decade
building on our knowledge of the sub-categories and ever-growing talent pools found within the commercial legal profession, and
fostering relationships with law firms large and small across the globe and, by understanding what makes them unique, advise lawyers on how to make that next move, career-defining."
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Clients:
Our specialised recruiters are dedicated to assisting firms in the construction, real estate, disputes, and insolvency sectors in attracting top talent. With expertise in navigating challenges, we provide knowledgeable and professional services, having invested significantly in building a vast network across the commercial market. We consider not only professional factors but also personal and cultural values to effectively match clients with suitable candidates. From supporting Partners with strategic decision-making to guiding junior lawyers from university to qualification, we prioritise long-term relationships. Our human approach, combined with advanced market mapping technology and research skills, ensures precise candidate sourcing and valuable market insights. As evidenced by our growing connections with leading commercial law firms, we aim for a clear, smooth, and efficient recruitment process for all parties involved.
Candidates:
We're fortunate to collaborate with the majority of the Legal Market, granting us a unique insight into opportunities across the commercial law sector. Whether you're an innovator, entrepreneur, or traditionalist, we understand the varied rewards, flexibility, and career paths each offers. Our goal is to not only assist in your job transition but also to help shape your ideal career trajectory. Our dedicated consultants provide tailored advice, from organisational duties to client negotiation, ensuring your objectives are met and you're matched with a firm that aligns with your specifications. We also offer quality-assured coaching services to enhance your market readiness.
Jon-Paul has been with Douglas Scott since its inception and has played a major role in the company's strategic direction, building the brand, and developing relationships with law firms across the world. With over 20 years’ experience working as a legal recruiter partnering with major international law firms and In-house departments at FTSE250 and Fortune500 companies. Jon-Paul now leads the Corporate & Commercial team both nationally and internationally.
In recent years, Jon-Paul has advised on several senior lateral hires and team moves and has developed a deep understanding of the global flow of leading lawyers predominately across Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.
Jon-Paul impressed me from our first meeting. He spent a lot of time working out what was best for me and then presented 2 excellent opportunities. I would definitely recommend him to senior lawyers. I trusted his advice and he came up with the goods. A pleasure to work with.
Legal500 Recommended Environment & Planning Partner
After securing a Geography degree at Leeds Uni, Sam joins Douglas Scott as a Recruitment Consultant as part of the Corporate/Commercial desk with a specific focus on placing Paralegals and Solicitors across the North West.
Prior to Douglas Scott, Sam spent a year in Accountancy until he decided he wanted a career move into recruitment. In his spare time Sam enjoys socialising with friends and travelling around the world watching Man City play.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Never compare yourself to others and only focus on what you can control.
How do you measure success in your job?
Success for me is measured by establishing long-lasting candidate/client relationships.
What’s your approach to finding the right fit for a candidate and a firm?
By gaining a thorough understanding of requirements from all parties concerned.
Dalton joins Douglas Scott as a Recruitment Consultant with a focus on the American market, , his key duties include sourcing and placing top legal talent with leading firms and corporations, managing job search processes, and providing career guidance and market insights to candidates. He also stays informed of industry trends and developments to best serve his clients and candidates.
After securing a law degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, Dalton spent 9 months as a Legal Recruitment Consultant focusing on the Texas market before joining Douglas Scott.
In his spare time, he enjoys going to the gym, exploring Manchester’s finest public houses and eateries and going to watch the Erik’s Mighty Reds at the weekend.
1. What were you doing before you joined Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment?
Prior to starting at Douglas Scott, I graduated from The University of Strathclyde with a Psychology degree. I then joined another legal recruitment firm in Manchester where I focused on the Chicago legal market for 10 months.
2. What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I am looking forward to getting to know the team at Douglas Scott. I am also excited to gain expertise in a new legal market hopefully making lots of successful placements!
3. If you weren’t in recruitment what would you be doing?
If I didn’t go into recruitment, I would have most likely completed my master’s in forensic psychology and pursued a career in that field.
4. Tell us something that people might not know about you?
Something people might not know is I was born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Afraz joined Douglas Scott in 2021 as a Senior Recruitment Consultant, working with lawyers across all commercial disciplines for major City Centre and Regional Law firms across the London area. He brings with him 5 years’ experience in international business recruitment for firms across the Middle East and Asia. Afraz also has a History degree from the University of Hull, along with a GDL and LPC.
In his spare time, Afraz enjoys playing football, going to the gym, and travelling abroad.
1. What were you doing before you joined Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment?
I was a legal recruitment consultant at another agency.
2. What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge and network within the legal market, and working in a new environment with new people.
3. If you weren’t in recruitment what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t in recruitment I think I would be cabin crew as I love travel.
4. Tell us something that people might not know about you?
I’m half Irish.
What were you doing before you joined Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment?
I was working in Business Protection Insurance for a Manchester based leading insurance firm.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role?
I am most looking forward to a change of scenery and dealing with candidates and clients of different levels to help make a difference in their career paths whilst developing my own in a new sector.
If you weren’t in recruitment what would you be doing?
I'd love to say I'd be travelling if I wasn't doing recruitment!
Tell us something that people might not know about you?
I'm super competitive and used to play rugby which I think is where it comes from!