Testimonials

Chris and Michelle recently assisted us to recruit our new Head of Compliance. From the initial briefing meeting right through to offer, the process was handled with professionalism and integrity. they listened to what we wanted and they delivered. Both Chris and Michelle were an absolute pleasure to deal with throughout and I would definitely recommend them for any recruitment in this sector.

Leading London Boutique

I definitely felt like we'd come to the right person to work with throughout the process.

Luke Powell, Managing Partner, Macfarlanes LLP

Gerry Arbuckle knows the market and has the confidence of managing partners.

International Arbitration Partner, International Law Firm

We had a critical role to fill and Chris was our first port of call. He takes time to understand both the firm looking to hire and also the talent pool. He is considered, responsive, honest and has integrity in spades. His network is extensive and it is clear candidates respect him. Matching talent with the right opportunity for both parties is not easy and the personal and bespoke approach taken by Chris makes him and Cyan Partners stand out.

Lesley O'Leary, COO, Charles Russell Speechlys

I thoroughly recommend Chris Cayley and Cyan Partners to professionals looking for their next move or businesses looking to recruit talent which is aligned with their strategy and values. Chris invests his time in understanding the role for which he is recruiting. but also looks to align the values and aspirations of the person and the business. I worked with Chris over a number of years and he brought me an opportunity which suited my own personal goals and ambitions. and meant Id be working with people who valued my individual skills and nature.

Director of Risk & Compliance, Leading International Firm

I have valued Chris advice and investment in a long-term relationship with me as an individual. Chris has maintained contact over a number of years with valued feedback. discerning career progression advice and well targeted roles of potential interest. His stand-out quality of service, ethos and culture led me in turn to turn to him without hesitation when seeking a headhunter for senior roles in my own organisation, including within my own team. Highly recommended.

General Counsel, Leading International Firm

Sarah is an extremely motivated and energetic consultant with first class people skills. She leaves no stone unturned in achieving the very best result. Given too her breadth and depth of knowledge Sarah is a consultant of first choice.

Head of Department - Tax

Sarah was fantastic in supporting me with my move from start to finish. At the outset Sarah really took the time to get to know me and set up interviews with the right fit firm. Sarah was very knowledgeable about the market, the firm's requirements and matching skills and personalities to the role. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Sarah. She was very supportive throughout the process, kept me regularly updated and was diligent in helping to prepare me for interviews. I would highly recommend Sarah!

Financial Services Partner

I was working with several recruitment agents when I came across Sarah. She listened to my specific goals, aspirations, and focused her approach on what I wanted. Sarah was professional. accessible, and supportive in my relocation. She is experienced. friendly and down to earth. It is obvious to see how she has nurtured and maintained excellent relationships with many of the big players in the London law market.

Family Partner

Michelle is a resilient recruiter who works well under pressure and with a constantly changing landscape. She strives to achieve the right results at the right time. Michelle has a professional approach to each role and is comfortable working at all stakeholder levels.

Head of Recruitment, financial services company

Gerry is highly experienced in top tier law firm recruitment, he has a deep understanding of the market and is incredibly well connected. He is calm and reassuring, but also a straight talker. I recommend him highly.

White Collar Crime Partner, International Law Firm

Sarah is a down-to-earth, approachable, responsive and highly intuitive person. She was fantastic in helping find the right firm and role for me; she spent considerable time speaking with me before my interviews, she provided excellent advice and gave me the confidence I needed to be successful. She was also brilliant at the negotiation stage, liaising sensitively and diplomatically with me and the firm to ensure that both sides got a deal we were happy with whilst also helping us build a positive relationship. All in all. I felt that she was on my side; she displayed a great deal of integrity honesty and even-handedness throughout the process and was always very upfront and genuine with me the entire time, which I really appreciated. I would highly recommend going to Sarah for anyone looking to secure their next legal role.

Litigator - Boutique Firm

It was a pleasure working with Andrew Wintle. He guided me through the process of securing partnership at an outstanding firm. Andy matched me perfectly with the firm and was always on hand for a chat, pre interview. We also met a number of times as (quite rightly) he needed to know me. the candidate, in order to promote me. I couldn't recommend Andy highly enough to both firms and individuals alike.

Property Partner

I’ve known Gerry for a number of years and always found him to be an excellent listener and adviser. He understands the market and was a huge help in navigating me through the recruitment process. We discussed at length possible destinations, identifying firms that might be a good fit for me and my practice and Gerry made all the right calls. He took the time to understand why I wanted to move and what I was looking for in a firm. He also helped me through the interview process, providing invaluable assistance. Gerry really is first class, and I can’t recommend him enough.

Reinsurance Partner, International Law firm

Michelle is one of those rare recruitment consultants who actually appreciate and listen to candidates needs. | was always informed where we were in the process, information and insight was appropriately shared and importantly if I called my calls were returned. Very few people share Michelle's understanding that candidates have needs in this process as much as employers and that today's candidate becomes tomorrow's employer. Personable, friendly and understanding. An excellent recruiter.

Simon C, GC and Company Secretary

Gerry is the only recruitment agent that I had confidence in to advance my career. He has integrity and a real understanding of the marketplace and I was 100% confident to place my trust in him to find me a new position where I could thrive. His introductions are genuine and carefully placed. Wonderful, knowledgeable and I would absolutely recommend his services.

