A Norfolk-based recruitment consultancy focused on discreet legal appointments has launched after securing £10,000 in Start Up Loans funding to support its early growth.
LEXACT Legal Recruitment, founded by David MacDuff at the end of 2025, has received backing through GC Business Finance, delivered on behalf of the British Business Bank.
The funding is intended to provide headroom during the firm’s launch phase, covering salary and overheads while relationships with law firms and candidates are established.
CAREER MOVE SPECIALIST
LEXACT specialises in candidate-led legal recruitment, working with lawyers at all levels on what it describes as carefully considered career moves. The business places emphasis on long-term fit rather than high-volume placements, positioning itself against what MacDuff sees as a more transactional approach within parts of the legal recruitment market.
Before moving into legal recruitment, MacDuff (pictured) spent 15 years in estate agency. After starting a family, he concluded that the role no longer suited his work-life balance and began exploring a move into the legal sector, encouraged by a former mentor in legal recruitment.
Drawing parallels between estate agency and law firms, particularly in the importance of trust, discretion and long-term relationships, he established LEXACT to focus on what he views as a gap in the market for more tailored recruitment support.
MacDuff says: “Legal recruitment should be personal. Lawyers invest years of study, time and money into their careers, so a move needs to feel right, not just look good on paper. LEXACT was built to bring clarity and discretion back into the process, focusing on fit rather than volume.”
Since launching in November, the firm has agreed terms with a number of law firms across the UK and is working with lawyers across the sector. The business plans to grow its candidate network and, in time, expand the team by training recruiters aligned with its approach.
MacDuff says: “Starting a recruitment business in the legal sector comes with unique challenges, particularly around long notice periods and confidentiality.
“The support from GCBF gave me the breathing space to focus on building the business properly, without the immediate pressure of short-term billing.
“It finally felt like someone truly understood both the business model and the personal journey behind it.”
Alex Mearns, head of start up lending at GC Business Finance, adds: “LEXACT is a great example of a founder identifying a real gap in the market and building a business around quality, care and long-term relationships.
“The Start Up Loans programme is designed to give founders like David the time and support needed to build a strong foundation for growth, with John, the underwriter on this deal, providing valuable support throughout the process. I look forward to seeing what the business will achieve next.”
