HarKaye Core Talent Appoints Karen Rawlings as Head of Legal in Strategic Growth Move

HarKaye Core Talent, the specialist legal recruitment consultancy, has announced the appointment of Karen Rawlings as Head of Legal — a significant hire that signals the next phase of growth for a business that has made a strong impression since launching in January 2025.

Karen brings more than 25 years of experience across agency recruitment, business ownership, and in-house talent acquisition — including six years with internationally recognised law firm Pinsent Masons, where she ultimately led talent engagement globally. It is a career that spans the full legal spectrum, from legal support professionals through to senior partners and general counsel, and one that gives her a depth of commercial insight rarely found in the legal recruitment market.

What the team had to say:

Karen commented: “I am thrilled to be joining HarKaye Core Talent. Since launching in January 2025, the business has gone from strength to strength, driven by a refreshing ethical and consultative approach to recruitment — values which align perfectly with my own. I’m excited to be part of this next stage of growth and look forward to working alongside an exceptional team, supporting clients and candidates across the legal market. Here’s to an exciting new chapter!”

Jaye Haynes, CEO, added: “Karen is exactly the calibre of leader we want in our business. Her ability to understand both the commercial needs of our clients and the career aspirations of our candidates is exceptional. She embodies our values, our culture, and our ethos — and I’m incredibly excited to have her on board as we continue to grow.”

Louise Wrench, COO, commented: “Karen’s combination of agency, business ownership, and in-house experience at a firm of the calibre of Pinsent Masons gives her a perspective that goes well beyond traditional recruitment. Her market insight, professionalism, and commitment to delivering outstanding results make her a fantastic addition to the HarKaye leadership team.”

A business to watch

HarKaye Core Talent has established itself quickly as a genuine alternative in the legal recruitment market — built on an ethical, consultative model that prioritises lasting relationships over transactional hiring. Karen’s appointment reinforces that ambition and strengthens HarKaye’s ability to support law firms and in-house legal teams across the  UK.

To find out more about HarKaye Core Talent visit www.HarKaye.com or connect with the team on LinkedIn.