11 Nov Why Marsden? Sonia Patel
Sonia Patel joined Marsden in 2016 and is a senior consultant and head of our Middle East private practice group, focusing on associate and partner recruitment across the GCC and London markets.
Sonia did a law degree and graduated in the recession of 2008; the competition for legal training contracts was fierce at the time due to the tough economic situation, so she decided to diversify her job search. A rec to rec (a recruiter who specialises in finding recruiters) took her through how the recruitment industry worked and she thought it would suit her strengths and people skills, and she landed her first role in 2010, initially doing non-legal recruitment.
From 2013 to 2015 she worked in Dubai in legal recruitment, recruiting for a variety of in-house and private practice roles in Dubai, before moving back to London. A contact introduced her to Marsden and its founder Jonathan Marsden. Moving to Marsden brought her back to working with Aaron Faith, a leading name in Middle East in-house recruitment who set up Marsden’s Dubai office in 2016. “Jonny and Aaron offered me a fantastic opportunity to do Middle East legal recruitment, using my skills, contact and experience, but from London.”
While the rest of our London private practice team sources legal talent internationally, Sonia has had a particular focus on the Middle East since 2019. She has made successful placements in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Oman and across the region. Around 65% of her candidates move to the region, with the remaining 35% moving within the market. Having lived and worked in Dubai herself she is ideally positioned to impart her knowledge of the legal scene as well as give candid and practical advice. She often helps people overcome misconceptions and understand the nuances of living and working in the Middle East. “People often think that it will be a restrictive environment, but it is very expat-oriented and is great for both the single lifestyle and with a family.”
She goes to Dubai once a quarter to meet candidates, potential candidates, and clients. “Building relationships is very important in the Dubai market, where face to face contact is particularly valued.” She recruits lawyers at all levels, from NQ right up to partner level in both international and highly regarded domestic firms in the Middle East. Busy areas tend to be corporate, construction and projects, banking and finance, and international arbitration – Dubai is home to the Dubai International Arbitration Centre which aims to be one of the top five arbitral institutions worldwide within the next three years.
At Marsden Sonia has been able to build her own practice on her own terms and works flexibly from home and in the London office. She tends to start early to fit in with the Middle East time zone and is at then at home in the late afternoon to be there for her dog Chewie. “At Marsden it is a very supportive environment, and it is a genuine team, with a family feel.” When Sonia suffered a devastating personal loss in 2018 with the passing of her husband, the team could not have been more supportive. “Jonny Marsden and Michelle Mills were incredible and gave me all the resources, flexibility and time I needed.” The approach has paid off – Sonia has just completed her most successful year in recruitment to date.
Sonia has no regrets about not following her original career path. She has built an extensive and successful network across the Middle East legal market and is enthusiastic about the career development it can offer.
“I love being able to make a genuine difference to peoples’ careers and improve their lives, whether it is providing a better work life balance or a greater platform to develop on. In the Middle East teams tend to be leaner which enables lawyers to take on broader roles, often with higher levels of responsibility and client exposure than they would get elsewhere.”
Sonia’s past candidates and clients agree and love her approach. “I felt that Sonia genuinely cared about me as a candidate and found a number of exceptional opportunities tailored to my requirements,” said one. Another commented: “Sonia is well connected in the Middle East and responsive to what is required when looking for, and placing, staff. She’s friendly and persistent in equal measures and someone to whom it is absolutely worth reaching out. She’ll have your best interests front and centre every time.”