MyTaylorRootJourney – Jon Coles

Jon is a legal recruitment specialist based in our Orlando office. He’s focused on both lateral hires for leading law firms as well as mid to senior in-house searches across a range of industries.

Jon, you joined Taylor Root in March 2024 to launch the brand in Orlando, what drew you to this opportunity?

There were many things that drew me to the opportunity but firstly it was to put myself out of my comfort zone and experience something different. The opportunity to build a market from the ground up, with no client base or candidates was certainly going to offer me that. After spending the last eight years of my recruiting career in London, I was also ready for a change. The investment and growth that The SR Group are looking to make into the US was also very appealing and something that I wanted to be a part of.

Outside of work, the weather and outdoor lifestyle including the hundreds of golf courses seemed a nice substitute for the rain and tube commutes in London as well.

This isn’t your first stint with Taylor Root, you previously worked in our London office between 2016 – 2021, what made you want to return to The SR Group?

The people and culture – I had an amazing five years working for The SR Group and I left on very good terms. Coming back to The SR Group felt like I had never left, and it was an easy decision to return. As mentioned in the first question, I was also excited about the opportunity to build a new market from scratch whilst having the opportunity to experience a different lifestyle.

Since joining our Orlando office, what has been your most memorable moment?

It’s hard to pick one specific moment but the various weekend trips to Miami, Tampa, New York and Nashville have all been memorable and I’m looking forward to planning more trips across the US.

What advice do you have for recruiters looking to make the switch to the U.S?

Be patient with the relocation process, do your due-diligence and speak with as many people as possible that have made a similar move and ask lots of questions. If you can make the move to the US, then do it, you’re only an eight-hour flight back to the UK. It’s not every day these types of opportunities come up so embrace it.

What career opportunities are there for people wanting to join the Taylor Root team in Orlando?

If you get excited by building a new market, then Orlando is the place to be. There’s so much opportunity to develop new client relationships with companies and law firms that we’ve never worked with before. There will be the opportunity to grow and manage your own team in the future all whilst helping to develop and grow the Taylor Root brand across the US.

Interested in developing your recruitment career with Taylor Root and the wider SR Group in the US?

We are looking for talented and experienced recruiters to join our teams in the US. In return for your hard work and dedication we offer a compelling benefit and salary package, alongside competitive bonuses and a supportive culture.

If you are interested in joining one of our brands in New York or Orlando, please don’t hesitate to submit your CV.