Candidate Testimonials
Commercial Partner - London
"Martin's approach to finding the right position for me was second to none. He was extremely professional and took the time and effort to fully understand my exact needs and the kind of firm and position I was looking for. With Martin I felt my career was in safe hands and he actually cared about finding the right role for me".
Corporate Associate - Thames Valley
"Martin helped me move from the City to a provincial firm. He provided clear and honest advice, both in relation to the available positions but also around wider career issues. I found him knowledgeable, considered (no hot air that you get from some consultants), pro-active and easy to deal with. I thoroughly recommend Martin if you are looking to move or want to discuss options".
Mark Tulley - Commercial Solicitor (West Midlands)
"Kaye Thumpston and ENL assisted me with my first transition from private practice to an in-house role. I have consistently found Kaye to be first rate in all my dealings her. She clearly knows the legal recruitment sector inside out and I have already recommended her to several of my peersfor the above reasons".
Chris Sutton, Family Paralegal
"Thumpston was extremely pro-active in assisting me to find the perfect role to meet my career aspirations at the time. After I had been made redundant she worked tirelessly to find a vacancy to suit my experience and further my career within a tight timescale. She was easy to communicate with, very professional and a pleasure to deal with. I cannot thank her and ENL Legal enough for their invaluable assistance in finding me the perfect job. I would not hesitate to recommend Kaye to others seeking a recruitment agent with legal expertise".
Shipping Litigation Lawyer, London
I was a candidate working with Rebecca Mawdsley. Rebecca and I got on very well and were able to have very open and frank discussions. I felt that Rebecca was approachable, friendly and gave good constructive advice. Rebecca did a fantastic job and I feel like we developed a great relationship during what was, at times, quite a stressful time. I would have no hesitation in recommending Rebecca to another candidate or, indeed to the firm that I now work for (that she secured)! I even recommended her to the firm I left. Rebecca was professional but thoroughly approachable at the same time.
Private Client Lawyer - Bristol (Email to Rebecca Lawrence)
What I found refreshing when I first made contact with you was that you took time, not just to go through my CV, but to get to know me as a candidate and understand my thoughts, aspirations and ambitions. You took time to listen, and consequently only raised prospective opportunities with me that actually fitted my experience, and where I potentially saw my career going. At the same time, you have always been encouraging without the hard sell pushiness I have experienced with recruitment agents in the past.
You did kindly arrange for a number of interviews for me, but on the occasion of my decision to decline the offer from Pardoes, at no point did I feel any criticism from you; we discussed my reasons which you understood and accepted. I have always found you very professional, but also with time to listen, help and offer good advice. I would – and indeed have – recommend you to friends and colleagues.
Hassan Baig - Higher Courts Advocate - Gloucestershire
In June of this year, I speculatively rang ENL following an advertisement placed in the website “totallylegal.com”. I was fortunate enough to speak to Ms (Rebecca) Lawrence. During that telephone conversation where I expressed my frustration at my previous employment she listened very patiently and was able to provide me with outstanding advice, which I took. Within two working days, Rebecca had been able to provide my CV to a number of firms and I was interviewed within 5 days of that initial telephone call and had a job offer very shortly afterwards.
Three months after starting work with my current employers I have found that I am now working in an environment where my colleagues share a similar work ethos to myself. I am now finally receiving the career development and progression that had been lacking with my previous employer and I am more confident in my abilities to practice Law. Needless to say, in June I was ready to give up the Law.I am now practicing exclusively as a Higher Courts Advocate and now working in a more practical and suitable environment amongst more experienced colleagues, I am now being properly trained and have been able to push my boundaries in atitrated manner. This placement and the quickness of the placement I can only attribute to Rebecca’s diligence and resourcefulness in handling my case;something that I shall remain always grateful for.
