How to hire regulatory leadership outside London
The short answer
Hiring regulatory leadership outside London requires clarity on location, flexibility, salary and candidate pool.
Strong candidates exist outside London, but the market is smaller. Firms need to be realistic about hybrid working, relocation, regional salary expectations and whether the role genuinely requires frequent office presence.
Why regional hiring is different
The candidate pool is usually thinner, especially for senior law firm Risk & Compliance roles.
Many strong candidates may already be in stable roles. Others may be open only if the role offers flexibility, authority or a meaningful step up.
How to widen the market
Consider hybrid arrangements, candidates from nearby legal markets, candidates with professional services backgrounds and senior candidates who can commute periodically rather than daily.
Be clear about what is essential and what can flex.
What salary approach works?
Do not assume regional always means materially cheaper. A senior candidate with scarce expertise may still command a strong salary, especially if the role has broad responsibility.
Benchmark against scope, not postcode alone.
Bottom line
Regional regulatory leadership hiring is possible, but it needs precision.
The firms that do best are clear on mandate, flexible where possible and realistic about market scarcity.
Want to know more?
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