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James graduated from King’s College London with a degree in Mathematics with Management. His recruitment career began at SThree in the early 2000s, where he rose to Head of Investment Banking Sales recruitment.

After launching Buchanan in 2013, he has overseen growth from a small London operation into a global network. Known for people-first leadership, James focuses on building long-term relationships and maintaining a strong internal culture based on teamwork and shared values.

James is a husband and father of two daughters. He enjoys tennis, rugby, cooking, and dining out.

After graduating from Manchester University with a degree in Economics, Thomas joined Buchanan in August 2018 as part of the team that launched the London Law division. Eighteen months later, he led the launch of the US Law division, growing it into a multi-million dollar operation and the company’s core business – becoming a Company Director in the process.

In February 2024, Thomas relocated to open the Miami office. As Global Sales Director, he oversees performance across EMEA, London, and the United States.

Thomas lives in Brickell, Miami with his wife and enjoys discovering new restaurants, playing padel, and spending time with family (and two dogs and cat) in the UK.

James joined Buchanan in 2014, when there were just four people in the office. He quickly became a Senior Associate within ten months, before building his own team and being promoted to Associate Director in 2016. After initially running Buchanan Search, he moved to the Buchanan Law division, where he helped quadruple the size of the team across the UK and launched the firm’s Middle Eastern and European offerings.

As Executive Director, James now oversees the UK office and helps manage a global workforce serving clients across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.

James is a husband and proud father of two girls. Outside of work, he enjoys football, golf, running, and long walks with his Labrador.

Tom Holmes is Executive Director – United States at Buchanan, leading the firm’s expansion across the US legal market.

Having joined Buchanan as its first graduate hire, Tom has spent over a decade building and scaling high-performing recruitment businesses. He founded Buchanan Law, now the company’s flagship and most profitable division, and played a key role in launching Buchanan’s US legal platform.

Based in Miami, Tom is responsible for US strategy, client partnerships, team growth, and commercial performance. He works closely with senior law firm leadership and Talent Acquisition teams to build scalable, long-term recruitment platforms across the United States.

Tom sits on the Buchanan Group Board and contributes to global strategy across the UK, EMEA, and the US.

Grace graduated from Warwick University with a degree in Physics before starting work at KPMG, where she gained her ACA qualification through the ICAEW. Her career has been defined by laying strong financial foundations for ambitious businesses. This includes building a finance division from the ground up at a fast-paced tech scale-up, enabling successful expansion into multiple international territories.

As Financial Controller at Buchanan, Grace combines technical expertise with strategic insight. By developing a robust financial framework, she has helped to establish a firm base for our continued growth.

Grace is an avid reader, a quiz show enthusiast and enjoys discovering new restaurants.

Pip is a Marketing Director with extensive experience in high-impact, commercially aligned marketing. Her proven track record covers marketing strategy, brand development, digital innovation, and stakeholder engagement, having previously led global marketing functions at Empresaria PLC, VMA Group, Robert Walters Group, and other leading firms.

With a background spanning recruitment, professional services, SaaS, and luxury consumer brands, Pip combines deep expertise in global brand building with a passion for growth and compelling storytelling. She is focused on strengthening market positioning and delivering measurable ROI across the Buchanan network.

Pip is a mother of four who enjoys reading, relaxing in nature, riding, running, cycling, hosting Friday night dance parties with her children, and finding time to write that first novel.

Ciro focuses on supporting client hiring needs and guiding some of the most accomplished attorneys across the United States through their lateral transitions. He provides strategic, personalized advice tailored to each attorney’s unique “pull factors,” helping them identify the best next step to achieve their long-term career goals.

Over the past four years, Ciro has assisted Associates, Counsels, and Partners in successfully navigating lateral moves. His expertise spans in-state transitions, cross-state relocations (with or without bar reciprocity), visa-related considerations, and negotiating compensation packages, including sign-on bonuses, stipends, relocation coverage, and more.

