About Us

About Us

Barker Morris Legal Search was founded by Kelly Barker and Neelam Morris in 2021.

Our co-founders, Kelly and Neelam, first met in 2005 whilst working for one of the world’s largest recruitment agencies. They both have legal backgrounds and are vastly experienced legal recruiters, having worked through all manner of market highs and lows across the 2000s, 2010s and 2020s. In 2021, they co-founded Barker Morris Legal Search.


Barker Morris Legal Search is a boutique legal recruitment consultancy providing a bespoke service to lawyers, law firms, and in-house legal teams across the UK.  Whilst a bespoke service means that we tailor our search to suit the requirements of clients and lawyers, the unwavering commitment to our values remains constant:


  • Professionalism & Integrity


  • Experienced & Connected


  • Confidentiality & Discretion


  • Relationships & Collaboration


We partner with a huge range of law firm clients - from top tier national and international firms to small, boutique practices. We are experienced in strategic and retained headhunt searches for Partners and Department Heads, as well as contingent recruitment for Associates and Senior Associates. We undertake projects across the whole range of practice areas.


On the in-house side, we have successfully completed legal recruitment projects for companies of all sizes (start-ups to FTSE 100) in a whole range of sectors: from IT to healthcare, recruitment to manufacturing, financial services to real estate, and everything in between. We recruit at all levels of experience, from NQ Legal Counsel  to Head of Legal and General Counsel.


For lawyers considering their career options, we possess extensive experience collaborating with lawyers at every career level, from Trainee Solicitors and Associates, to Partners and General Counsel. Many of the hiring Heads of Legal and Partners we are instructed by were once supported by Neelam and Kelly during their early legal careers!


Get in touch and let us show how we can add value to your search.

Kelly Barker

kelly@barker-morris.com 07786 624 673 LinkedIn Profile

Kelly read Law at the University of Leeds before training and qualifying as a solicitor in Nottingham in 2001. She moved to London on qualification and gained 3PQE in commercial litigation, before joining one of the world's leading recruitment businesses and ultimately working as a Business Manager in the Legal Division, based in the City.  Kelly has been based back in the Midlands now for many years and co-founded Barker Morris Legal Search in 2021.


Kelly is a trusted advisor to clients and lawyers, who often remark how refreshingly honest she is; always objective, discrete and easy to work with. Proud of the business she and Neelam have built, and the unparalleled level of combined expertise and service they offer, Kelly remains as motivated to complete challenging searches as she was 20 years ago.


Away from her desk, Kelly is likely to be found outside: running round after one or more of her three children, two dogs, four horses or a netball!

Neelam Morris

neelam@barker-morris.com 07813 065 096 LinkedIn Profile

Originally from Yorkshire, Neelam moved to the Midlands for her Law degree at the University of Birmingham. After completing the LPC at the College of Law and spending time in private practice, she transitioned into legal recruitment in 2005. Neelam spent a number of years with a global recruitment agency and was responsible for managing the Midlands Legal team. Neelam later worked for two national specialist legal recruitment businesses.


Known for her straightforward, pragmatic approach, she excels at placing lawyers of all levels and provides strategic advice to clients and lawyers.  Neelam stands out for her tenacity and enthusiasm; often succeeding where others have struggled. Her greatest joy comes from helping lawyers make significant career advancements, leveraging their potential in unexpected roles.


Outside of work, Neelam enjoys time with her two daughters and loves Punjabi cooking!

Our Values

Professionalism & Integrity

Our reputation for professionalism and integrity precedes us. You can trust that we will be transparent and always give honest, objective advice. 



Experienced & Connected

Co-founders Neelam and Kelly have been sourcing top legal talent for over 20 years. Experienced, knowledgeable and well-connected: we know what we're talking about!

Confidentiality & Discretion

You can be assured of complete confidentiality and discretion when you work with us. We are trusted advisors of lawyers, law firms and corporates all over the UK.

Relationships & Collaboration

Relationships are everything in recruitment. We work collaboratively, ensuring you receive the benefit of our combined years of experience and relationships.

What Lawyers Say About Us

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