Home

vLegal is a boutique legal recruitment business that specialises in international career opportunities for common law qualified associates.

vLegal assists UK, US and international law firms with their associate and senior associate hires in London, offshore (Bermuda, BVI, Cayman Islands, Guernsey and Jersey) and the Middle East (Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai).

Lawyers seeking a career move can expect an honest appraisal of potentially suitable opportunities, and a proactive and consultative service.

London

As one of the world’s most important legal centres, London continues to offer career-advancing associate opportunities and exposure to high-quality international work. Demand remains high for top-tier, qualified solicitors with experience in capital markets, banking and finance, corporate, construction, IT, funds, litigation and projects work.

Offshore

The top-tier law firms in Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and Channel Islands are a popular choice for associates seeking that elusive combination of high-calibre international work and a healthy work/life balance.

Offshore positions typically offer competitive, low-tax remuneration and attractive benefits packages – not to mention all the social and leisure advantages of island life.

Middle East

International law firms continue to have a strong presence across the UAE, with Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dubai being particular centres of gravity. The region remains a popular destination for high-calibre associates drawn by the mix of big-ticket corporate, finance, projects, energy and construction work and luxury lifestyle.

Associate positions in the UAE typically offer attractive tax-free remuneration and generous benefits packages.

About

Claire Venables

Claire specialises in assisting common law qualified associates forge an international career.

Claire’s approach is proactive, straightforward and discreet. She works closely with candidates at every stage of the recruitment process, from CV advice and identifying suitable opportunities to making agreed approaches, preparing for interviews, negotiating packages, and providing ongoing support.

If you would like a confidential discussion on current opportunities in the market, contact Claire for an initial chat.

Background

Claire was called to the bar in 1995, after which she relocated to the Cayman Islands and worked as a litigation assistant in a leading law firm. On her return to London, she embarked on a short career at the criminal bar before deciding that her future lay in legal recruitment. She has been recruiting for international, national and regional law firms since 2001. 

View Claire’s Linkedin profile

 

Holly Woodhouse

Holly has been recruiting lawyers for London, international and offshore law firms for over a decade. Her approach is strategic, tenacious and relationship-led, combining market knowledge with a deep understanding of how legal recruitment decisions are made. Holly takes the time to understand each candidate’s ambitions, helping them position themselves with clarity, confidence and credibility.

If you are considering an international move and would value an informed, confidential discussion about the market and your options, contact Holly for an initial conversation.

Background

Holly has a legal background, having trained at the Bar, before joining the international team of a leading legal recruitment business. She subsequently worked in-house at CMS and EY, supporting the growth of legal teams and advising senior stakeholders on talent strategy, recruitment and workforce planning.

She now combines her recruitment experience, knowledge of the London and international legal markets, and understanding of law firm hiring to assist lawyers in making informed, well-positioned international career moves.