Recent Deals (last 24 months):
East Coast
Partner, Class of 2016 to AmLaw5 firm
Partner, Class of 2016 to AmLaw20 firm
Partner, Class of 2016, AmLaw200 firm
Counsel, Class of 2017, AmLaw40 firm
Counsel, Class of 2017, AmLaw25 firm
Associate, Class of 2023, AmLaw15 firm
Associate, Class of 2022, AmLaw50 firm
Associate, Class of 2022, AmLaw50 firm
Associate, Class of 2022, AmLaw20 firm
Associate, Class of 2022, AmLaw10 firm
Associate, Class of 2022, AmLaw10 firm
Associate, Class of 2022, AmLaw5 firm
Associate, Class of 2022, Elite Boutique firm
Associate, Class of 2021, Boutique firm
Associate, Class of 2021, AmLaw40 firm
Associate, Class of 2021, Elite Boutique
Associate, Class of 2021, AmLaw20 firm
Associate, Class of 2020, AmLaw200 firm
Associate, Class of 2020, AmLaw100 firm
Associate, Class of 2020, AmLaw75 firm
Associate, Class of 2020, AmLaw50 firm
Associate, Class of 2020, AmLaw40 firm
Associate, Class of 2020, AmLaw35 firm
Associate, Class of 2020, AmLaw15 firm
Associate, Class of 2020, AmLaw10 firm
Associate, Class of 2019, AmLaw100 firm
Associate, Class of 2019, Boutique firm
Associate, Class of 2018, AmLaw10 firm
Associate, Class of 2017, AmLaw200 firm
Associate, Class of 2017, AmLaw50 firm
Associate, Class of 2017, AmLaw50 firm
Associate, Class of 2017, AmLaw5 firm
Central
Associate, Class of 2023, AmLaw5 firm
Associate, Class of 2023, AmLaw5 firm
Associate, Class of 2022, AmLaw10 firm
Associate, Class of 2021, AmLaw100 firm
Associate, Class of 2020, AmLaw 15 firm
Associate, Class of 2019, AmLaw50 firm
Associate, Class of 2019, AmLaw10 firm
West Coast
Associate, Class of 2022, AmLaw10 firm
Associate, Class of 2022, AmLaw15 firm
Associate, Class of 2021, AmLaw100 firm
Associate, Class of 2021, Boutique firm
Associate, Class of 2020, AmLaw40 firm
Associate, Class of 2020, AmLaw30 firm
Associate, Class of 2020, AmLaw10 firm
Associate, Class of 2020, AmLaw100 firm
Associate, Class of 2019, AmLaw30 firm
Associate, Class of 2018, AmLaw200 firm
Associate, Class of 2017, AmLaw100 firm

Connor is a senior member of the U.S. legal recruiting team based in Miami, working with leading law firms and top attorneys across the country. He specializes in helping high-performing associates, counsels, and partners make strategic career moves within the top law firms in the U.S. and internationally. With over five years’ experience in legal recruitment, Connor has been involved in hundreds of successful lateral placements across the world’s top 20 firms. He graduated from the University of Sussex in 2019 with a degree in Mathematics and Finance.

Recent Deals:

East Coast

Finance Counsel (Class of 2017) to AmLaw 20 firm in Washington, DC
Derivatives Counsel (Class of 2011) to AmLaw 5 firm in New York
Structured Finance Associate (Class of 2022) to AmLaw 5 firm in Washington, DC
Structured Finance Associate (Class of 2022) to AmLaw 5 firm in New York
West Coast
Finance Associate (Class of 2017) to AmLaw 20 firm in Los Angeles

Gabby is the Vice President and leads the Professional Services division at Buchanan, specializing in Legal Staffing. She has over six years of experience supporting AmLaw clients across the U.S., placing top talent in Marketing & Business Development, Billing & Finance, Office Administration, Training & Development, and other professional services roles. Gabby supports premier AmLaw clients with tailored talent solutions for their professional services teams.

Prior to her career in legal staffing, Gabby performed professionally as a dancer for both the Florida Panthers and the New York Jets, bringing a strong sense of discipline, teamwork, and creativity to her professional practice.

Recent Deals:

East Coast

Director of Business Development to AmLaw 100 firm in NYC
Director of Billing & Collections to AmLaw 100 firm in NYC
Patent Docketing Specialist to AmLaw 100 firm in NYC
Learning & Development Specialist to AmLaw 100 firm in NYC
Office Administrator to AmLaw 100 firm in D.C.
Administrative Support Manager to AmLaw 20 firm in D.C.
Strategic Expansion Coordinator to AmLaw 100 firm in D.C.
Director, Legal Training & Development to AmLaw 100 firm in Boston
West Coast

Administrative Manager to AmLaw 20 firm in LA

Connor Davis is an Executive Consultant on Buchanan’s Legal Professional Services team, specializing in recruiting senior business services and operational talent that powers modern law firms and in-house legal departments. He works closely with law firms, legal departments, and professional services organizations to place candidates in roles such as practice managers, legal operations officers, client engagement leads, pricing and billing specialists, paralegals, and other legal-business support positions.

