MJN Legal is a legal recruitment consultancy, based in Manchester.
Operating throughout the UK, we have many years of legal recruitment experience and have developed strategic links with numerous law firms and in-house legal departments. We provide both permanent and temporary legal staff, ranging from paralegal recruitment to partner moves.
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Michael has been very pro-active and helpful in assisting our Manchester corporate team recruit quality associates.
Head of Manchester Corporate
International Law Firm
Michael Niven is very easy to work with and has a good appreciation of the legal market. I have always found him to be personable, diligent and honest. I have recommended him to other partners within the firm and will continue to retain his services.
Head of Pensions
International Law FirmI have found Michael to be an extremely proactive recruiter who is always willing to go the extra mile. His ability to match candidates to our requirements have been second to none. He is extremely close to his candidates and knows their drivers and reasons for wanting to move and finite details that other consultants have been unable to furnish me with. This has resulted in Michael placing 2 candidates in my team so far and I would have no hesitations in highly recommending Michael to both clients and candidates as I have found him to reliable, approachable and a pleasure to deal with.
Head of Corporate
National Law FirmMichael manages to combine being very personable, taking the time to get to know me and my particular requirements, with being extremely professional. Michael used his extensive knowledge of the North West legal market to secure me a role recently and managed to impress me throughout the entire process. His confident, self-effacing manner instilled confidence and I would thoroughly recommend him to anyone looking for a role in the region.
Banking Legal Director
International Law FirmMichael really took the time to get to know me and what type of firm and job I was looking for. He was able to provide me with a good selection of roles and had previous experience with all of the firms put forward so could answer all my questions and provide advice. Michael is personable, friendly and professional.
Real Estate Solicitor
National Law FirmMichael is very professional yet very personable. Because he built and maintained his professional relationship with me over many years, he really understood my career goals. Michael was very pro-active and regularly informed me about the opportunities in the legal market, yet never pushed me into a move. When the right tie came for me to consider a move I had no doubt that Michael would find the right opportunities for me and place me in the right firm. He took his time to understand that I was looking for, as well as what firms would be the right fit for me. He listened to what my priorities were and what type of work and culture I was after. He was always available to discuss the opportunities available and the progress with applications, and he would adapt to my schedule, which at times was challenging (whether it was very early hours of the day or late evenings). This is set Michael apart from many recruiters. I was very impressed with his extensive knowledge of the legal market in Manchester and his strong client base. I would highly recommend Michael as a recruiter.
Banking Solicitor
International Law FirmMichael is someone whom I trust, and can call a friend. Michael knows the legal market inside and out, isn't pushy but actually very pragmatic and level-headed. He's also an all round friendly guy who takes a personal interest in people. I have no hesitation in recommending him to law firms looking to hire or to lateral hires looking for new opportunities.
Corporate Partner
National Law FirmMichael helped me obtained my current role whilst I was in the process of relocating up North. Michael is very pro-active and hardworking and has a strong client base which meant he was able to provide me with lots of opportunities. He has excellent knowledge of his network which allowed me to feel prepared when meeting prospective employers. He is also very personable and helpful. Good recruiter - highly recommend.
Corporate Associate
International Law FirmWhen I was approached by Michael, he took the time to listen to me, understand my concerns and what I was looking for in my next role. Michael quickly arranged an interview and provided sound pre-interview advice. I was assured that he had my best intentions in mind.
Commercial Property Solicitor
Regional Law FirmWhen I spoke to Michael about a role he was working on, he took the time out to meet me for a coffee, listen to my concerns and was able to furnish me with a lot of details of firms and opportunities in the Manchester market. Once I had established that I was only interested in my current role, Michael didn't try and push me into meeting any other firms, he informed me all about the team, the type of work and culture here and was able to set up a meeting asap. He was very honest about the team and his experience working for the partners. Michael was great at liaising with the HR team to try and get times for interviews that suited me, including fitting it all in before a holiday. Prior to interview, Michael's advice and guidance was second to none, his knowledge was great. When it came to receiving an offer he really had my best intentions in mind and was readily available to talk through my options and what was best for me, fitting the contact around me while I was overseas. He was always quick to respond and often pre-empted any queries or concerns I had, without sugar coating or fudging answers if he didn't have all the information. When it came to finalising the offer he was able to negotiate me a great salary, beyond what I was expecting, and his knowledge of the market and the rates to expect was invaluable.
Corporate Senior Associate
Accountancy FirmMichael was very accommodating of the fact that I was living in a different city when I was searching for a role in Manchester, many time he would meet me a short notice to discuss what type of firm I was interested in and the opportunities he had available. Michael listened to the concerns that I had and was able to provide me with very insightful information as to the various experiences he has had with firms in the Manchester market. The preparatory work and specifically the interview preparation was most certainly what sets Michael apart Michael was always contactable whatever time of day/night and was always willing to assist wherever possible. I would highly recommend Michael.
