Hello, good to meet you
As specialist legal recruiters, we support law firms and legal professionals across all levels - from paralegal through to partner. Our aim is simple: to build strong relationships and deliver the right fit on both sides.
Founded in 2016, Thornton Legal has grown into one of the most trusted legal recruitment partners across the North West, West Yorkshire and West Midlands. Our team includes experienced recruiters, several of whom previously practised as solicitors, giving us a genuine understanding of the legal market and the people within it.
We work collaboratively and transparently, building long-term relationships based on trust, integrity and results. By combining industry insight with a straightforward, personal approach, we help firms and lawyers make confident decisions that lead to lasting success.
Meet Our Team - Expert Legal Recruiters
We're a team of professional, dedicated and knowledgeable legal recruitment consultants.
We specialise in permanent legal recruitment across all practice areas, levels of experience and qualifications. Recognised as one of the country’s leading legal recruitment agencies, we partner with a diverse range of clients, from international firms to specialist boutiques.
With offices in Liverpool and Leeds, we have a strong presence across the North West, West Yorkshire and West Midlands, supporting firms and lawyers through a straightforward, relationship-led approach.
Nick Tappin
Director and Recruiter
Joe Rees
Director and Recruiter
Laura-Kate Davies
Senior Recruitment Consultant
Jack Grant
Recruitment Consultant
Nick Tappin
Director and Recruiter
I’m a recruiter and non-practising solicitor with over 20 years’ combined experience in the legal sector. I help lawyers from NQ to Partner level find roles that genuinely align with their career goals and values, and I support law firms with trusted, straightforward recruitment advice.
I work with Legal 500, regional and boutique firms across Merseyside, Lancashire and the wider North West. My approach is honest, proactive and relationship-driven, focused on building lasting success rather than short-term gains.
Having spent many years in and around the legal profession, I understand the pressures and motivations that drive both lawyers and firms. This insight helps me to create successful, long-term matches that genuinely work for both sides.
If you’re a lawyer considering your next move, I’m always happy to have a confidential conversation about the market, salaries or your options.
Joe Rees
Director and Recruiter
I help lawyers from NQ to Partner level find roles that genuinely align with their goals and values, and I support law firms with trusted, discreet recruitment advice.
As a specialist legal recruiter, I work with Legal 500, regional and boutique firms across the North West, West Yorkshire and West Midlands. My approach is straightforward and relationship-led, built on long-term success rather than short-term gains.
With extensive experience in legal recruitment, I understand what drives both lawyers and firms, and how to create lasting, successful matches.
If you’re a lawyer considering your next move, I’m always open to a confidential conversation about the market, salaries or your options.
Laura-Kate Davies
Senior Recruitment Consultant
Formerly a practising solicitor, I have a varied role at Thornton Legal focused primarily on residential conveyancing recruitment across Merseyside, Cheshire, Greater Manchester and Lancashire. I also work with law firms of all sizes, from Top 50 practices to high street firms, to place graduates, paralegals, legal assistants and legal support staff.
My approach is practical, informed and people-focused. Having worked within the legal profession myself, I understand the demands of the job and the importance of finding the right cultural fit. I aim to build lasting relationships with both clients and candidates, providing trusted advice and clear communication throughout the recruitment process.
If you’re looking to take the next step in your legal career or need support hiring within your conveyancing or support teams, I’m always happy to have a confidential conversation.
Jack Grant
Recruitment Consultant
I specialise in connecting talented legal professionals with firms that match their goals, culture and ambitions. I work with national, Legal 500, regional and boutique law firms across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, helping them attract and retain the right people for their teams.
My recruitment spans all levels, from Paralegals and Newly Qualified Solicitors to experienced Partners. I provide clear, practical advice to lawyers exploring their next move, and I support firms with honest, informed guidance on the market, salaries and hiring strategy.
I understand what drives both lawyers and employers, and I focus on building lasting, successful relationships rather than quick wins.
If you’re a lawyer considering a move or a firm looking to hire, I’m always open to a confidential chat about how I can help.
Values
We’re not like other legal recruitment agencies. Our values drive everything - from how we work with clients and candidates to the way we run our business.
One of the best legal employment agencies in the UK.
