Who We Are

About us

Halkin is a specialist legal executive search and advisory firm. Since 2008, we have executed mandates for leading law firms, banks, corporates, and financial services institutions. One key element of our business is the nature and depth of our client relationships, which in most instances are many years old.

Since inception, we wanted to create a way of working which would service clients and our talent network differently. We understand that the specialisms in which we operate all have their challenges, and it was crucial to us that we solved them with discretion.

We pride ourselves on operating as trusted advisers to our clients, who value our opinion and respect our approach. The business model we operate entails aligning ourselves to law firms, which mean our partners, consultants and associates have a niche sector of expertise. We have a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of our core markets, allowing us to provide clients and our talent network with trusting partnerships.

Our way of working demonstrates not only the depth of knowledge we possess but also a passion for Diversity and Inclusion. Our holistic approach separates us from our peers, and our current clients and trusted talent network can rely on us to put Diversity and Inclusion at the forefront of our partnerships.

We made a deliberate choice to remain boutique, as our intention has always been to provide an exceptional service which people trust. Whilst we are big enough to work on some of the most complex and demanding mandates globally, we are small enough that our service feels bespoke and more importantly, memorable.

Our 95%+ completion ratio on assignments and working in partnership with our respected clients demonstrates this. Based in London, we undertake work on a global basis.

the Halkin way

We are an ambitious and forward-thinking firm, founded on a commitment to providing an opportunistic, progressive, and collegiate culture for our employees. With thousands of executive search firms across the globe, it was important for us to differentiate ourselves from our peers.

The reason we can complete intricate and business- critical mandates with confidence is because we have created a culture that is open, inclusive, and agile. This environment encourages collaboration as every team member at Halkin has a shared passion for our way of working.

To believe we offer the best partnerships to our clients and talent network, we had to form strong foundations in our internal infrastructure first. We prioritise our people, giving them the best tools to provide a distinctive service.

Our People

Sarah Barlow

Partner & Operations Director

Sarah joined Halkin in 2009 and co-heads the firm. She has over twenty years’ experience in the recruitment and executive search industry. Prior to joining Halkin, Sarah worked for a global executive search and strategic advisory firm for the Leadership, Talent and Human Capital Consulting markets.

Before this, she led the graduate and training function for a global recruitment firm which was one of the few to successfully IPO. She also headed up the Research function successfully running many client led mandates.

Sarah has a degree in Modern Languages from Newcastle and holds a Licence-ès-Lettres from the Université de Bourgogne. She is bilingual in Spanish and speaks fluent French.

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Nick Bayliss

Partner

Nick is a Partner at the Halkin Partnership. Prior to joining Halkin, he worked at one of the leading legal recruitment boutiques. Nick trained and qualified at a Top 40 Law firm where he focussed on corporate finance law. He was admitted to the roll in 2009.

Nick focusses predominantly on placing partners and senior associates into corporate finance and he advises both leading UK and US law firms on their hiring strategies. Nick read English Literature at the University of Newcastle

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Gordon Gooding

Managing Partner

Gordon Gooding established Halkin in 2008 to focus on delivering exceptional mandates and high-quality client service.

Prior to forming Halkin, he oversaw the Corporate team at a legal executive search boutique where he placed Partners, Senior Associates and General Counsel. Before this, he gained additional expertise at a global recruitment firm where he established its legal practice.

With over twenty years’ experience, Gordon has executed numerous searches across London, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Under his leadership, the firm has built a strong presence in London, and Gordon has supported a range of leaders in building their law firms and organisations.

Gordon is passionate about ensuring Halkin’s partners have access to the best possible talent irrespective of ethnicity, gender, or socioeconomic background. He is a strong advocate of diversity including social mobility, which he feels leads to a more inclusive and dynamic working environment, avoids one-dimensional thinking and thus creates conditions for improved financial performance. Gordon aligned Halkin with the diversity platform The Amos Bursary to offer a mentoring scheme for black students. In so doing, we ensure talented people of African and Caribbean descent have the opportunity to excel in education and beyond.

Gordon has created a team that is focused on providing a memorable and attentive service to both clients and Halkin’s extensive Talent Network. This, coupled up with a working culture built on learning and collaboration,  is what makes Halkin a reputable firm within the Legal sector.

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Charlie Harris

Associate

Charlie graduated from the University of Liverpool with a degree in Marketing before joining the Halkin Partnership as a Research Associate. Before university Charlie, developed a broad spectrum of business skills, whilst working at an independent retailer dealing directly with both businesses and consumers. During his time at university, he gained invaluable experience through playing a key role on an independent retailer’s ecommerce team setting up and managing their online platform.

He is currently focussing on all Halkin’s core areas, which are Corporate, Banking and Finance, Investment Funds and Financial Services Regulation.

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Tom Kirkby

Partner

Tom is the head of the Financial Services Regulation department at Halkin and has a number of years’ experience placing both Partners and Associates. He has an interest in FinTech, Payments and ESG and the interplay within the Financial Services Regulatory market. He advises both US and UK law firms on the hiring of key personnel. Tom graduated from the University of Bath with a Bachelor of Sciences in Social Sciences.

Prior to joining Halkin, Tom gained international experience whilst working in the Sales and Marketing department of a B2B consumer goods company. He also worked for the Global Infrastructure Finance department of a leading accountancy firm.

