Barker Legal Recruitment are experienced legal recruitment specialists with decades of industry knowledge. We understand the intricacies of the legal market and care deeply about the clients and candidates we work with. You can rely on us for honest, trustworthy insight every step of the way.
Quality over quantity. Every time
Barker Legal Recruitment was founded by James and Amy Barker in 2025, following their combined 20 years of experience in the legal recruitment industry.
Having worked across markets together for almost a decade, we both felt strongly that, while the recruitment industry has come a long way, law firms and lawyers still deserve a higher standard of service — and we want to provide that.
With complementary skill sets, we’re able to offer something unique: two experienced recruiters working toward the same goal, with a business focused on utilising technology to make the process as efficient as possible. Hopefully, you’ll think we’re alright people too!
Our values underpin everything we do
Integrity
Acting with honesty, transparency, and discretion — always putting long-term trust ahead of short-term gain.
Expertise
Deep understanding of the legal market, enabling insightful, informed, strategic guidance for both clients and candidates.
Partnership
A genuinely consultative mindset, focused on thoroughly understanding what is right for you and delivering that result in an efficient way
Areas we cover
Team moves and firm acquisitions
We’ve assisted various teams and firms over the years in making strategic moves, and we have the experience, knowledge, and contacts to ensure the process is efficient and transparent. We also understand the complexities of restrictive covenants and how to navigate them effectively.
Senior level
Whether you’re a Partner, Legal Director, or a Senior Associate looking to take the next step, we can assist with business plan preparation, market insight, and access to live roles. With a focus on strategic recruitment, we often work on opportunities that aren’t widely known in the market.
Solicitor level
Often working on exclusive roles, we assist with solicitor-level positions from NQ upwards, across all disciplines, offering tailored guidance throughout the recruitment process.
Fee earner
Everyone has a different journey into law, so if you’re not qualified but have fee-earning experience, we’d love to help you find the right opportunity for your background.
Meet the team
With nearly a decade of experience in the legal recruitment industry, James is co-founder of Barker Legal Recruitment.
A bit about me
I specialise in senior-level legal recruitment, bringing nearly a decade of industry experience and a relationship-driven approach. Over the years, I’ve built strong, longstanding relationships with partners at a wide range of international, national, and regional law firms—relationships grounded in trust, discretion and a deep understanding of the legal market.
My approach is consultative and tailored. I take the time to understand the strategic needs of each firm and the career goals of senior legal professionals, ensuring that every placement is the right long-term fit.
Every conversation is guided by experience, integrity, and a focus on lasting results, many of which take place on the golf course or over a nice lunch.
Outside of work, I love spending time with my little girl, Autumn, wife Amy and my parents. In addition to spending as much time at Ringway golf course as possible.
- How do you start your day — any rituals or non-negotiables?
I do breakfast with my daughter every morning and she requests we dance to ‘A Whole New World’ before she eats. I then enjoy my first coffee of the day - What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?
A flat white or a cortado if it’s been a long morning - Book, podcast, or playlist that’s always in rotation?
Eminem, best of 70’s or nursery rhymes
- Dream four-ball / dinner party guests?
Rory Mcilroy, Shane Lowry, Tiger Woods
With over 10 years’ experience in the legal recruitment industry, Amy is the co-founder of Barker Legal Recruitment.
A bit about me
Throughout my career, I’ve worked with paralegals, fee earners, solicitors, and partners across the full range of disciplines, building a reputation for being efficient, friendly, and trustworthy. Genuine care and integrity are at the heart of how I operate — no stone is left unturned when supporting candidates and clients, and I won’t rest until I’ve achieved the right result.
I’ve been fortunate to build long-lasting relationships over the years and have developed a strong network of referrers.
With experience across the full market, there aren’t many scenarios or questions I haven’t come across before. I offer salary advice, benchmarking, industry insight, and general career guidance to those exploring their options.
Outside of work, I’m a proud mum to my gorgeous daughter Autumn, who is an utter joy and a big motivation behind starting this business. I love travelling (even with a toddler), practising Pilates, and I’ve just started learning Spanish.
- How do you start your day — any rituals or non-negotiables?Often in my daughter’s bed! Then either a walk or the gym before work to reset
- What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?
Black Americano always - Book, podcast, or playlist that’s always in rotation?
Anything under the Armchair Expert podcast umbrella or Revisionist History - What’s your go-to productivity hack or app?
Move my body first thing and no news or social media until the afternoon. A quick meeting is a good meeting - Dream four-ball / dinner party guests?
Harry Styles, Toto Wolff, David Sedaris, Claudia Winkleman
If you have any questions, or would like a confidential chat, get in touch