With two years of recruiting experience in the legal sector, Connor partners with elite clients at global AmLaw firms, helping to build strategic, efficient, and growth-focused professional services teams. He is particularly adept at advising on market trends, benchmarking talent against hiring insights and leveraging Buchanan’s global network and data-driven approach to identify high-potential professionals.

Connor graduated from Florida State University in 2022 with a B.S. in Psychology, followed by a M.S. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology from Florida International University in 2023. His academic background in human behavior and organizational systems underpins his consultative recruiting style and his ability to assess cultural fit, performance potential, and role alignment.

Recent Deals:

East Coast

• E-Billing Specialist to Global AmLaw firm in New York
• Investment Funds (Class of 2022) to AmLaw 20 firm in New York
• Project Finance Associate (Class of 2023) to AmLaw 50 firm in New York

Central

• Litigation Associate (Class of 2022) to Global AmLaw firm in Atlanta

West Coast

• Client Accounting Specialist to AmLaw 100 firm in Los Angeles

Calvin is part of the Private Practice team at Buchanan, supporting associates and partners in navigating lateral moves across the US legal market. He works closely with candidates as they transition between leading AmLaw firms and highly regarded boutiques across all practice areas.

With seven years of experience in private practice recruitment, Calvin provides candidates with strategic career advice, market insight, and guidance throughout the search process. Known for his trusted, results-driven, and candidate-focused approach, he advises attorneys on lateral moves to secure roles aligned with their long-term career goals

Recent Deals:

Restructuring Associate (Class of 2022) to AmLaw20 firm

M&A Associate (Class of 2019) to AmLaw50 firm

Debt Finance Associate (Class of 2021) to AmLaw10 firm

Private Equity Counsel (Class of 2012) to AmLaw20 Firm

Ben is a specialist legal recruiter in Buchanan Law’s U.S. Division, focusing on senior-level attorney placements across the AmLaw 25. He works extensively with Senior Associates, Counsel, and Partners, guiding strategic lateral moves across all major transactional practice areas, including M&A, Private Equity, Funds, Capital Markets, and Finance.

With deep market insight and a strong track record, Ben has successfully facilitated numerous career-defining moves at leading U.S. law firms, helping attorneys secure promotions, title enhancements, geographic relocations, and competitive packages. His placements span top-tier transactional teams, enabling candidates to advance within nationally and internationally ranked practices.

Ben partners closely with candidates throughout the entire hiring process, providing tailored market intelligence, resume refinement, interview preparation, and strategic guidance to ensure each move aligns with long-term career goals.

Recent Deals:

East Coast
Capital Markets Partner (Day 1 promotion) to AmLaw 5 firm in New York
Private Equity M&A Senior Associate to AmLaw 10 firm in New York
Leveraged Finance Associate to Counsel (Day 1 promotion) at AmLaw 25 firm (location not specified)

Amaléia Little is a Principal Associate on the U.S. Lateral Consultant Team at Buchanan Law’s Miami Office, where she works closely with junior through senior level associates nationwide. She partners with attorneys across all practice areas and has a particular strength in assisting candidates within niche specialty groups. Amaléia provides strategic insight into the evolving legal market and helps each associate understand how their individual profile stands out. She offers thoughtful guidance and thorough preparation at every stage of the lateral process. Amaléia also supplies detailed knowledge on specific firms, enabling associates to identify the best environment for their goals whether they are seeking more complex work, improved work life balance or opportunities for relocation.

Amaléia’s background in psychology equips her with a strong understanding of motivation, communication, and long-term career goals. Her ten years as an executive assistant to high-profile individuals sharpened her discretion, anticipation, and ability to operate effectively in fast-paced environments. Combined with her negotiation skills developed as a realtor, she has a unique ability to match candidates with the right opportunities and guide them confidently through the lateral transition process.

