An Interview with Andrew Porter, Director and Co-Founder of Origin Legal

Origin Legal, a leading specialist in legal recruitment, was co-founded by Andrew Porter and Rupert Haxell, 20 years ago with the goal of offering highly personalised recruitment services for law firms and candidates alike. Over the years, Andrew has been a driving force behind the company’s growth and reputation for excellence. In this interview, he shares his journey, insights into the legal recruitment industry and the values that make Origin Legal stand out.

What first inspired you to pursue a career in legal recruitment?

“I’ve always had an interest in law, but it was the human side of recruitment that really captivated me. I realised that recruitment allowed me to combine my interest in the legal sector with my passion for connecting people with career opportunities. The ability to help candidates find roles that align with their ambitions and assist law firms in finding the right talent has been incredibly rewarding. Even without practising law myself, I feel closely involved in the legal world. As we mark 20 years at Origin Legal, I’m proud of how we’ve been able to make those meaningful connections.”

Could you tell us a bit about your career journey and what led you to co-found Origin Legal?

“I began my legal recruitment career back in 1986 in Kent. After spending around a decade in the industry, I moved to Colchester in 1996, where I really started to focus on specialisation in legal recruitment. The vision for Origin Legal was borne out of the idea that the recruitment process could be more personalised. Rupert and I wanted to offer something different – a more bespoke service that would place people, rather than just filling roles. In 2005, we took the plunge and co-founded Origin Legal, and I’m proud of the progress we’ve made since then.”

How has Origin Legal evolved over the years, and what have been some key milestones?

“When we first started, Origin Legal was a small, niche recruitment agency. I remember the first day well – sitting on the floor with a phone, making calls, new business calls, whilst Rupert put together office furniture. The early days were tough, but they were some of the most exciting. Over time, we expanded our service offering to include a wider range of roles in the legal sector, embraced new recruitment technologies, and even started recruiting internationally. But what hasn’t changed are the core values we set out with – building strong, personal relationships, having in-depth industry knowledge, and maintaining a commitment to excellence. Those values have been the bedrock of our success.”

Looking back over the last 20 years, what are you most proud of in Origin Legal’s journey?

“There are so many things I’m proud of, but if I had to pick one, it would be the relationships we’ve built – not just with clients, but with candidates as well. Our ability to understand the unique needs of both sides and find the right fit has been the foundation of our success. I’m also incredibly proud of the team we’ve built at Origin Legal. We’ve been fortunate enough to attract some exceptionally talented people who share our vision and values, and together, we’ve created something truly special.”

If you could give your 2005 self some advice, what would it be knowing what you know now?

“I’d tell myself to trust the process and be patient. We always knew we had a strong vision, but the road wasn’t always smooth. Looking back, I think I would also remind myself to celebrate the small wins along the way and understand that growth doesn’t happen overnight. And I’d emphasise the importance of maintaining that personal touch. Recruitment is all about relationships, and while technology is crucial, it’s the human connections that truly set you apart.”

What’s been the biggest achievement for the Origin Legal team over the last 20 years?

“The biggest achievement has been maintaining the high standards we set for ourselves in the early days, despite all the changes in the recruitment industry. We’ve grown and adapted, but we’ve stayed true to our ethos of providing a personalised and consultative service. Our commitment to building lasting relationships with both clients and candidates has remained at the heart of everything we do, and that consistency is really what has helped us maintain our reputation for excellence.”

The legal recruitment industry has seen rapid changes. How has Origin Legal adapted to these shifts?

“The biggest change we’ve seen in the industry has undoubtedly been the rise of technology – particularly AI and online recruitment platforms. Recruitment is no longer just about picking up the phone and sending out CVs; we now use sophisticated tools to screen candidates and connect with talent worldwide. At Origin Legal, we’ve embraced these technological advancements to streamline our processes, but we’ve always ensured that technology complements our personal, human approach. It’s about striking the right balance between human insight and technological efficiency.”

What sets Origin Legal apart from other recruitment agencies in the legal sector?

“We stand out due to our deep, sector-specific knowledge of the legal market. Unlike many agencies that cover a broad range of industries, we focus exclusively on legal recruitment, which gives us a unique understanding of the sector’s nuances. Our approach is highly personalised, meaning both candidates and clients receive tailored service. This dedication to understanding our clients’ needs and our candidates’ aspirations is what has been our hallmark for the past 20 years.”

What drives you to continue your work in legal recruitment, year after year?

“I’m motivated by the satisfaction of helping people succeed in their careers. There’s a real sense of accomplishment when we place a candidate in a role that not only meets their expectations but also contributes to the success of a law firm. It’s about creating lasting impact, and that personal satisfaction is what keeps me driven every day.”

How do you foresee the role of legal recruitment evolving in the coming years?

“I see the role continuing to evolve with technology playing a larger part, especially with AI and machine learning. However, I firmly believe that the human element of recruitment will remain critical in building relationships and understanding the unique needs of both clients and candidates. Flexibility, remote working, and diversity will continue to shape the industry, and it’s exciting to be part of these changes. We’re committed to remaining at the forefront of these shifts, ensuring we remain leaders in the industry.”

What core values guide your work at Origin Legal?

“Our core values are integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to delivering excellent service. We believe in building long-term relationships based on trust, and we are passionate about ensuring the best possible outcomes for both candidates and clients. These values are what define us and shape our culture, ensuring that everything we do is rooted in our commitment to the highest standards.”

What’s the one thing you’d most like to see Origin Legal achieve in the next 5 to 10 years?

“I’d love to see us expand even further, both in the UK and internationally. We’ve already made significant strides, but there’s more potential to build stronger partnerships with law firms around the world. I also want to see us continue to innovate in our methods, keeping us at the forefront of the legal recruitment industry, while staying true to the values that have made us successful.”

What legacy would you like to leave after 20 years in the legal recruitment industry?

“I hope Origin Legal is remembered for setting the bar in personalised, relationship-driven recruitment. I want our legacy to reflect the integrity and excellence we’ve built the business on, and for people to think of us as a company that not only changed the careers of individual candidates but helped law firms build better, more diverse teams. Ultimately, I want our work to have had a lasting, positive impact on the legal sector.”