In this episode of RecTalk, Nitin Sharma sits down with the man many recruiters know as “Backdoor Barry” — Barry Cullen, Partner & Solicitor at recLAW, one of the UK’s leading specialist law firms serving the recruitment industry.

Barry lifts the lid on what recLAW really does (spoiler: it’s much more than just backdoor fee claims), how the firm has grown to a multi-lawyer practice, and why recruiters often misunderstand legal risk until it’s too late.

This is a straight-talking, myth-busting conversation covering everything from fee disputes and effective cause, to restrictive covenants that actually are enforceable, preventative legal strategies, and why recruiters need to stop relying on luck instead of systems.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why “we didn’t agree terms” and “you didn’t cause the engagement” are the most common fee dispute arguments
• How to contract out of effective cause (and why it matters)
• Practical steps recruiters can take to protect fees before disputes happen
• The truth about restrictive covenants — and real cases where recruiters were fined heavily
• Why restraints of trade aren’t “worthless” (despite what LinkedIn says)
• How recLAW helps recruiters with disputes, employment law, corporate deals, and M&A
• The danger of celebrating fees before the cash hits the bank
• Why prevention is cheaper (and smarter) than firefighting legal problems
• How recruitment businesses sabotage themselves by ignoring process, training, and documentation

Barry also shares candid views on recruiter reputation, ethical misconceptions about lawyers, and why recruiters should value their own expertise more confidently.

This episode is essential listening for any recruitment business owner who wants fewer disputes, stronger protection, and fewer nasty surprises.

🔗 Connect with the guest

Barry Cullen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrycullen/

Check out recLAW: https://www.rectools.io/product/reclaw/

🔗 Connect with the host

Nitin Sharma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitin-rectools/

Discover recruitment tools and services: https://www.rectools.io/

New episodes of RecTalk, including Founder Diaries and Talking Talent, drop every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Look out for new episodes of The Mixed Grill — the official podcast of the Recruitment Curry Club — dropping on Thursdays.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-recruitment-curry-club/

Listen on another platform: https://rectalk.co.uk/

#RecTalk #RecruitmentLaw #BackdoorFees #FeeDisputes #RestrictiveCovenants #RecruitmentAgency #RecruitmentBusiness #RecruiterProblems #recLAW #Rectools