Aaron Lyons - Employment Solicitor
Dear Melanie (Daly), I've written this recommendation of your work to share with other LinkedIn users. Details of the Recommendation: "Succeeded in placing me at largest law firm in Cumbria.Very personable and a pleasure to deal with. The views expressed are my own and not those of my employer. Aaron Lyons." Service Category: Career Coach Year first hired: 2011 Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, High Integrity
Private Client Solicitor - Cambridgeshire
As previously stated I would not hesitate to use Rebecca (Lawrence) again if required or recommend her to a friend or colleague and would describe her service as excellent and a pleasure to work with.
Martin Thomas - Personal Injury Solicitor - Harris Fowler - Taunton
Rebecca (Lawrence) was one of a large number of Consultants from most of the major agencies who assisted my recent search for a new position. I found her to most helpful and her knowledge of the job market and the firm with whom I was placed to be excellent. I am extremely grateful to her and to ENL for the professional approach adopted and I would have no hesitancy in recommending her services in future and I wish her and ENL all success.
Susan Barrington-Binns – Head of Construction
Melanie (Daly) is a highly skilled professional who undertakes each task thoroughly and with the highest ethical standards. She assisted me in obtaining a new position that matched both my skill set and personality. I have no hesitation in recommending Melanie to anyone within the legal profession."
Charlotte Lilley - Property Solicitor - Dorset
I have been using agencies for over a year now, since qualifying, to try and find a vacancy that was a better fit for me having outgrown my training firm. I found Rebecca (Lawrence) a breath of fresh air and within a week I had my first interview and within 2 weeks I had been made an offer! I found Rebecca always in the office when I tried to call and willing to take my call personally. She knew what I was looking for and what my motivations were and achieved that aim. I cannot thank Rebecca enough for her hard work in securing me a new position!
Sue Leadbeater - Family Solicitor at Andrew & Co - Newark
"I came across Rebecca (Lawrence) when applying for my current post. I found her to be approachable, knowledgeable and helpful throughout the process from emailing me with all relevant information to assist me with the interviews to contacting me beforehand to check I was happy with everything to following up post interview to discuss the outcome and thereafter negotiating satisfactory terms. I would not hesitate to recommend her to colleagues looking for alternative posts or to use her services again."
H. Caddy - Construction Solicitor
"Melanie (Daly) was very professional, approachable and reliable. I would highly recommend her to others looking for employment within the legal industry." Service Category: Recruiter Year first hired: 2010 Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, High Integrity
Farhat Akbar - Family Solicitor at DBS Law - Birmingham
"Rebecca (Lawrence) is thoroughly professional, approachable and personable. I would not hesitate to recommend her, for the service provided."
Jonathan Sawtell-Gist - Meridian Private Client - West Midlands
Rebecca Lawrence was absolutely superb. Before her involvement I had used several other agencies without success and was frustrated that I always seemed to be chasing them. Rebecca was very proactive and I always felt confident that she was actively looking for appropriate opportunities for me. Indeed she found me my dream job! but if I ever need help again she will be my first point of contact. Brilliant!
Julian Milan - Company Commercial Solicitor - Birmingham
I am a company commercial lawyer and have been invited to comment on my experience as a candidate for employment working with Rebecca Lawrence. I first contacted Rebecca in summer 2011 in relation to an advertisement placed by her for ENL for a general company commercial solicitor role in private practice in Birmingham.
The advertisement placed by Rebecca gave a good and interesting insight into the role which enabled me to identify the requirements of the position and put together an appropriate application.
When I subsequently discussed the role further with Rebecca on the telephone, she gave me further details of the role and of the firm for whom she was recruiting. The firm was Sydney Mitchell who are an award winning firm with a good reputation in Birmingham. The legal recruitment market for corporate lawyers had been tough at the time with relatively few firms actively recruiting and a lot of candidates applying for roles. Of a number of legal recruitment agents operating in the city, ENL was one of those chosen by Sydney Mitchell to act on their behalf to sift applications. Rebecca was clearly trusted by and had a good relationship with the firm.
I had been out of work for some months but was confident that I had a suitable background for the role. Rebecca listened to what I had to say and after questioning me and discussing the position agreed to put my cv forward to the firm.
