Head Of Legal RecruitmentFinding the right Head of Legal is one of the most critical hires for any growing business. At Rutherford, we specialise in Head of Legal recruitment, helping high-growth and established firms across the UK build legal leadership that delivers both strategic oversight and operational rigour. Whether you're expanding your legal department, replacing a senior leader, or appointing your first in-house legal executive, our specialist recruitment team is uniquely positioned to connect you with top-tier legal talent. With a deep understanding of the evolving regulatory and commercial landscape, we work closely with our clients to secure exceptional candidates for Head of Legal jobs in the UK and beyond. | | .jpg) |
Our Head of Legal Recruitment
The Head of Legal role is a cornerstone of any robust legal and governance function. Often reporting directly to the CEO, Board, or General Counsel, this individual is responsible not just for managing legal risk, but for embedding legal strategy within the core of business decision-making.
At Rutherford, we understand the importance of securing legal leaders who combine legal precision with commercial acumen. Our dedicated team of consultants focuses on sourcing exceptional talent for head of legal and compliance jobs, offering a tailored approach for each assignment to ensure the best possible outcome for both client and candidate.
The Evolving Requirements for Head of Legal Roles
Today’s Head of Legal must be more than a legal gatekeeper - they must be a strategic advisor, business enabler, and governance lead. With companies increasingly shifting from reliance on external law firms to building in-house capability, there’s a growing demand for senior legal professionals who can operate autonomously and adapt to dynamic business models.
Whether you're a scale-up appointing your first in-house counsel or a multinational expanding internationally, the role of Head of Legal Services requires hands-on experience, strong leadership, and industry adaptability. Expertise in risk management, compliance, contract negotiation, and stakeholder management are all essential.
 | | The Head of Legal Recruitment ProcessRutherford delivers a thorough and consultative legal executive search process tailored to the complexity of each mandate. Our approach includes:
We place strong emphasis on cultural fit, leadership capability, and board-level communication skills. Our experience spans head of legal vacancies across private equity, fintech, insurance, asset management, and global corporates. |
Sourcing and Assessing Senior Legal Talent
We know that identifying exceptional legal talent goes beyond reviewing CVs. Our consultants actively headhunt professionals with a demonstrated ability to lead teams, drive legal strategy, and manage cross-border issues.
We value diversity and look for legal executives with a track record of success across sectors. Whether you're hiring a Head of Legal in London or across the UK, we leverage our network to find candidates who can build legal teams from scratch or strengthen established legal functions.
Partnering for Optimal Results
Partnering with Rutherford means gaining access to a trusted specialist in legal executive search. We pride ourselves on delivering bespoke, high-touch recruitment solutions that reflect our clients' needs, timelines, and expectations.
Our transparent communication, tailored shortlists, and consultative approach help businesses secure the legal leadership they need to thrive. Whether it’s your first in-house appointment or a pivotal senior hire, we’ll work closely with you every step of the way.
Get in Touch
If you're looking to hire a Head of Legal, or are exploring your next move in legal leadership, our expert consultants are here to help. Contact us today for a confidential conversation about your requirements or to explore our latest Head of Legal jobs UK.