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Alisha Lasenby

Senior Associate

Alisha’s area of expertise lies in working on corporate mandates within leading US and UK headquartered law firms. Alisha has a particular interest in the Technology and Life Sciences space with a strong track record in advising Venture Capital, Private Equity, and public and private M&A lawyers. Prior to joining Halkin, Alisha graduated from the University of Southampton with a bachelor’s degree in law. Within two years, Alisha has been promoted to Senior Associate.

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Ellie Lawrance

Research Associate

Ellie joined Halkin as a Research Associate. Prior to joining Halkin, she graduated from the University of Exeter with a degree in drama. Throughout her studies, Ellie undertook many customer-facing roles, during the course of which she developed skills such as commerciality and strong verbal and written communication, which are skills she utilises within her current role. As a research associate, Ellie is currently focusing on our core practice areas and developing her skills and knowledge of the industry.

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Charlie Maymon

Senior Associate

Charlie joined Halkin as a Research Associate before being promoted to Associate Consultant. Studying the GDL in Manchester has equipped him with broad legal knowledge, which enables him to tailor his approach effectively to individual client needs. Charlie has a plethora of experience dealing within Financial Services Regulation and the Corporate sectors.

With a previous role in sales, Charlie has a track record in supporting and securing mandates as well as providing trusted advice to international clients. He is well equipped to advise within his specialist sectors and is well versed in a range of subsidiary topics including ESG and Fintech.

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Julie McGrath

Research Associate

Julie joined Halkin as a Research Associate. Having graduated from Technological University Dublin with an honour’s degree in Accounting and Finance, she has a strong understanding across multiple financial sectors such as banking and finance. Julie has previous experience dealing with blue chip clients, which has enabled her to develop skills in persuasive presentation and active listening. Julie’s role is concentrating on developing her knowledge of Halkin’s core areas which are Corporate, Bank and Finance, Investment Funds, and Financial Services Regulation.

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Fergus McKay

Associate

Fergus joined Halkin as a Research Associate before being promoted to Associate Consultant. Fergus currently focuses on mandates within Bank Finance, Restructuring and Corporate. Fergus has particular expertise within Leverage Finance and High Yield sectors allowing him to provide bespoke advice to clients and candidates alike. In addition, Fergus is taking the lead on the NQ function at Halkin and provides detailed and rounded advice around Halkin’s core areas.

Fergus graduated in Glasgow with an LLB in Scots Law with Honours, providing him with a base level of knowledge required when working with high profile clients. During his time at university, he became heavily involved with establishing and working within corporate and social enterprises.

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Michael Moran

Research Associate

Michael graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Modern Languages before joining the Halkin Partnership as a Research Associate. Having studied French and German as part of his Modern Languages BA, he possesses a high level of fluency in each language. Michael’s previous experience has enabled him to become well-accustomed to a dynamic, fast-paced working environment. As a Research Associate, Michael is presently focusing on our core areas, comprising of Corporate, Banking and Finance, Investment Funds, and Financial Services Regulation.

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Adrian Szmit

Knowledge Consultant

Adrian joined Halkin as a Research Associate. Prior to joining Halkin, he graduated from the University of Liverpool with a First Class Honours in Law. During his time at university, Adrian developed a broad understanding of the various legal sectors he studied, with a particular interest in alternative dispute resolution. He also gained international experience working in the in-house team of a major Singaporean oil and gas company, after which he continued his legal studies at the City University of Hong Kong. Upon returning from Hong Kong, Adrian further pursued his interest in alternative dispute resolution at the Arbitration Academy in Paris during its 2021 session.

Presently, he is focusing on Halkin’s core areas which encompass Corporate, Banking and Finance, Investments Funds, and Financial Services Regulatory as a Knowledge Consultant.

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Claire Rumble

Office Manager & Executive Assistant

Claire joined Halkin in 2017 as Personal Assistant providing high level support to the Halkin team. Claire is now the Office Manager of Halkin. She is an expert in coordination, operations and management and has worked extensively within the recruitment industry. Claire is pivotal within Halkin as she pulls together every job role within and requires a broad skill sets to meet a wide variety of duties and demands.

Claire has worked across a range of industry sectors including technology, oil & gas and education and is now responsible for the day-to-day operations of Halkin ensuring the smooth running of the office.

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Cristina Segovia

Team Assistant

Cristina joined The Halkin Partnership in 2023 as a Team Assistant. Bringing a wide array of skills from various industries such as beauty, retail, and real estate, Cristina provides support to the wider Halkin Team, and acts as one half of the glue that holds the team together. Cristina’s work extends to managing business development projects, coordinating team diaries, as well as providing administrative support and contributing to the effectiveness and success of the team.

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Diversity & Inclusion

Amos Bursary

We are proud to be Partners with The Amos Bursary, which supports talented young men and women of African and Caribbean heritage who face socio-economic and environmental challenges. Since 2009, The Amos Bursary has worked to ensure that gifted individuals have access to excellent education, as well as the opportunity to secure an enriching and stable career. From financial support through to mentoring, it focuses on #ChangingTheNarrative.

Although Halkin focuses significant effort on educating clients on the importance of diverse hiring, we wanted to partner with a grassroots organisation which will open doors for Partners of the future. In 2018 Black people had the highest unemployment rate out of all ethnic groups, and only 2% of board members in FTSE 100 companies are Black or minority ethnic.

We know that if we focus on supporting the future generation of the legal sector, as well as continuing to do the work we do at the senior level of the market, it will make a bigger impact.