Recent Deals

East Coast

Corporate Finance Associate (Class of 2016) to AmLaw 200 firm in Wilmington, DE
Commercial Real Estate Associate (Class of 2022) to AmLaw 50 firm in Washington, D.C.
Commercial Real Estate Associate (Class of 2021) to AmLaw Top 30 firm in Washington, D.C.
Commercial Real Estate Associate (Class of 2022) to AmLaw 100 firm in Washington, D.C.
International Trade Associate (Class of 2023) to AmLaw 50 firm in Washington, D.C.
Project Finance Associate (Class of 2019) to AmLaw 50 firm in New York, NY
Central

Litigation Associate (Class of 2018) to Elite Litigation Boutique in Denver, CO
Corporate Associate (Class of 2019) to AmLaw 50 firm in Chicago, IL
West Coast
Entertainment & Media Transactional Associate (Class of 2021) to AmLaw 50 firm in Los Angeles, CA

Harry is a member of the USA Law team at Buchanan Law. He specializes in searches for associates and counsels across the United States including New York, Chicago, Wilmington, and other key markets.

With over three years of experience, Harry partners with firms ranging from boutiques to leading V20 law firms, covering both transactional and litigation practices. He graduated from the University of Birmingham in 2022 with a First-Class Honours degree in Biochemistry (BSc).

Recent Deals:

East Coast

New York

Debt Finance Senior Associate (Class of 2016) to Vault 10 firm in New York
Investment Funds Counsel to Vault 20 firm in New York
Real Estate Mid-Level Associate (Class of 2020) to AmLaw 5 firm in New York
Investment Funds Senior Associate (Class of 2017) to AmLaw 200 firm in New York
Fund Finance Junior Associate (Class of 2023) to AmLaw 30 firm in New York
M&A Mid-Level Associate (Class of 2020) to AmLaw 50 firm in New York
Project Finance Mid-Level Associate (Class of 2022) to AmLaw 30 firm in New York
Wilmington, DE

Corporate Litigation Mid-Level Associate (Class of 2022) to Regional Litigation Boutique in Wilmington
Central

Chicago, IL
Structured Finance Junior Associate (Class of 2023) to Vault 5 firm in Chicago

Jon is a Principal Associate in Buchanan Law’s U.S. Division, splitting his time between the London Bridge and Brickell offices. He specializes in guiding attorneys through strategic lateral moves across Big Law, boutique, and mid-market firms, offering hands-on support in interview preparation, offer negotiation, and career strategy.

With over three years’ experience, Jon has successfully facilitated 25+ lateral moves across the U.S., helping associates secure promotions, title bumps, relocations, and competitive sign-on packages. His placements span litigation, IP, capital markets, M&A, finance, and private funds, enabling attorneys to advance to nationally and internationally ranked teams.

Jon works closely with candidates to refine resumes, provide tailored market insights, and navigate every stage of the hiring process, ensuring a seamless and strategically driven transition.

Recent Deals:

East Coast

New York

Senior Finance Associate (class of 2016) to Mid-sized market paying firm in NY, Day 1 Counsel promotion
Senior M&A Associate (class of 2016) to Day One Counsel at International Magic Circle firm
Capital Markets Associate (class of 2019) to Band 1 Capital Markets USA
Senior Exec Comp Associate (class of 2019) to Band 1 Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation | USA
Capital Markets Associate (class of 2021) to Band 1 Capital Markets USA
Debt Finance Associate (class of 2018) to International Magic Circle firm
Debt Finance Associate (class of 2021) to AmLaw 3 firm
Transactional Tax Associate (class of 2021) to International Magic Circle firm
M&A Mid-Level Associate (class of 2021) to Band 1 Corporate/M&A: The Elite
Mid-Level Litigation Associate (class of 2021) to Band 3 Insurance: Dispute Resolution: Policyholder
Employment Litigation Associate (class of 2020) to Band 2 L&E Chambers U.S. ranked firm
Private Funds Associate (class of 2022) to Band 1 PE Fund Formation Practice Group
Washington, DC

Antitrust Associate (class of 2018) to International Magic Circle firm
IP Litigation Associate (class of 2021) to Band 2 Intellectual Property U.S. Nationwide ranking
Antitrust Associate (class of 2020) to Band 4 Antitrust Group in DC
Antitrust Associate (class of 2022) to Band 2 Antitrust Group in DC
IP Litigation Associate (class of 2022) to AmLaw 5 international firm
Wilmington, DE

