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."
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 Hanrahan, Associate Director and Head of Commercial at Douglas Scott, has been instrumental in shaping the company since its inception. With over 15 years at Douglas Scott and more than 20 years of experience in legal recruitment, he has partnered with leading international law firms and In-House legal departments at FTSE250 and Fortune500 companies. Jon-Paul leads the Corporate & Commercial team both nationally and internationally, advising on senior lateral hires, team moves, and the global flow of top legal talent across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East.
Sam Green is a Senior Recruitment Consultant at Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment, having been with the company for over two years. Sam joined the team after securing a Geography degree from Leeds University. He specialises in the Corporate/Commercial desk, focusing on placing Paralegals and Solicitors across the North West. Before joining Douglas Scott, Sam spent a year in accountancy before deciding to transition into recruitment. Outside of work, Sam enjoys socialising with friends and travelling the world to watch Man City play.
Ali Hameed is a Senior Recruitment Consultant at Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment, having been with the company for under a year. The best piece of advice Ali has received is to never compare yourself to others and to focus only on what you can control. He measures success in his role by establishing long-lasting candidate and client relationships. His approach to finding the right fit for both candidates and firms involves gaining a thorough understanding of the requirements from all parties concerned.
Dalton is an Associate Recruitment Consultant at Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment, having been with the company for over two years. He focuses on the American market, where his key duties include sourcing and placing top legal talent with leading firms and corporations, managing the job search process, and providing career guidance and market insights to candidates. Dalton stays informed of industry trends and developments to best serve both his clients and candidates. After earning his 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 public houses and eateries, and watching Erik’s Mighty Reds on the weekend.
Aqsa Shafi is an Associate Recruitment Consultant at Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment, having been with the company for over a year. Before joining Douglas Scott, Aqsa graduated from The University of Strathclyde with a Psychology degree and worked for 10 months focusing on the Chicago legal market at another recruitment firm in Manchester. In her new role, Aqsa is excited to gain expertise in a new legal market and build relationships with the team while making successful placements. If she weren’t in recruitment, Aqsa would have likely pursued a master’s in forensic psychology and a career in that field. Born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, Aqsa enjoys sharing her Scottish roots with others.
Afraz is an Associate Senior Recruitment Consultant at Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment, with over 3 years at the company. He joined in 2021 and works with major international law firms in London and the Middle East, assisting with their recruitment across a variety of practice areas such as corporate, banking, construction, projects and disputes. Afraz also has a History degree, along with a GDL and LPC. Outside of work, Afraz enjoys playing football.
Abigail McGinty is an Associate Recruitment Consultant at Douglas Scott Legal Recruitment, having been with the company for over a year. Prior to joining, Abigail worked as a legal recruitment consultant at another agency. In her current role, she is excited about expanding her knowledge and network within the legal market while working in a new environment with a fresh team. If she weren’t in recruitment, Abigail believes she would have pursued a career as cabin crew, driven by her passion for travel. A fun fact about Abigail is that she is half Irish.