Corporate Associate
International Law FirmWhen I spoke to Michael about my current role and the opportunities he was working on, he took out time to meet me for a coffee at my earliest convenience, listen to my concerns and was able to furnish me with a lot of details of firms and opportunities in the Manchester market, including the lawyers within those firms. Once I had established that I was only interested in my current role Michael didn't try and push me into meeting any other firms, instead he informed me all about the team, reasons why other team members had moved, the type of work and culture here and was able to set up a meeting asap (in a tight deadline before I left the country for a few weeks). Prior to the interview, Michael's advice and guidance was second to none, his knowledge of the market, lawyers and what to expect was great and when it came to receiving an offer he really had my best intentions in mind and was able to negotiate a great salary. I would highly recommend Michael and wouldn't hesitate to use him again.
Corporate Manager
Accountancy FirmNow that the dust has settled -I just wanted to drop you a quick email to say thank you for your help in securing my move. You understood exactly what I was looking for in my next role and I would highly recommend you as someone with excellent knowledge of the Manchester legal market and who is professional, responsive and diligent in their approach.
Corporate Senior Manager
Accountancy FirmIn the short period of time that I have worked with Michael, I have found him to be personable, professional and extremely diligent. Michael is always contactable and genuinely strives to meet the client's needs in seeking a new role. It is clear Michael has great insight into the mechanisms of a modern law firm and I had confidence in Michael to represent me to top-tier firms every step of the way.
Employment NQ
International Law FirmThe process of joining my current firm, through Michael, was very straightforward. An informal chat over coffee was then arranged with a partner, followed by a more formal meeting with two different partners. During this time, Michael Niven offered to carry out research into the firm, and offered advice as to the format of the "interview". I was then offered a position and my starting package was negotiated through Michael, who was extremely helpful and realistic about what I should be expecting.
Corporate Tax Associate
International Law FirmI made the decision to move from my firm upon qualification due to the location of NQ jobs. This was a difficult decision but made easier after I had met with Michael Niven who assured me that with his broad network and strong client base, he would be able to help me find the right NQ position. Michael took the time to understand my career objectives and quickly secured interviews for me, in two different practice areas as I was undecided in which to qualify. I was impressed by Michael's connections as some positions were not yet advertised and the interviews were obtained based on the strength of his relationships with the law firms in Manchester. During the interview process, Michael's support proved to be invaluable and I feel that improved my interview performances. When it came to selecting which practice area and law firm, I found Michael's insights into the industry to be extremely helpful. His pragmatic advice, coupled with his friendly and professional demeanour, made my decision much easier. Michael's honest and tailored approach to my search was a refreshing change from others in his industry. I have not hesitated in recommending Michael's services.
Pensions Associate
International Law FirmI was impressed by Michael's connections and relationships with the law firms in Manchester. Michael very quickly obtained interviews for me with two law firms and was even able to convince them to shorten the interview process as I was considering a job offer at the time. The assistance Michael provided whilst I prepared for the interviews was invaluable.I feel that it improved my performance in both interviews. When it came to making a decision about which law firm to choose, Michael provided me with advice and information which made the decision-making process much easier for me. I would not hesitate to recommend Michael's services to my colleagues.
Corporate NQ
International Law FirmMichael provided excellent service to me as part of the NQ application process leading to my successful application for an NQ role. I would recommend speaking to Michael.
Corporate NQ
International Law FirmMichael did a brilliant job for me recently placing me in a permanent position. He is personable, proactive and is always on hand to give helpful advice. I cannot recommend him highly enough and very much appreciate the assistance and advice he provided.
Corporate Associate
Regional Law FirmMy experience with Michael was overwhelmingly positive. Not only did he provide me with a real tailored service but he delivered well on his promise of finding me a real effective choice in terms of firm for me to move to. Michael spent a significant amount of time finding out about my motivations and what I was looking for in terms of role, team, progression and firm. On a more personal note, Michael is transparent, open and honest and a real a very genuine recruiter.
Commercial Litigation Solicitor
Regional Law FirmEven for someone with as much experience as myself this was an important part of the process, because it definitely meant that I was good starter for an interviewee to find out information about the firm and the partners that interview.
Commercial/IT Senior Associate
International Law FirmWhen I decided that I wanted to move firms Michael was extremely professional and helped me the manage the process as smoothly as possible.Following our initial meeting where we discussed my potential options, Michael helped me put together a CV which targeted the firm we had decided was the best fit for me and approached them on my behalf. When I was offered the interview Michael coached me on how to deal with challenging questions while emphasising my strengths, this meant that I was well prepared and in the best possible shape to pass the interview. After I was offered the position Michael negotiated with my new employer rigorously on my behalf, ensuring that the package I was offered was the best it could be and exceeded my expectations. After I accepted the position Michael talked me through the best way to resign from my current position and provided me with a template letter which I used as the basis for my resignation letter. Overall I have been delighted with the Michaels's assistance and he couldn't have done more to help; I would happily contact him again should I decide to make another move in the future.
Real Estate Solicitor
Regional Law FirmHaving attained a law degree, I was seeking employment within the legal sector and ideally a training contract. Michael's thorough knowledge of the North West legal market is incredible. He provided me with some really great advice and prepared me so well prior to my interview I was offered both a paralegal role and a training contract! I could not recommend him highly enough for anyone seeking advice or employment within law.
Commercial NQ
International Law FirmMichael did an excellent job in placing me in my perfect role. I was particularly impressed with how well he matched my skills and expertise to the role and how he represented me in negotiations over terms. Very grateful to him and would highly recommend.
Sports Law Consultant