Senior Litigation Associate (class of 2018) to Market Paying Band 1 Chancery | Delaware firm
Junior Litigation Associate (class of 2022) to Market Paying AmLaw 50 firm

Central

Houston

Litigation Associate (class of 2018) to Elite Trial Boutique
Litigation Associate (class of 2021) to Market Paying Trial firm
West Coast

San Francisco
Privacy & Cybersecurity Associate (class of 2020) to Band 3 Elite Group

Alex Davis is a Principal Consultant on Buchanan’s Client Services team, specialising in U.S. Big Law lateral recruitment across corporate and finance practice areas, including structured finance, fund finance, leveraged finance, M&A, private equity, capital markets, and private funds. He works closely with AmLaw 20 firms across major U.S. markets, including New York, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area, managing key relationships and overseeing the full recruitment process for associate, counsel, and partner-level hires.

Alex supports candidates and firms through every stage of the process, providing market insights, strategic guidance, and tailored recruitment solutions. Known for his data-driven approach and strong relationship management, he helps ensure that placements align with long-term career and business objectives.

He graduated from the University of York with a BSc in Marketing, and leverages his analytical and strategic skills to navigate complex hiring landscapes and deliver successful outcomes for both clients and candidates.

Deals:
Capital Markets Counsel from AmLaw10 firm to an AmLaw5 firm as income Partner
Finance Senior Associate (Class of 2017) to an AmLaw20 firm as Counsel
M&A Senior Associate (Class of 2017) to an AmLaw5 firm
Finance Senior Associate (Class of 2016) to an AmLaw20 firm

Alex Hepworth is a Principal Consultant within Buchanan’s EMEA Legal Recruitment practice, advising top UK, US, and international law firms on strategic associate, counsel, and partner hires across London, Dubai, and Riyadh. His practice focuses on core transactional and contentious disciplines, corporate, finance, funds, and litigation, where he partners closely with senior leadership teams to secure lawyers who match firms’ cultural and commercial priorities.

With extensive experience in private practice recruitment, Alex is recognised for his fluency in managing high-stakes, cross-border hiring processes and for guiding lawyers through sophisticated career transitions across global legal hubs. His client base ranges from elite US firms and leading City practices to top international platforms navigating growth in competitive markets.

Alex graduated from the University of Birmingham with a degree in History.

Recent Deals:
• M&A Senior Associate (Class of 2018) to Elite US Firm, Riyadh
• Leveraged Finance Associate (Class of 2023) to Elite US Firm, London
• Competition Counsel (Class of 2013) to Elite US Firm
• Funds Senior Associate (Class of 2019) to Global Law Firm, London
• Finance Associate (Class of 2022) to Leading UK Firm, London

Mia is part of Buchanan’s US Client Legal Recruitment team, where she focuses on building and maintaining strategic relationships between top-tier law firms and highly skilled legal professionals. She works closely with firms to understand their operational needs and helps identify talent that strengthens teams and drives long-term success.

She advises a broad range of clients, from V10 firms to growing mid-market and boutique practices, on complex hiring processes and strategic career moves across key global markets. Mia has a strong track record of managing multifaceted recruitment projects and providing tailored solutions to support firm growth.

Mia graduated from The University of West London in 2021.

Recent Deals:

East Coast

M&A Partner (Class of 2017) to AmLaw 10 firm in New York
Real Estate Counsel (Class of 2017) to AmLaw 20 firm in New York
West Coast
Project Finance Associate (Class of 2021) to AmLaw 20 firm in Los Angeles

William is an Executive Associate within Buchanan’s Legal Recruitment team, specialising in lateral hires for leading UK, US, and international law firms across major global markets. He advises associates and counsel on strategic career moves within corporate, investment funds, competition, and employment practices, ensuring every transition aligns with long-term objectives and cultural fit.

With over three years of experience in private practice recruitment, William works closely with a diverse client base, from Magic Circle and Silver Circle firms to elite US practices and ambitious mid-market platforms. He is recognised for his ability to navigate complex, multi-stakeholder hiring processes and for delivering insightful, commercially grounded guidance to lawyers considering lateral opportunities across international markets.

William holds a degree in Political Science from Nottingham Trent University, which underpins his analytical, insight-driven approach to talent advisory.

