Germany
What we do
Longbridge Search & Selection is a Senior Recruitment Consultancy currently focused in the legal sector, and typically undertakes the following types of project:
- Retained search assignments on behalf of law firms who are looking to recruit partners, teams, or associates.
- Market entry projects on behalf of international law firms.
- Merger consulting for firms which are considering a merger, or similar form of association, and seek assistance in the preparation for the process and the search for potential merger partners, as well as providing support and assistance during the negotiation process and, if required, with the subsequent integration.
- Merger facilitating and legal network expansions. Longbridge provides consultancy services to client firms covering international relations, and HR issues (e.g. performance management, outplacement, recruitment marketing).
- Advice to teams, partners or associates who are thinking about moving firms, or who want to evaluate the options open to them.
How we work
We understand our clients
We listen carefully. We understand law firms and how they work, and work hard to gain a detailed in depth insight into our clients’ and their businesses. We know what matters and what makes a difference. The starting point of all our projects is a clear understanding of our client’s business, strategy, culture, and objectives. Based on this, we agree the scope of the project, its goals and timeline, and how we will proceed.
Detailed knowledge and understanding of the markets in which we operate
Through the successful execution of search assignments, we have built up a huge body of experience and expertise. We invest heavily in research and comprehensively “map” each of the markets in which our clients are active.
Communication
Our ability to communicate effectively and our ability to work on the ground with mother tongue capability in each of our markets helps us to communicate more effectively, to operate more efficiently and to do what matters – close deals for our clients.
Methodology
In a retained search assignment, having undertaken the necessary targeted research and made contact to potential candidates, we interview them personally to discuss their situation, and the opportunity in question, in detail.
If they are suitable and positively disposed towards our client, we make the necessary arrangements for a personal meeting. We are often invited to attend candidate interviews, which helps with the post interview de-briefing and communication. We also assist candidates in the preparation of their business case – tailored to the needs and format of our client firm, and of course in the taking of references. We work with candidates in formulating their exit plans and are available to them once they have joined their new firm, to help resolve any issues which arise.
The same principles apply when we are helping a partner or team find the right solution – it is all about understanding the current situation and formulating a realistic plan to make contact to the right firm, in the right way, and to manage the process through to a successful conclusion.
Why are we different?
We think that we are slightly different in our approach. The head of our German practice, Adrian Taylor, qualified as a UK Solicitor in 1986, and following his move to Germany in 1997, spent 5 years as the Managing Partner of the German practice of an International law firm, and as CEO of the firm’s International Alliance. He left the firm in 2002 to set up his own business as a consultant to law firms, focusing principally on international relations and business development.
This unique mix of practical legal experience, high level management experience and consultancy adds an interesting angle to our business, and helps us to understand the needs and situation of both firms and candidates, and to work more efficiently.
All our team members are qualified lawyers, with material experience of the German market, and each possesses an extensive network of sources and contacts. When undertaking an assignment, our consultants are assisted by, and work in conjunction with, a team of researchers who have at their disposal a comprehensive database containing details of referrals, potential candidates and other pertinent market information. However, one consultant will normally be appointed to lead an assignment and act as the client’s principal point of contact.
Contact
Adrian Taylor
| Direct line | +49 69 7898 8310 |
| Direct fax | +49 69 7898 8311 |
| ataylor@longbridge.com | |
| Post | Beethovenstrasse 5, D60325 Frankfurt am Main |