👤 Meet the Director: Amy Barker (née Haycocks)
Title: Co-Founder & Director
Specialism: Private Practice | In-House | Legal Tech
Based: Altrincham, North West
👋 First off — tell us a bit about your background in legal recruitment.
I started in legal recruitment at the beginning of 2015, having stumbled into it. However, I immediately connected with the industry and was fortunate to find that it was something I innately understood and enjoyed. I then spent the next decade at the same legal recruitment business, progressing through various positions up to Director level.
In this role, I managed two teams across the North West and West Midlands and worked as a fee earner across both regions, predominantly focusing on solicitor-level recruitment.
🧭 Why did you decide to launch Barker Legal Recruitment?
Having been at the same business for over a decade, I naturally reached a point where I wanted a change. I worked alongside my husband James — we met at work — and we have different but complementary skill sets. After returning from maternity leave in 2024, we decided to take the leap! Legal recruitment has evolved significantly, particularly over the last five years. However, I believe there’s still a long way to go before lawyers receive the level of service from recruiters that mirrors the quality they provide to their own clients. We want to help continue building better practices in the industry.
🎯 What’s your focus in the business today?
James and I collaborate across many tasks, but I tend to focus more on candidate generation. I’m also really enjoying the additional skills that running your own business demands, especially the opportunity to think creatively.
🔍 What do you think sets your approach apart from other recruiters?
I’d like to think the candidates and clients I work with can sense the genuine care I have for the job I do. Despite recruitment being a sales role, I’ve never been motivated by targets. I believe that if you work hard and do a good job, the results will follow — it’s never been a numbers game for me.
💬 What’s the most rewarding part of your role?
Helping someone land a role that genuinely improves their day-to-day life — whether that’s better work/life balance, a clearer progression path, or finally being part of a team that truly gets them. That feeling never gets old.
🤔 What advice would you give to lawyers thinking about a move?
Even if you’re not actively job hunting, it’s wise to understand your market. Know your value. Keep an eye on where the sector is heading. Meet your recruiter — it transforms the experience for both parties.
📩 Want to connect?
Feel free to reach out for a confidential chat — whether you’re exploring opportunities or just want to check in on the market.
📧 Email: amy@barkerlegalrecruitment.com