Deals:
Employment Associate (Class of 2018) to Mid-Level UK firm in London
Competition Associate (Class of 2016) to Magic Circle firm in Brussels
Competition Associate (Class of 2019) to Competition Boutique firm in London
Investment Funds Associate (Class of 2023) to White-shoe US firm in London
Investment Funds Associate (Class of 2022) to White-shoe US firm in London

John is part of the US Legal Recruitment team at Buchanan, focusing on building and maintaining client relationships with leading US, and international law firms. With over two years of experience in private practice recruitment, John partners with a broad range of clients, from top-tier City firms and elite US practices to growing mid-market firms. He has a strong track record of managing complex, multi-stakeholder hiring processes and advising Clients on making strategic offers to candidates across key practice areas. John is particularly focused on growing our client relationships in emerging legal markets across the US.

John graduated with honors from The University of Illinois with a degree in Geography and Geographic Information Systems.

Charlie is an Account Manager on Buchanan’s U.S. Legal Recruitment team, specialising in business development and lateral hiring across leading U.S. law firms. He focuses on building and nurturing strong client relationships, providing strategic recruitment solutions, and identifying top legal talent that aligns with each firm’s culture and long-term growth objectives.

Charlie partners closely with firms throughout the recruitment process, offering insight into market trends, candidate experience, and strategic talent planning. He is known for his proactive, relationship-driven approach, ensuring that every placement supports both immediate needs and long-term ambitions.

Charlie graduated from Leeds Beckett University in 2023 with honours in History. His analytical skills and people-focused mindset allow him to understand the commercial and personal drivers behind successful legal placements, contributing to Buchanan’s continued growth in the U.S. market.

Recent Deals:

East Coast
Insurance Recovery Associate (Class of 2021) to AmLaw 100 firm in New York
Finance Associate (Class of 2022) to AmLaw 10 firm in Boston

Hannah is an Associate within Buchanan’s Legal Recruitment team, specialising in Debt Finance, including Structured Finance, Leveraged Finance, Asset-Based Lending, Project Finance, and Fund Finance. While her core focus is Debt Finance, she has spent the past year gaining experience across a wide range of practice areas and jurisdictions, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the global legal hiring landscape.

Hannah works closely with the client team to understand each firm’s culture, structure, and strategic growth priorities, ensuring the candidates she represents are technically aligned and positioned for long-term success. On the candidate side, she supports associates throughout every stage of their career move, from market guidance and initial consultation to interview management and offer negotiation, delivering a seamless, well-communicated, and strategically informed experience.

Known for her collaborative, detail-oriented, and outcome-driven approach, Hannah consistently delivers results that benefit both clients and candidates. She holds a degree in French and Theatre from the University of Warwick.

Deals:
ABL senior associate to a US law firm
Competition associate to a UK law firm

Tim is an Associate Consultant on Buchanan’s U.S. Legal Recruitment team, supporting strategic lateral hiring for AmLaw and boutique firms. He specializes in associate- and counsel-level recruitment across corporate, banking, litigation, real estate, tax, and funds practices, delivering a seamless and informed search experience for both candidates and hiring leaders.

Known for his relationship-driven approach and strong market insight, Tim partners closely with attorneys to help them navigate fast-paced hiring cycles and evaluate opportunities with confidence. He prioritizes long-term alignment, ensuring candidates join teams that reflect their career objectives, practice interests, and preferred working culture.

Tim holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Miami.

Recent Deals:

West Coast
Structured Finance Associate to AmLaw 10 firm in Los Angeles

Shiv is an Executive Associate on Buchanan’s U.S. Legal Recruitment team, focusing on placing associates and counsel across corporate, finance, and litigation practices. He works closely with both candidates and firms, helping lawyers navigate competitive hiring processes while ensuring alignment with long-term career goals.

He supports candidates through every stage of the process, from résumé advice and market insights to interview preparation and offer negotiation. Shiv is known for his thoughtful, commercially informed approach, helping attorneys maximize opportunities across V20 elite AmLaw firms, mid-market, and boutique practices in key U.S. legal hubs.

Shiv graduated from the University of Nottingham with a degree in Finance, Accounting and Management, and holds an MSc in Financial Analysis and Fund Management from the University of Exeter. His analytical foundation allows him to engage deeply with candidates’ experience, understand market trends, and advise firms on the commercial considerations that shape hiring within AmLaw practices.