Rebecca arranged with Sydney Mitchell that I should have a first interview. She helped me in my preparation for the interview in telephone discussions and by sending me useful materials about the firm, the interviewer and interview technique. She gave me helpful tips including a suggestion that I should take and give a copy of my personal reference to the interviewer, which I did.
Rebecca arranged to speak with me after the interview to get my feedback. Although in other respects it seemed to have gone well, I was concerned that the interview had been very brief. From her experience, Rebecca was able to tell me that this was not necessarily a bad thing. Although I had my doubts, she was proved to be correct. The interview had gone well enough to get a second interview.
Again, Rebecca helped me to prepare for the interview in the same way as before. This helped me to secure a job offer from Sydney Mitchell which I was very pleased to accept.
Rebecca continued to be off assistance. She helped to liaise with the firm and negotiate an increase in the salary, arrange the starting date and deal with my other queries . She wished me well in the new role and followed up with a call when I was starting work.
In all of our dealings I found Rebecca to be effective, professional, considerate, pleasant to work with and supportive. I am very grateful for the assistance which she gave to me in helping me to get back into work again in a difficult market.
I have no hesitation in recommending her either to other candidates seeking employment or to recruiters.
Michelle Jones - Personal Injury Solicitor - New Law Solicitors - Cardiff
I initially contacted Rebecca regarding a position in South Wales. She, despite having no vacancies at that stage contacted relevant companies to enquire regarding vacancies. This was over and above what I expected. At all times I was kept fully updated. I was registered with another agency prior to contacting Rebecca. The service provided by Rebecca far outweighed the service I received from the other company, so much so that I ceased being registered with the other company. The main attributes were that Rebecca fully understood the companies I was looking to join and was at all times honest regarding positions, wages and above all was not in any way pushy. This is something which was the complete opposite of the service I was receiving from one of your rival companies covering the same area. My personal circumstances changed and my plans to relocate were delayed by a year. As soon as I started looking again to relocate I contacted Rebecca. She immediately found me a suitable position, fully informed me of the process and firm’s requirements and within 3 weeks of contacting her I had been offered a suitable position. She even negotiated a higher wage for me.
I could not have asked for a better service from Rebecca. I was fully confident in her ability to find me alternative employment. I will recommend Rebecca to any of my colleagues should they wish to look for alternative employment and I will also myself return to her should I wish to move on again.
Natasha Crocker - Family Solicitor - Wiltshire
I would have no hesitation in recommending Rebecca. I was impressed with the pro-active service from the very start and I received a call from her within 10 minutes of e-mailing my CV to eNL. It was always easy to get in touch with her and she was friendly and supportive, especially in helping me prepare for an interview which led to a job offer. Many thanks Rebecca!
Partner - Northampton
"Rebecca was very professional and great to work with. I appreciated her advice and guidance during the recruitment process." Service Category: Recruiter Year first hired: 2008 Top Qualities: Personable, Expert, On Time
J. Hart - Corporate Solicitor
"I have used Melanie in the past. She knows the legal employment market very well. She has an instinct for knowing which individuals will suit which roles and would not send you to a job you are not suited to just for the sake of it. She is very down to earth and has her finger on the recruitment industry pulse being very aware of the latest trends. I have recommended Melanie to a number of friends as she is straight-talking, honest and works very hard to find the right fit." Service Category: Attorney Year first hired: 2006 (hired more than once) Top Qualities: Personable, Expert, Creative
Freeland Duty Solicitor, London
Having previously been placed by ENL Legal, I was keen to approach them again when I started looking for a new position, and one night e-mailed them my updated CV.
The very next morning, Kaye Thumpston called me. I was very relieved that she had very clearly spent the time having a good read through my CV before she called me - something which few other agents ever bother doing. Kaye is a delight to speak to - knowledgeable, a good listener, and very patient. She was happy to spend as much time as I needed, listening to my concerns and providing sound advice. Kaye kept me up to date with developments at every step, and eased the way when I had difficult choices to make.
