James Brewster

Director | Head of Regions

Birmingham, UK

Headshot of James Brewster

James’s Recent placements

  • Senior Associate | Gowling WLG
  • Legal Director | Pinsent Masons
  • Senior Associate | Gowling WLG
  • Associate | Clarke Willmott

James Brewster is a Midlands‑based legal recruiter at Taylor Root, supporting organisations across Birmingham and the wider region with the recruitment of lawyers at all levels. As part of a global legal recruitment agency, he partners with a broad range of clients to identify, attract, and secure high‑quality lawyers for permanent roles across both private practice and in‑house legal teams in the Midlands.

With strong knowledge of the Birmingham legal landscape, James provides strategic advice on hiring trends, team structures, and long‑term talent planning. Known for his relationship‑driven and consultative approach, he supports clients through tailored search strategies and a significant understanding of the regional legal community.

James leads our Birmingham office. Having started his career in legal recruitment in 2002 and worked at various well‑known legal recruitment firms. James is a graduate of St Mary’s University, Twickenham, where he earned a degree in sport science and education.

James’s testimonials

Senior Associate | International Law Firm

“James did a fantastic job of assisting in finding me a new role which allowed me to relocate to Birmingham. Guidance was given at each step of the recruitment process as James and the team were communicative throughout. Taylor Root was able to give sector-specific advice and found great job opportunities (despite the market being difficult).”

Senior Associate | International Law Firm

“James and all the team at Taylor Root were so helpful from day one. James put me at ease, was able to answer all my questions and encouraged me. He took my responses and made suggestions for roles I would never have considered on my own and I’m so glad he did because I’ve landed in a role where I know I will be challenged, but will thrive. James’ knowledge of the market is next to none and his relationships with individual firms means he is able to thoroughly prepare candidates before interviews. I really enjoyed the whole process and would recommend James and Taylor Root to anyone considering a change in role – thank you.”

Corporate Senior Associate/Principal Associate

The Role The successful candidate will work closely with partners and senior leaders on a broad range of corporate matters, including: Mergers and acquisitions Private equity Equity capital markets Joint ventures Group restructurings The Birmingham team is consistently ranked as a top-tier corporate practice, advising national and global clients on complex and often multi‑jurisdictional transactions […]
  • Posted Posted 3 days ago

Read more

Employment Senior Associate 3+PQE

About the Team You’ll be joining a collaborative group of employment lawyers working across Birmingham and London. The team has a strong national reputation, known for being great people to work with and for delivering practical, clear, and commercially focused advice-not just legal theory. The culture is supportive, down‑to‑earth and development‑focused. You’ll benefit from excellent […]
  • Posted Posted 1 week ago

Read more

Real Estate Associate NQ-2 PQE

A global law firm is seeking ambitious Associates (0-2 PQE) to join its growing Commercial Development & Investment team in Birmingham. This is an opportunity to work on high‑value, high‑profile development and investment projects across a wide range of commercial sectors. About the Team The firm is home to one of the UK’s largest and […]
  • Posted Posted 1 week ago

Read more

Employment Associate/Senior Associate

Join a leading commercial law firm in Birmingham with top‑tier rankings and an ambitious growth strategy – they’re looking for an Employment Solicitor to join its market‑leading national Employment, Pensions & Immigration team. You’ll advise employers across sectors including public sector, health and care, housing, commercial services, higher education and financial services, working on a […]
  • Posted Posted 2 weeks ago

Read more

Real Estate Senior/Principal Associate

Join one of the UK’s leading Housing Development & Regeneration teams, part of the third‑largest Real Estate practice in the UK. The opportunity You’ll work with market‑leading housebuilders and residential developers on complex, high‑value residential development matters – including strategic land, options and promotions, joint ventures, overage, mixed‑use, and regeneration projects. This role focuses on […]
  • Posted Posted 2 weeks ago

Read more

Corporate Partner

Taylor Root is working exclusively on a unique Partner-level opportunity within the Corporate team at a leading national UK law firm. Why join this team? ✅ Recognised as one of the most dynamic and high-performing teams in the UK mid-market ✅ £multi-billion in deals, including landmark transactions across technology, healthcare, energy, and private equity ✅ […]
  • Posted Posted 2 weeks ago

Read more

Construction Associate/Senior Associate

Associate / Senior Associate / Director Birmingham | Hybrid Working This global law firm is seeking an experienced Construction & Engineering lawyer at Associate, Senior Associate, or Director level to join its growing Birmingham practice. This is a standout opportunity to develop your career in a close‑knit, supportive team while working on complex, high‑value national […]
  • Posted Posted 2 weeks ago

Read more