Our People

Lesley Wan is an accomplished General Counsel and leadership advisor, and one of the most trusted connectors in the legal profession. She is Chair of the British Legal Awards and began her career in private practice at Allen & Overy, Norton Rose and Russell McVeagh, before moving in-house and building a senior corporate legal career in the city.

For more than 14 years, Lesley has supported and mentored General Counsel as they navigated career moves, leadership challenges and moments of change. She brings a GC’s instinct to legal hiring — reading people as much as roles — and is known for her judgement, honesty and ability to spot talent and long-term fit.

She founded The Eagle Club to bring about cultural change in the profession and to help senior women back themselves, build confidence and step into leadership on their own terms. She is also the founder of Through the Looking Glass, a charity that opens doors to City careers for young people from less affluent backgrounds and sits on the board of London Business School (EurOut).

At Wan & Waples, she brings insight from the in-house world, deep relationships across the legal market and a human, values-led approach to legal recruitment.

Lesley enjoys travel, theatre, music, cinema, great food, champagne and the company of wonderful friends and family.

Charles Waples has spent over a decade in legal recruitment and search, working closely with lawyers and the organisations they support. During that time, he has held leadership roles within global search firms and advised senior legal leaders on permanent and interim appointments, often in complex or sensitive situations.

Charles is known for being straightforward, thoughtful and easy to work with. He cares deeply about doing things properly — taking the time to understand people, context and culture, rather than forcing outcomes or chasing volume. Clients and candidates value his honesty, judgement and calm approach.

At Wan & Waples, Charles leads the search work with a focus on quality, 
long-term relationships and raising standards across the profession.

Outside of work, he is most likely to be found on a golf course or a padel court.

Oliver Pawle is Chair of Korn Ferry UK, where he has been involved in a number of senior and board-level appointments across the UK market.

Prior to this, he spent 20 years at UBS as Vice Chairman of the Investment Banking Division, advising boards of major UK and international businesses.

Oliver is Chair of the Centre for Entrepreneurs, which provides skills training for young entrepreneurs. He is also a mentor and business angel to a number of founders and serves on the board of Tusk, a leading African conservation charity.

As Senior Advisor to Wan & Waples, Oliver acts as a strategic sounding board and mentor to the founders.

Tracey Lloyd is Executive Assistant at Wan & Waples. A former journalist 
and published author, she brings clarity, organisation and a steady hand 
to the firm.

Outside of work, Tracey is a qualified Pilates teacher.