Freelance Duty Solicitor, London
'S. Jones - Senior In-house Counsel
Pasquale was excellent throughout every stage of the process from finding me the right job for my unique skill set to making sure that I got a very good deal. He kept me informed all the way through and I felt important rather than just a number. He made the legal placement process a bespoke and enjoyable one and I would not hesitate to recommend him.
Once again many thanks'
J Joyce - Senior In-House Counsel
Since I first made contact with you (Pasquale Agatiello) regarding the role you have been informative, helpful and have guided me through every stage of the process. You clearly knew your client well and I felt encouraged that your were making sure they knew how keen I was and how relevant my experience was. I was particularly impressed with the ease and speed of communication. On the very rare occasion when you were not available to talk to me you returned my call as soon as possible and moreover your weekly updates were unprecedented in my dealings with other agents.
Once again thanks for your help.
Regulatory Paralegal, London
I was very fortunate to have worked with Kaye Thumpston during the recruitment process for a leading regulator. Kaye was fantastic right through from start to finish; she was incredibly professional, yet friendly, and ensured that I was prepared throughout the entire process. The turnaround was incredibly fast, and I am looking forward to starting my new job soon. I cannot recommend Kaye Thumpston highly enough.
Corporate Tax Solicitor, Manchester
"I want to thank you for all your help and patience.......I expect I will continue to refer colleagues to you - when it comes to legal recruitment you have been by far the best consultant I've dealt with"
Paul Pretty
"I can highly recommend Kaye,
She was helpful throughout the entire process of application to success. Her approachable nature and feedback went a long way to assisting the entire process, along with constant updates of progress which needless to say were highly beneficial. I would certainly recommend her to colleagues looking to broaden their careers or move on."
Regulatory Lawyer, London
"I cannot recommend Kaye Thumpston more highly. She is professional in her approach whilst being very friendly and putting you at ease at each and every stage of the process. I have felt very supported throughout. The service I received from Kaye was outstanding. I would like to thank Kaye and ENL for finding me a fantastic opportunity. I would not hesitate to recommend Kaye or to use her services again in the future."
Abbey Shepherd, Real Estate Paralegal
Dear Kaye
I would like to thank you for the help and support that you have given me over the past couple of months. I have found your support a great help and would not hesitate in recommending your services to friends and colleagues.
Thank you again for all of your help.
Abbey
IN-HOUSE SOLICITOR
Hi Pasquale,
Just a quick note to say thanks for arranging my current placement with Capital One and for all your help and assistance throughout the process. Capital One is proving to be a very good fit for me and I am very much enjoying my time there.
Your assistance has been invaluable and I look forward to working with you in future.
Kind regards
Paul
SCOTT EVANS, IN-HOUSE COUNSEL
Dear Pasquale,
As you know, we have recently been working together looking for a position as an in-house counsel in a City-based bank, after I moved to London from Australia. Having succeeded in obtaining an ideal role, I just wanted to send you this email to thank for you for all of your hard work, and to encourage you to pass this note on to other potential clients as a record of a job well done and a satisfied client.
As you know, opportunities for city professionals have been, and continue to be, few and far between following the events of late 2008. Despite this, and also that I had no English qualifications (being an Australian lawyer), you obtained an ideal role for me at an international bank within a period of 3-4 weeks from our first meeting.
I was very impressed with your forthright and honest style, and also that you do not adopt a 'scattergun approach' to the task of placing a candidate, but rather only pursue selective and appropriate opportunities. You were diligent in following up both me and the bank throughout, and moreover I found you to be a pleasure to work with. Even after the offer was made, you were keen to discuss whether the role was a good one for me in an objective way, rather than simply trying to finalise the engagement with a placement.
I would not hesitate to recommend your services to other potential clients.
Thank you, again.
Kind regards,
Scott Evans
Shaun McGough, Consumer Credit Solicitor - West Yorkshire
"Hi Pasquale, I would like to say thanks for finding me this position. I was very impressed with the package you negotiated. I have found you to be always professional and approachable and you return my calls promptly. Based on my experience I would have no hesitation in recommending ENL as the agency of choice. I have passed on your details to one colleague who is a very good solicitor and always very professional.