With a relationship-driven approach, Shiv ensures that every placement is strategically aligned, offering clarity, responsiveness, and support throughout the search process.

Recent Deals:
East Coast

M&A NEP (Class of 2017) to AmLaw 10 firm in New York
IP Litigation Associate (Class of 2020) to AmLaw 20 firm in New York
Central
Structured Finance Associate (Class of 2022) to AmLaw 50 firm in Chicago

Sam is an Associate within Buchanan’s EMEA team, advising leading law firms across London, Brussels, and Dubai. He recruits across a broad range of practice areas, with particular expertise in Tax, Corporate (M&A and Private Equity), and Competition, supporting clients in building high-performing, cross-border legal teams.

With two years of experience in private practice recruitment, Sam works closely with firms to identify, assess, and secure top-tier legal talent across multiple jurisdictions. His international remit allows him to manage complex hiring processes, providing strategic guidance to both clients and candidates on transactional, regulatory, and contentious matters.

Sam is recognised for his thoughtful, relationship-driven approach, ensuring clear communication, actionable market insight, and seamless execution throughout the recruitment process. He holds a degree in Geography from the University of Liverpool.

Deals:
Disputes associate (class of 2023) to a top international firm in Dubai

Gonzalo is an associate in Buchanan’s U.S. Legal Recruitment team, focusing on lateral hires across top U.S. law firms. He specializes in placing associates and counsel across a range of practice areas, including finance, real estate, and corporate transactions, working closely with both candidates and firms to deliver optimal outcomes.

He advises a wide spectrum of clients, from leading city firms to smaller, elite boutique practices, and has a strong track record of managing complex, multi-faceted hiring processes while providing guidance on strategic career moves across key legal markets.

Gonzalo graduated from Florida International University in 2025 with bachelor’s degrees in both International Business and Marketing.

Jolene is an Associate Consultant on Buchanan’s U.S. Legal Recruitment team, specializing in high-impact lateral placements for AmLaw 100 firms. She focuses on strategic associate-level recruiting across corporate, litigation, and finance practices, working closely with both candidates and hiring partners to deliver successful search outcomes.

Known for her candidate-first approach and deep market awareness, Jolene helps attorneys navigate competitive hiring cycles with clarity and confidence. She prioritizes long-term fit, ensuring candidates join teams that align with their professional goals, working styles, and career development objectives.

Jolene earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business.

Eleanor is an Associate in Buchanan Law’s U.S. Division, based in the London office. She works with attorneys across the lateral market, supporting associates and counsel as they navigate career moves across Big Law, elite boutiques, and leading mid-market firms.

She supports candidates throughout the recruitment process, providing clear market insight, structured guidance, and honest advice to help lawyers assess opportunities and make well-informed career decisions in a competitive market.

Eleanor holds a degree in Economics from the University of Manchester, giving her a strong commercial and analytical foundation. This enables her to understand market dynamics, compensation structures, and firm-specific considerations across the U.S. legal landscape.

With a relationship-driven approach, Eleanor prioritises close communication and long-term trust, ensuring each search is handled with professionalism, transparency, and consistency.

Sam is part of Buchanan’s U.S. Legal Recruitment team, specializing in placing associates at premier U.S. and international law firms. He focuses on building relationships with top-tier corporate, finance, and litigation candidates, with a particular emphasis on strategic associate recruiting for elite AmLaw practices.

Drawing on experience supporting high-volume, partner-led searches at leading global firms, Sam works closely with candidates to understand their long-term career goals and align them with teams offering the right combination of training, culture, and progression. He has quickly established a reputation for navigating competitive associate markets and managing time-sensitive, high-stakes recruitment processes.

Sam attended Florida State University, where he studied Business

Ted is an Associate in Buchanan Law’s U.S. Division, dividing his time between the London Bridge and Miami offices. He focuses on guiding attorneys through the lateral market, helping associates and counsel navigate strategic moves across Big Law, elite boutiques, and leading mid-market firms.

Ted supports candidates through every stage of the process—from résumé refinement and market insights to interview preparation and offer negotiation. His work centers on helping attorneys secure meaningful career progression, whether through enhanced titles, platform upgrades, geographic relocations, or access to higher-caliber work. Ted is known for maximizing options, with an associate he worked with recently gaining five interviews, and Ted helped balance work and interviews, to gain the best package.

