Background
Matrix Chambers is one of the UK's leading barristers' chambers, with offices in London, Geneva and Brussels. Known for its expertise across a broad range of domestic and international legal matters, Matrix brings together some of the country's most respected independent barristers, advising clients across public, commercial, human rights and international law.
To support the smooth operation of its London headquarters, Matrix Chambers appointed Maxwell Stephens on an exclusive basis to recruit a Facilities Coordinator. The appointment mattered: the workplace had to keep operating efficiently while meeting the standards expected within a leading legal environment.
The Challenge
Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the Facilities Coordinator would play a central role in managing the day-to-day operation of Matrix Chambers' offices while supporting business continuity and maintaining a high-quality working environment for barristers, staff and visitors.
The successful candidate needed to combine strong organisational skills with a proactive, customer-focused approach and the ability to manage a wide range of operational responsibilities. Key responsibilities included:
- Coordinating the day-to-day delivery of facilities management services.
- Managing relationships with external contractors and service providers.
- Overseeing planned and reactive maintenance programmes.
- Monitoring supplier performance and ensuring value for money.
- Maintaining the presentation and appearance of the offices.
- Supporting business continuity and disaster recovery planning.
- Managing office telecommunications systems.
- Assisting with meeting and event coordination.
- Supervising the Facilities & Administration Assistant.
- Supporting Health & Safety compliance.
- Responding to occasional out-of-hours operational, IT and security issues.
The role demanded flexibility, professionalism and the ability to manage competing priorities within a fast-paced professional services environment where service quality and attention to detail were paramount. Chambers are a particular case: the coordinator serves a body of self-employed barristers as well as staff, and expectations of discretion and responsiveness are set accordingly.
Our Approach
Working closely with Matrix Chambers' leadership team, Maxwell Stephens developed a detailed understanding of the organisation's operational requirements, workplace culture and expectations. We then undertook a targeted executive search focusing on facilities professionals with experience supporting high-profile corporate and professional services environments.
Our search prioritised candidates with experience in:
- Facilities coordination and office management.
- Contractor and supplier management.
- Building maintenance administration.
- Health & Safety and fire safety compliance.
- Business continuity planning.
- Event and meeting support.
- Office technology and basic IT support.
- Team supervision and administration.
- Customer-focused workplace services.
Alongside technical capability, cultural fit was a major consideration. We sought candidates who demonstrated professionalism, discretion, strong communication skills and a genuine commitment to service in a client-facing legal environment.
The Outcome
Following a comprehensive executive search and assessment process, Maxwell Stephens appointed a Facilities Coordinator who brought strong organisational skills, facilities management experience and a proactive approach to workplace operations, enabling them to integrate quickly into the business.
Since joining Matrix Chambers, they have:
- Enhanced day-to-day facilities operations.
- Improved contractor coordination and supplier performance.
- Supported business continuity planning.
- Maintained high workplace presentation standards.
- Strengthened administrative processes across the facilities function.
- Delivered responsive support to colleagues, barristers and visitors.
- Helped ensure the smooth operation of one of the UK's leading legal practices.
The appointment reinforced Maxwell Stephens' record of recruiting facilities professionals into professional services organisations where quality, discretion and service standards are essential.
Executive Search for Professional Services
Professional services firms need facilities professionals who combine operational competence with customer service, discretion and attention to detail. Through its specialist facilities management recruitment expertise, Maxwell Stephens delivered an appointment that continues to support the efficient operation of Matrix Chambers' London headquarters.
Candidate Testimonial
"After months of struggling to find the right opportunity, Maxwell Stephens secured me an interview almost immediately with an outstanding organisation that turned out to be the perfect role. Their professionalism, attention to detail and continuous support throughout the process made a real difference to my career. I would highly recommend Maxwell Stephens to anyone looking to take the next step."
If you are recruiting a Facilities Coordinator or office operations lead for chambers, a law firm or another client-facing professional services environment, Maxwell Stephens can help you define the brief and reach candidates with the right blend of capability and discretion. Get in touch with our team.