Locum and Contractor Team
A deep understanding of your business
Our experienced team provide temporary solutions to sometimes challenging recruitment assignments, often with very short notice. Handling a variety of issues with a high success rate, the team services a wide range of clients and provides support to both law firms and In-house departments of all sizes.
Here's what our Head of Locum, Aimee Rwathore, had to say:
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Locum candidates have become indispensable to Douglas Scott's operations catering to a multitude of industries across the UK. Our specialized locum team has evolved to deliver a comprehensive range of vital services tailored to meet the diverse demands of our clientele. We offer seamless assistance for all temporary staffing requirements, ensuring smooth transitions and optimal placements. Facilitating the journey for individuals to find their ideal locum roles and forging perfect matches between candidates and organizations is what makes our team tick."
Clients:
At Douglas Scott, we understand the critical importance of adding top-tier talent to your Business Support functions. Our dedicated team is committed to helping law firms like yours thrive by connecting you with exceptional candidates who can elevate your operations. Whether you're seeking professional support staff or aspiring legal professionals ready to embark on their journey, we're here to assist you every step of the way. Our friendly team members - Rio, Georgia, and Denver - are here to ensure a personalised and seamless recruitment experience for you. With our collective expertise and dedication, we strive to match your firm with the perfect candidates who not only meet but exceed your expectations. Let us partner with you to find the talent that will drive your firm's success and growth.
Candidates:
Our consultants are legal recruitment experts and have a wealth of sector specific knowledge. We've found that a dedicated and specialist team is imperative given the wide variety of roles within the faculty of Business Support, allowing for greater representation and a focused approach. The team cover a range of business services on a national scale from administration and secretarial level to practice manager and business development positions and are on hand to guide you through career moves or to help advise you in the early stages of your legal career. Whether you're making a career move or just starting out in the legal field, our team is here to support you every step of the way.
A legal recruitment specialist for over 15 years, Kathryn Riley launched Douglas Scott back in 2004 with the intention of doing things differently. Widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading legal recruitment specialists, the business goals are to continually provide an exceptional service to both candidates and clients, to recognise talent and reward it accordingly, and quite simply, work in a way that is respectful of principles and basic good manners. Kathryn’s role as CEO has allowed her to further her passion for innovation and technology within the recruitment sector and demonstrate her commitment to creating and supporting the growth of skills across the legal sector. A highly respected thought leader within the legal recruitment industry and a regular speaker on the HR & Recruitment circuit, Kath is passionate about adding tangible value to stakeholder relationships and shaping the future of legal recruitment.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is: “Focus on progress, not perfection.” It’s about keeping things moving, even if they’re not perfect, instead of getting stuck waiting for everything to be just right. Constant improvement beats overthinking any day, and it’s helped me tackle challenges without getting bogged down by the need for perfection.
How do you measure success in your job?
- Success in legal recruitment isn’t just about filling roles—it's about delivering real value.
- Quality Placements: It’s not enough to fill a position; the candidate has to thrive in the role long-term.
- Client and Candidate Satisfaction: Happy clients and candidates who feel you’ve helped their careers move forward mean you’re doing it right.
- Quick Turnaround: Filling roles efficiently without sacrificing quality shows you know what you’re doing.
- Repeat Business & Referrals: If people keep coming back or recommending you, you’re clearly delivering.
- Revenue & Growth: Hitting placement and revenue targets while growing your network and skills means you’re succeeding.
What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the legal recruitment field?
- To succeed in legal recruitment, here’s the core advice I’d offer:
- Know the Industry: You’ve got to understand legal roles, practice areas, and market trends—otherwise, you won’t connect the right people with the right opportunities.
- Pick a Niche: Specializing in one area (like corporate law or litigation) builds credibility and makes you more valuable.
- Network Like Crazy: Build strong relationships with both candidates and clients. Go to industry events, have regular teams meetings with clients and candidates and stay active on LinkedIn, and keep those connections alive.
- Master Communication & Sales: You’re essentially selling opportunities to candidates and candidates to clients, so solid sales skills are a must.
- Stay Organised: Legal recruitment is all about juggling multiple candidates and clients. Use tools to stay on top of everything.
- Focus on Long-Term Trust: This business is all about relationships, not just quick placements. Build trust for the long haul.
- Be Resilient: Recruitment can be tough—things won’t always go as planned, so persistence is key.
Nail these, and you’ll thrive in the legal recruitment world.
1. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
"Always listen more than you speak." Early in my career, I was told that truly understanding someone’s needs comes from active listening. This advice has been instrumental in my role at Douglas Scott. It reminds me to focus on what both the candidates and clients are truly looking for and to tailor my approach based on their unique goals and challenges.
2. What do you find most rewarding about working in recruitment?
The most rewarding part of recruitment is helping people make life-changing career moves. Knowing that I’ve played a role in connecting legal professionals with firms where they can thrive, grow, and make a real impact gives me a sense of purpose. Each placement is more than just filling a role—it's about finding a match that contributes to both the firm’s success and the candidate’s long-term satisfaction.
3. What’s your favourite way to unwind after a busy day?
To curl up in my favourite chair with a good murder mystery and a drop of red wine!