I would like to thank you for your assistance in finding me the new positoin, I am very much looking forward to commencing work with them."
Corporate Solicitor - Lincolnshire
"I want to thank you for all you help, assistance and guidance over the past couple of months. As you may know over the past couple of months I have been in contact with a few agents and you have been by far the most pro-active one and have done far more than any of the other agents. I have been very impressed and happy with everything you have done." Corporate Associate, Lincolnshire"
Litigation Assistant - Thames Valley
"I was impressed with Martin's knowledge of the legal sector, and specifically his ability to identify and match up my skill sets with employer's requirements. He was extremely prompt in getting back to concerns and queries I had, and assisted me in negotiating extra terms into my contract."
Charlotte Lander – Family Solicitor
Placed at Williams Thompson Solicitors – Christchurch, Dorset
’Thank you Rebecca for all your help in finding my new job. ENL were professional, efficient and supportive-providing good
advice and feedback to me throughout the process. I would recommend them to other professionals seeking a new position.’’
Frances Griffiths - Commercial Property Solicitor - Somerset
"I was delighted with the service received from ENL. Rebecca Lawrence was very professional and offered helpful advice when preparing for a first and second interviews. Rebecca played an important role in advising me on salary expectations and provided good feedback after interviews. I would certainly recommend ENL to anyone who is looking for a new legal job"
Akbar Shah - Commercial Property Solicitor - Placed at Steele Raymond - Bournemouth
"Looking for a legal position post qualification was a very tough and stressful process, and I am extremely grateful to eNL for helping me through it and for finding the position that I'm currently in. Rebecca Lawrence, who I dealt with, was very approachable and positive in finding potential opportunities and giving advice regarding particular law firms and interviewers."
Farhat Akbar - Family Solicitor - Claim Today Solicitors - Birmingham
"I have no hesitation in recommending Rebecca Lawrence and the rest of the team at ENL. They provided an excellent, professional service for me."
Ian Goldsmith, Commercial Property Solicitor
"I worked with Kaye during a temporary assignment at a West Midlands law firm. I found her approach to be highly professional and reliable and her manner reassuringly confidence-inducing. It was a real pleasure working with Kaye.”
Senior Counsel
‘ its getting late – make one last job application –– a different agency and consultant this time – first thing next morning telephone call - its the consultant - she goes through my CV and describes the job and the people – arranges for me to be added to the interview list for that afternoon, talks me through to the location when get lost en route, follows up feedback - and the next day she relays the job offer – all just a dream this after several months with no interviews from agencies -
---- the reality was that eNL and Kay Thumpston had given an object lesson in how to be proactive, positive and wonderfully professional in the tightest timescale – I could not recommend eNL and Kay more highly – she should be the first person a candidate calls the moment they start to consider a new position.’
Newly Qualified Shipping Lawyer, London.
"I have to say that out of the recruiters I have currently instructed, eNL Legal is by far the most efficient and pro active."
Charlotte Garratt – Employment Solicitor
I received an excellent service from start to finish with a professional and discrete service. I was very nervous about undertaking a move, but eNL were very helpful and supportive throughout.
Colin Honnor - Commercial Solicitor - Surrey
I have known Kaye Thumpston for many years both at Hays and at ENL. I have always found the service she provides thorough, communicative, balancing the difficulties of communication with a positive negotiating stance. Particularly useful is the full and comprehensive feedback process at all stages of the recruitment round and the addtional assistance offered to candidates by way of full briefings and interview preparation offered and additional assistance in morale boosting and her friendly, open attitude enabling candidates to build up a complete relationship of trust and confidence with her as their their agency contact. I would completely recommend Kaye and the ENL team to any candidate looking to move roles.
Thomas Chiffers - NQ Trusts & Estates Lawyer - Bristol
I would thoroughly recommend eNL and Rebecca Mawdsley in particular. I am due to qualify in September and Rebecca has assisted me in obtaining a newly qualified job which would have been way beyond my expectations a few months ago.
I have already recommended eNL to my family, friends and colleagues and would not hesitate to use them again in the future.