30%
of new candidates come from recommendation
75%
of candidates registered go on to interview with a law firm
50%
of the interviews go on to offers
88%
of those offers are accepted
92%
of placed candidates are still with the same firm after 12 months
90%
of clients have instructed us more than once
82%
of registered candidates have been met
98%
of placed candidates would recommend us
60%%
of new candidates receive an offer within 28 days
Testimonials.
View All Testimonials
I chose Thornton Legal as opposed to other companies in the market given its unique placement in the North West and also the hands on approach from Joe and Nick who both have a great understanding and knowledge of the industry and contacts with the firms which operate within the area. I was making a big move and so it was important to me that it was to the right firm. Joe and Nick spoke to me in depth about the role I was seeking and were able to quickly arrange conversations with leading firms. I soon received offers which Joe and Nick gave me very helpful advice and guidance on and one of which I accepted. I'd highly recommend Thornton Legal to my colleagues and anyone looking for work or the next move in the industry.
Commercial Litigation - Senior Associate
The opportunity to become a Solicitor does not come easy and deciding where to qualify is an extremely difficult decision. The importance of knowing your options is something I would recommend to anyone. Joe was very attentive, honest and helpful throughout. Offering many phone calls to go through each option outlining the positives and negatives. I would highly recommend his services to anyone who is open to opportunity. I now work at one of the biggest law firms in the country and I am extremely thankful to Joe for the opportunities he provided.
Court of Protection Solicitor
I recently used Thornton Legal to help me secure a role at Hill Dickinson. Nick is well connected in Liverpool and has a good grasp on the market. I would not hesitate in recommending him to others.
Heathcare Litigation Associate
Joe is very knowledgeable of the legal market and I found his advice and support invaluable during my job search. Moving jobs is a big decision, but Joe made the process less daunting and gave me all the information and support I needed to make an informed decision without putting on any pressure.
Residential Property Solicitor
Thanks again for all your help with getting me to where I am. It has not always been easy but you’ve made the process far better than it could have been. I’d certainly recommend you to other potential candidates. Professional and pleasure to deal with through out.
Family Partner
I could not recommend Laura-Kate enough. I approached her to help me find a paralegal job and she could not have been more friendly and helpful. She made me feel at ease at every step of the job application process from reviewing my CV to helping me prep for an interview and she had no problem doing all of this face to face as I was quite nervous. If you are looking for someone to work with you in finding a job that best suits your needs and wants, I would certainly recommend Laura-Kate.
Family Paralegal
I found Nick to be really helpful throughout the process. He provided accurate information upfront and came back quickly with answers to any queries I had. I would definitely recommend.
Construction Associate
Nick was amazing in helping me secure my NQ role. He was always quick to answer any queries I had and gave great advice at every stage. I would definitely recommended Nick and Thornton Legal to anyone wanting to make a move.
Family Associate
Nick is great. From day one, his communication was on point and within a matter or minutes he was able to suggest options, touch on potential job opportunities and guide me through the interview process so that I could put my best foot forward. After day 1, I interviewed, got the role and job was done. Highly recommended.
Real Estate Solicitor - Liverpool
It can be genuinely difficult to find a recruiter in this sector who you feel actually cares about you and isn’t just in it for the commission, but Jack does. He’s super communicative, I found that he checked in with me regularly, and took the time to get to know my needs which he combined with his local knowledge to make sure my future move could be the right one. I would recommend Jack to anyone looking for a new role!
Commercial Property Solicitor - Manchester
Joe has an impressive attention to detail when matching existing and upcoming job specifications to his client’s requirements. Joe provided helpful, personalised advice at every stage of the process.
Real Estate Associate - London
I had a fantastic experience working with Jack as my recruiter. From the very beginning, he was helpful, attentive, and genuinely invested in my success. He took the time to understand my background, career goals, and preferences, and consistently kept me updated throughout the process. Jack connected me with some truly great opportunities that aligned perfectly with what I was looking for. His professionalism and support made the entire job search experience smooth and encouraging. I highly recommend Jack to anyone looking for a dedicated and insightful recruiter!
Immigration Solicitor - Manchester
Law Firms We Partner With
We'd love to hear from you
Hello, I’m Joe from Thornton Legal. How can I help you?
HQ
2nd Floor 4 St Paul’s Square Liverpool L3 9SJ