Ted earned his degree in History with American Studies from the University of Sussex, including a year abroad at Louisiana State University. His academic grounding in U.S. culture and institutions complements his work advising attorneys across the US.

With a strong understanding of U.S. practice groups and firm dynamics, Ted partners closely with candidates to ensure each move aligns with long-term aspirations. He prides himself on a relationship-driven approach, offering clarity, responsiveness, and strategic guidance throughout each search.

Recent Deals:

East Coast
East Coast Exec Comp (Class of 2020) to Band 2 Executive Compensation
East Coast Finance (Class of 2022) to Band 1 Banking & Finance

Mercy is an Associate within Buchanan’s EMEA team, specialising in Antitrust and Competition recruitment across London and Brussels. She advises leading UK, US, and international law firms on strategic lateral hiring at the associate and counsel levels, helping build teams that align with both immediate and long-term growth objectives.

With over four years of experience in the market research sector, Mercy brings strong analytical expertise and a data-driven approach that informs client strategy and candidate guidance. Her commercial awareness allows her to deliver recruitment solutions that are both insight-led and results-oriented.

Mercy works closely with candidates at every stage of their career move, providing clear communication, tailored advice, and structured support. On the client side, she collaborates with hiring teams to identify talent aligned with cultural fit and strategic priorities. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Consumer Behaviour and Marketing from the University of Reading.

Oliver is an Associate within Buchanan’s EMEA Permanent Recruitment team, specialising in lateral hiring across Restructuring, Finance, and M&A practices in London. He advises a diverse range of clients, from regional UK firms to leading US elite practices, supporting strategic associate and counsel-level hires that align with both technical requirements and long-term growth objectives.

With nearly a year of experience recruiting legal professionals across multiple sectors and jurisdictions, Oliver has developed strong market insight and a growing network of relationships. He partners closely with clients to understand team structure, culture, and strategic priorities, ensuring every placement supports sustainable team development.

On the candidate side, Oliver guides lawyers through the lateral hiring process with clarity and confidence, providing market insight and structured support from initial consultation through to offer stage. He holds a degree in Biological Sciences from the University of East Anglia.

Emma is an Associate within Buchanan’s Key Accounts team, advising leading UK, US, and international law firms on strategic recruitment across a broad range of practice areas. She partners with some of the firm’s most established clients, supporting associate and counsel-level hiring that aligns with long-term business objectives and cultural fit.

Working closely with senior consultants, Emma plays a central role in managing enduring client relationships and delivering tailored, efficient recruitment solutions. She is recognised for her collaborative, detail-oriented approach, ensuring a seamless experience for both clients and candidates from initial engagement through to placement.

Emma holds a degree in Business Management from the University of Exeter, providing a strong commercial foundation to her work in legal recruitment.

Wilfred is an Associate on Buchanan’s Key Accounts team, based in London. He works closely with some of the firm’s most established clients across the UK and international legal markets, helping leading UK, US, and international law firms identify and secure exceptional legal talent across a wide range of practice areas.

Wilfred partners with senior consultants to deliver strategic recruitment solutions, ensuring a seamless process for both clients and candidates. He is known for his relationship-driven approach, combining market insight with clear, proactive communication to support firms in achieving their hiring objectives efficiently and effectively.

Wilfred graduated from the University of Bath in 2025 with a degree in Management. His academic grounding and analytical mindset complement his work advising firms across complex and competitive legal markets.

Jack Douglas-Smith is an Associate within Buchanan’s Permanent Legal Recruitment team, specialising in lateral hiring across the Middle East with a primary focus on the UAE and Saudi Arabia. His practice spans the full breadth of legal disciplines, including Corporate (M&A and Private Equity), Dispute Resolution, Projects, Employment, Technology/TMT, Construction, Real Estate, Regulatory, Capital Markets, and Commercial law.

Jack partners with law firms ranging from regional boutique practices to Magic Circle and Elite US firms, delivering market-driven talent strategies that support growth, stability, and long-term investment across the Gulf. He is known for his thoughtful, research-driven approach and his ability to advise lawyers, from newly qualified associates to partners, on the complexities of international relocation and cross-border progression.

Jack holds a degree in Liberal Arts from the University of Nottingham, where he majored in Psychology.