The short answer: no. In the UK it is unlawful for a recruitment agency to charge a candidate a fee for finding them work, or for trying to find them work. When a legal recruitment agency helps you move to a new role, the hiring law firm or employer pays the fee. As a solicitor, paralegal or legal secretary, you should never be asked to pay to be put forward for a job.
Below we explain the rules, how agency fees actually work in legal recruitment, and what to do if an agency asks you for money.
Is it legal for a recruitment agency to charge candidates?
No. Under section 6 of the Employment Agencies Act 1973 and the Conduct of Employment Agencies and Employment Businesses Regulations 2003, an employment agency cannot charge a work-seeker a fee for finding them work or seeking to find them work. The GOV.UK guidance on agency fees puts it simply: agencies cannot charge you a fee for finding you work. The same rules apply in Scotland, England and Wales.
Can an agency charge for anything at all?
There are limited exceptions. An agency can offer some optional extra services, such as CV writing, training or transport, and charge for them, but only if:
- you are given written details of the service and the fee before you agree to it;
- using the paid service is not a condition of the agency finding you work; and
- you can cancel or withdraw without penalty by giving notice (normally five working days, or ten working days for accommodation).
In legal recruitment, these paid extras are rare. A reputable legal recruiter will help you improve your CV, prepare for interview and negotiate your offer at no cost to you, because that work is part of placing you successfully.
So who pays the recruitment agency?
The employer. When a law firm, in-house legal team or public body asks a recruiter to find a lawyer, it agrees terms with the agency. The fee is only paid by the hiring organisation. Your salary is not reduced to cover it, and the fee does not come out of your pay.
How much do law firms pay legal recruiters?
Most legal recruitment fees in the UK are calculated as a percentage of the candidate's annual salary, typically between 15% and 30% of first-year base salary, and commonly around 20% to 25%. The main fee models are:
- Contingency. The firm pays only if it hires a candidate the agency introduced. This is the most common model, but the recruiter may be competing with other agencies on the same role.
- Retained. The firm pays part of the fee up front to secure a dedicated search, often for senior or hard to fill roles such as partners and heads of department. This usually delivers a tightly researched shortlist.
- Fixed fee. A set amount agreed in advance regardless of salary, sometimes used for volume or junior hiring.
At Legal Recruitment Scotland we work with a small, transparent retainer for employers, so firms get a committed search and know exactly what they will pay. You can read more about how we work on our about us page and in our article on why you should use a legal recruitment consultant in Scotland.
Does using a recruiter make me more expensive to hire?
This is a common worry, but in practice it rarely affects whether you are hired. Firms that use recruiters budget for the fee because it saves partners time on advertising, sifting CVs and first stage screening. For many Scottish firms, especially when they need an experienced private client, conveyancing or litigation solicitor, a specialist recruiter is the fastest way to reach good candidates who are not actively applying. A strong candidate introduced by a trusted recruiter is often seen as lower risk, not higher cost.
What should a legal recruiter do for candidates?
A good legal recruiter should:
- understand your practice area, PQE and long term goals;
- only send your CV to a firm with your permission, every time;
- give you honest market and salary advice;
- prepare you properly for interviews and give you feedback afterwards;
- help you negotiate salary, flexible working and other terms; and
- keep your search completely confidential.
What if an agency asks me to pay a fee?
Do not pay. If an agency says you must pay to register, to be put forward for roles or to secure a job, that is not permitted. Ask for the request in writing, contact Acas for free and impartial advice, and follow the GOV.UK employment agencies guidance on how to report an agency that breaks the rules. Be particularly wary of job adverts that ask for upfront payments for training, visas or document checks.
Frequently asked questions
Do recruitment agencies charge candidates in the UK?
No. UK law prevents employment agencies from charging candidates a fee for finding them work. The employer pays the recruitment fee.
Who pays the legal recruitment agency fee?
The law firm or employer that hires you pays the fee. It does not come out of your salary.
What percentage do legal recruiters charge?
Legal recruitment fees in the UK are typically 15% to 30% of the candidate's first-year salary, commonly around 20% to 25%, paid by the employer. Some recruiters, including Legal Recruitment Scotland, use a retained or fixed fee instead.
Can a recruitment agency charge me for CV writing?
Only as an optional extra, with written details of the fee in advance, and it cannot be a condition of the agency finding you work. You can cancel with five working days notice.
Free, confidential help with your next move
Our service to lawyers is always free. If you are thinking about your next role, get in touch in confidence. If you are a firm looking to hire, ask us about our retained search.