Andrew Howard - Employment Solicitor - London
Rebecca Mawdsley and Gemma Jones at eNL could not have been more helpful and proactive in assisting me with my search. The service they provided was first class and I would recommend them to anyone
Corporate Solicitor - Yorkshire
Melanie thanks for all your help so far. You are one of the most professional consultants that I have dealt with and I have recommended you to others and will continue to do so.
Insolvency Solicitor - London
Gemma Jones (from ENL), was by some margin the most outstanding recruiter with whom I've dealt in the last few months. She was a pleasure to deal with and extremely efficient.
Paralegal - South West
You are so far the most proactive person I have dealt with.
Prosecutions Solicitor - East Anglia
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all your help and kindness and of course for finding me this position in the first place
Public Sector - East Anglia
Thank you for the excellent service Victoria
Craig Collis - Private Client Solicitor
I am a Private Client Locum Solicitor who has been with eNL since 2006. I have always found the people to be of the highest quality, especially in the Locum Department.
Kate Tingey - Private Client Locum
In particular I would recommend the professional services of Victoria Batchelor with whom I have liaised with for more than 2 years regarding locum/interim positions and her consistent level of support is commendable.
Senior Private Client Lawyer - London
I have been involved with eNL both as a client and a candidate in the past. The service provided by them and Gemma Jones in particular is outstanding. eNL is a proactive yet realistic agency and is ethical in the professionalism that they exhibit to both clients and candidates. I would have no hesitation in using them or recommending them to my friends and colleagues.
Louise Dunkley - Employment Solicitor
In July 2008, I made the decision to apply for alternative positions as I came towards the end of my training contract and wanted to relocate to the Nottingham area.
I had never used an agency to secure employment in the past, but following my experience with Jennifer and ENL it would always be my preference in the future.
Practice Manager
Having had a very negative view of recruitment consultants, I was both surprised and thrilled with the service provided by ENL.
You found me the perfect job with a great firm and a wonderful relocation to Devon.
I would have no hesitation in using your services again and would like to take this opportunity to formally thank Jennifer Pyatt and Lucy Darby for their professionalism, integrity and support throughout the recruitment process.
Previn Doshi - Private Client Solicitor
I worked with Rebecca Mawdsley and would recommend her highly for her deft, friendly and practical approach.
Anne Bennett – Planning Solicitor
I have already recommended you to colleagues and will pass on your business cards. However, so far, I am having such a positive experience I cannot see me using your services for some time! Thank you!
Mark Eyles – Family/Matrimonial Solicitor
The service provided by eNL was excellent. They dealt with my calls at all times, even out of office hours and in addition to finding a fantastic placement they continued to provide an excellent service following the job offer.
Andrew Grant – Personal Injury Solicitor
Although you did not place me this time I always contact you first when in need of agency services. The regard in which I hold eNL is evidenced by the fact I have returned the survey – I don’t usually do so!
Peter Hawksworth – Residential Property Solicitor
Your positive approach has been a real encouragement to someone returning to the profession after a 16 year break. Thank you so much for all your help!
Property Paralegal
You provided a fantastic service to me, were always helpful and quick to respond, particularly to sort out my holiday with the firm. You are very friendly and gave me all the information I needed for my interview.
Housing Lawyer (London)
I am writing to say thank you helping me secure a placement with a great firm. My first day was very good, the staff were really friendly and welcoming.
The level of service I received from you was truly exceptional. The service was friendly, professional, helpful, supportive, positive and
knowledgeable, but above all it was most personalised. During the whole process I have found you to be "a professional's professional".
Thank you for your assistance and I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with ENL.
Bournemouth & District JLD
Thank you to Rebecca Mawdsley and Rebecca Lawrence from eNL for coming to Bournemouth to present a very helpful and relevant careers seminar for junior lawyers in the area.
All those who attended found the seminar extremely useful. You both had very good knowledge of market trends and the local area and were able to answer all sorts of questions. You had clearly put a lot of time and effort into preparing the seminar which was appreciated and the information provided will be a great help to many members.