Managing Director
Tony Tomkins
Tony founded VG Charles & Co in 2009 and has recruited within the legal arena since 1986, having previously practised at the Bar establishing a substantial criminal practice in both London and the provinces.
Tony specialises in senior lateral hires in both the domestic and international markets across all practice areas and has established a close working relationship with a select number of Top 100 firms, assisting them in strategic partner recruitment projects of significant importance.
He has worked for several substantial regional, national and international firms being retained to identify and facilitate team restructures, whole firm mergers and new office set-ups.
Our People
Testimonials
What people say about working with Tony
“I have known Tony for many years and have always regarded him as one of the most knowledgeable people in the legal recruitment market. His relationships across the profession are exceptional, but it is his judgement that sets him apart. He understands both the opportunities and the risks involved in major strategic decisions and has always given me completely frank advice.”
“We approached Tony when we were considering whether the time had come for our firm to join a larger practice. He introduced us to a number of potential firms and handled the discussions with complete discretion. The eventual transaction did not proceed, but Tony remained constructive and professional throughout. He never made us feel that a failed deal was a problem for him. His concern was always what was right for us.”
“Tony helped us explore a potential merger with a considerably larger firm. There was a point where we were becoming increasingly committed to the idea when Tony came back to us with information he had learned through his extensive network. His advice was emphatic: he told us that, in his view, we should not proceed. We followed his advice and subsequently realised that he had been absolutely right. That experience told me everything I needed to know about his integrity.”
“Tony has been involved in several important discussions concerning the future of our practice. Not all of them resulted in a transaction, but that has never affected his professionalism. He understands that circumstances change and that sometimes the right answer is to walk away. I have always valued the fact that he is prepared to put the client's interests ahead of his own.”
“When we first discussed the possibility of joining a larger firm, Tony was invaluable in helping us understand the market. He knew which firms were genuinely acquisitive and which were simply interested in having conversations. One particular opportunity ultimately fell away for reasons outside anyone's control. Tony remained completely constructive throughout and continued to help us consider our options. I would have no hesitation in recommending him.”
“Tony brings an unusual combination of market knowledge and commercial judgement. During one potential transaction, he became aware of information that materially changed his view of the proposed deal. Rather than trying to keep the transaction alive, he advised us very strongly not to proceed. That was not the advice we were expecting, but it was undoubtedly the right advice. It demonstrated that his reputation matters more to him than any individual transaction.”
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“We used Tony to help us explore a strategic combination with a larger law firm. He was exceptionally good at opening doors and understanding how the other side was likely to view our business. The transaction ultimately did not complete, but Tony handled the process with complete professionalism and remained helpful afterwards. There was never any sense of disappointment or pressure from him.”
“Tony's knowledge of the legal market is extraordinary. He understands which firms are expanding, which have the appetite for acquisitions and, perhaps most importantly, which potential combinations make sense culturally. On one occasion he actually advised us against a transaction that looked attractive on paper. His reasoning was persuasive, and with hindsight his advice was extremely valuable.”
“We were understandably nervous about discussing the possibility of selling or merging our practice. Tony handled the situation with great sensitivity and discretion. He helped us identify potential partners and gave us an honest assessment of each. One discussion ultimately went nowhere, but Tony continued to advise us constructively rather than simply moving on to the next opportunity. That is indicative of the relationship he builds with clients.”
“Tony has an extraordinary network within the legal profession and knows how to use it intelligently. He helped us establish discussions with a larger firm which ultimately resulted in a successful combination. What impressed me most was that he never tried to force the deal. When there were difficult issues, he gave us his honest view and allowed us to make the final decision.”
“I have dealt with Tony both in relation to partner recruitment and strategic discussions about the future of our firm. His advice has always been candid. On one occasion a proposed transaction had reached quite an advanced stage before Tony advised us that he no longer thought it was right for us. The transaction was abandoned. Looking back, that was one of the most valuable pieces of advice he gave us.”
“Tony helped us identify and approach a larger firm with which we ultimately combined our practice. His knowledge of the market was invaluable, but so was his understanding of how to manage the human side of the process. He was discreet, patient and realistic throughout. He understood that there would be moments when emotions ran high and remained a calm and trusted adviser.”
“Not every conversation that Tony facilitates results in a deal, and I think that is actually one of his strengths. We explored a potential merger through Tony which ultimately did not happen. At no point did he try to persuade us to compromise our position simply to get the transaction completed. He remained entirely professional and continued to give us useful market intelligence afterwards.”
“Tony was instrumental in helping us understand the potential market for our firm. He was able to speak to senior people at larger practices and obtain a level of market feedback that we simply could not have generated ourselves. One potential deal eventually collapsed over commercial differences. Tony dealt with that outcome extremely well and remained as engaged and constructive as he had been at the beginning.”
“I have always found Tony to be unusually straight with me. On one occasion he told me very firmly that he did not think a particular opportunity was right for our firm. He had no difficulty in giving that advice despite having invested considerable time in the process. That was precisely why I trusted him. He is not someone who tells clients what they want to hear.”
“Tony's involvement in our discussions with a larger firm went considerably beyond simply making an introduction. He helped us understand how the other firm would view our practice and what the potential benefits and risks were. Although that particular transaction did not complete, the process was handled professionally from beginning to end. We came away with an even greater respect for Tony and his judgement.”
“After more than 40 years in the legal market, Tony has a depth of relationships and knowledge that is extremely difficult to replicate. He knows the personalities as well as the businesses. On one occasion he obtained information during negotiations which caused him to advise us, very strongly, to step away. We did so. It was a difficult decision at the time, but it proved to be the right one. That level of integrity is rare.”
“We asked Tony to help us find a larger firm with which we could combine our practice. He identified several possibilities and managed the process sensitively. One potential combination ultimately didn't proceed, but Tony never became frustrated or disengaged. He continued to provide advice and introductions and helped us reassess our strategy. That long-term approach is one of his greatest strengths.”
“Tony has advised me on some of the most significant professional decisions I have made. What distinguishes him is that he is not driven simply by getting a deal done. He is prepared to tell you when he thinks something is wrong, even when that means a transaction he has worked hard to develop will not proceed. I have always regarded that independence as one of his greatest qualities.”
“I have worked with Tony on both partner recruitment and discussions concerning the strategic future of our firm. His knowledge of the legal market is exceptional, but what I value most is his integrity. He has been involved in transactions that completed successfully and others that did not. Regardless of the outcome, he has always remained professional, discreet and constructive. On at least one occasion his advice was emphatically to walk away from a deal. We listened to him, and with hindsight it was absolutely the right decision. That is the sort of adviser you want alongside you when the stakes are high.”