Insolvency Partner, UK Law Firm

Gerry could not have been more supportive and responsive in providing feedback and guidance at all stages of my move. I could always trust and rely on the advice I was given.

Head of Venture Capital, UK Law Firm

Andy provided outstanding support, helping me explore the market and navigate my partner-level move. His deep market knowledge, creative thinking and tailored advice made a huge difference throughout the process. He kept things moving smoothly, was always available for questions and genuinely felt like an ally throughout. I couldn’t have asked for more and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him.

Banking Partner, Top 20 City firm

Andrew is well-connected in the legal recruitment market and l've known him for several years. He has an excellent grasp of the Partner landscape in London and takes time to understand his candidates and clients' needs. He's also a pleasure to deal with. and I continue to instruct him without hesitation.

Head of Resourcing

From my own experience I can say that Michelle Corneby is one the best headhunters in her field in London. Michelle is a great communicator, assertive and always focused on the opportunities. She can connect easily with people and make things happen in a positive and professional manner.

Marta P. Senior in-house candidate, London

I have used Chris for multiple key senior legal roles in recent years. Chris really promotes a true partnership approach. taking time to understand the organisation, role and stakeholders involved. He is extremely thorough and maintains constant feedback throughout. With a thoughtful and pragmatic approach. Chris offers ideas and solutions to ensure the best shortlists, and produces insightful summaries that offer an honest comparison between candidates. I find Chris a delight to work with, have used him as a trusted sounding board on more than one occasion, and wouldn't hesitate to recommend him to others looking for a professional legal recruitment partner.

Head of Talent Acquisition, Leading International Firm

Andrew invests the time to understand your business and the culture which is invaluable to helping find the best lateral hires. The results have been excellent.

Head of Department

Gerry is communicative and responsive, but never overbearing or pushy and I always felt like he had my best interests at heart. I wouldn't hesitate to work with Gerry again.

Pensions Partner, Global Law Firm

I have worked in the legal profession for thirty-five years. Recruitment, retention and resource planning are vital to creating a sustainable team and this is the foundation on which everything is built. There are very few recruiters I have met who I would unconditionally recommend, but Chris Cayley is one. He is, of course, excellent at what he does, but what stands out, always, Is how much he cares about his clients and candidates. His professionalism, care. judgement and integrity are outstanding.

Paul Gilbert, Director LBC Wise Counsel

Michelle is one of the best legal head-hunters I have come across. She is a lawyer herself, so she understands the challenges and demands in house lawyers face. Much more importantly, she gives clear career advice to lawyers at all stages of their careers making sure they make the right career moves. She also cares about the candidates she works with - a rarity these days.

Former in-house lawyer and Board Governance expert, London

Gerry and his team have really excellent knowledge of the London market. Because of Gerry’s personality he normally has friends in the firms offering roles and can give you the real insight as to what is likely to happen to you if you do make the jump. He is calm and friendly and knows what is too little and what is too much”

Litigation Partner, City Law Firm

Andy Wintle worked diligently on my behalf and I felt he really listened, and understood what would best suit me and my practice over the long term. We discussed and considered a number of options throughout the process and his feedback and pragmatic advice was very helpful and delivered in a constructive and professional way.

Corporate Partner

We have worked with Sarah Coughtrie of Cyan Partners for the past couple of years and hope to continue our working relationship for many years to come. As a small to medium sized boutique law firm we recognise we do not have the prominence of some of the larger London law firms but know we have a lot to offer to the right candidate. We needed a recruitment specialist who recognised the benefits a boutique firm could offer employees and who bought into and engaged with our vision for the future. Sarah listened to our requirements, gave advice where needed and has worked tirelessly to introduce the right candidates. I would have no hesitation in recommending Sarah or Cyan Partners to anyone who is in need of a recruitment specialist.

Managing Partner

It has been an absolute pleasure working with Gerry. He has always listened to my requirements and balanced my own personality and skillset to the correct firms. He has prepared me extremely well for interviews, been very patient with me & kept in constant contact. Having dealt with quite a few agencies in the past and not had great experiences, Gerry restored my faith in recruitment agents, making me feel like an individual rather than just another number looking for a job. He is an expert in his field and I have recommended him and his company to colleagues as and when necessary.

Private Client Partner, UK National Law Firm

Michelle is everything you could want if you are going through the recruitment process. She is knowledgeable, personable and goes above and beyond to ensure all parties involved find a mutually beneficial match. She took the time to listen to what I truly desired from a role before guiding me to my dream role. I am grateful that she not only placed me in my role but took the time to check in prior to make sure I was happy and settled. She was a true pleasure to work with.

Bianca D. Junior candidate, Bristol

I have known Chris for many years now and he has consistently provided me with excellent service and support. He has a deep understanding of the legal sector. He has a knack for identifying the right candidates for opportunities and the right opportunities for candidates. Chris is able to work across geographies and industries and recognises the importance of the long term in building people's careers and building relationships with employers.

Richard Given, 10x, General Counsel

Gerry and his team were very professional and made the whole process a smooth one without surprises for either side. In a lateral move it’s essential your agent is credible and Gerry builds trust with his honesty and detailed preparation.

Cyber Litigation Partner, UK National Law Firm

Chris is fantastic. He has a deep knowledge of the legal marketplace and is immensely well connected. However, over and above his deep sector knowledge and excellent skills as a recruiter, he is discreet, honest and a real trusted advisor. I recommend him without hesitation (and often do).

Commercial Partner