Akin Adds Leading Lawyers in M&A and Real Estate Funds in Chicago
Corporate partners Joshua La Vigne and Jessica Pan join Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP’s Chicago, Illinois office.
Joe is a pleasure to work with. Within two days of speaking with Joe I was scheduled to interview at a firm in downtown Chicago. Within two weeks, I was hired. Joe was extremely communicative and helpful throughout the process. If I ever had any questions, he would answer them immediately. Joe is not like other recruiters who submit your application and then disappear. I truly recommend him if you are looking to make a career move.
Nick A.
Associate Attorney
Joe is seriously a superstar! I was in a bind to move across the country in a short amount of time but wanted to have my job lined up. We spoke right after I put my resume out there. I had several interviews within that first week and had a job secured within two. He really cares about the people he is helping. _I’m so thankful for Joe and his assistance & help throughout this process. He is truly an amazing recruiter that knows what he’s doing. _
I’m finishing my 1st month and it’s all thanks to him for introducing me!
Kali R.
Family Law Legal Assistant
Ms. Dent was instrumental in helping me acquire a new legal position that was responsive to my interests and skillet. Her coaching and assistance were fundamental in helping me change to a new field. She would take time to handle my calls, answered any questions, then gave me pertinent advice in handling the interview process. I was ultimately placed in a job I greatly enjoy. I cannot recommend her services highly enough as she is both professional and courteous in how she handles clients. If you’re looking for a new job, definitely seek her out.
Jesse K.
Attorney
Joseph Mayer was an amazing recruiter who assisted me in obtaining a permanent position in the same healthcare field that I enjoyed working in. He was on the lookout for opportunities that fit my skill set and had open communication that always kept me informed on how my job search was going. I highly recommend him as a recruiter for your job search needs. Thank you, Joe, for going above and beyond to help me find my new position!!
Annel H.
Senior Legal Assistant
Joe stood out to me right away since he understood the next step I wanted to take in my career. When I was ready to make a change, most recruiters sent me positions that did not meet my expectations; the positions typically had my same job title and duties, but I was looking to expand beyond the role I had at the time. Joe helped me make the leap that I wanted to a new role in recruiting, and he made me feel confident in my ability to do so. He encouraged me throughout the entire interview process and provided me with constructive feedback. I am very thankful for getting the opportunity to work with Joe and for his help in finding the perfect fit for me.
Maria K.
Legal Recruiting Coordinator
In the many years that I was a prospective student, graduate, and now business professional I cannot say that I have ever been more thankful for the words of advice that I received while connecting with Joseph. After having the wonderful opportunity of chatting, not only did he provide me with excellent career advice but reassurance on what the future may entail as well. I cannot say that I have ever felt more confident in my future and true calling in life until having this conversation. Joseph is a well-rounded knowledgeable individual who evidently cares about the individuals he works with and goes above and beyond to ensure that he is doing what he can to ensure proper placements and candidates he may see as a good fit for positions. And if he doesn’t, not to worry – he will provide his advice and other alternatives to help you become the best version of yourself that you can be. Will definitely be reaching out again when the search for a new challenge or opportunity approaches.
Karolyna P.
Paralegal
I have worked with recruiters in the past, but none like Joe. The level of personal attention he provides distinguishes him from the rest. He has an incredible ability to not only establish a personal rapport but see beyond what is written on paper and ask the right questions. Patient and insightful, I very much enjoyed working with him and have already recommended him to friends.
Maritza P.
Legal Support Specialist
Jillian is an amazing person to work with. Not only is she a great recruiter, but a great person who was there with me from the beginning to the offer. I trusted her with my career, and she delivered in every step of the process. Jillian’s vast network and deep connections to the legal industry helped me get in front of the top firms in the country. She was instrumental in my process of navigating a tough market and ultimately landing a job at a reputable firm in Chicago. I would recommend Jillian to anyone who is looking to make a change to their career! Jillian is an amazing person to work with. Not only is she a great recruiter, but a great person who was there with me from the beginning to the offer. I trusted her with my career, and she delivered in every step of the process. Jillian’s vast network and deep connections to the legal industry helped me get in front of the top firms in the country. She was instrumental in my process of navigating a tough market and ultimately landing a job at a reputable firm in Chicago. I would recommend Jillian to anyone who is looking to make a change to their career!
Christopher H.
Corporate and M&A Associate
Jillian is the best recruiter I’ve ever worked with. She listened to my needs, helped me with my resume, and gave the best pre-interview pep talks. I had a medical emergency the night before my interview, and she was able to help me get it rescheduled quickly while also being incredibly empathetic. She helped me land my dream job! 1000/10 I would absolutely recommend working with her.
Annie H.
Employment Associate
I have dealt with a lot of recruiters, but Joe Mayer and Ana Bird are truly outstanding. Many recruiters make you feel used or proverbially “pimped” and then discarded. This was the OPPOSITE of what I experienced with Joe and Ana. They overhauled my resume and taught me how to present an accurate yet upgraded version of my professional profile, while imparting wisdom on how to highlight the skills that key institutions are seeking. The experience of communicating and interacting with Joe and Ana was a tremendous value-add, as were the opportunities they put me in line with. This company combines big-corporation intelligence with personalized knowledge, coaching, and attention. A best-in-class experience!
Dita G.
Conflicts Attorney
I first met Jillian while interviewing for a summer associate position when I was in law school. She quickly became my go-to sounding board for career moves and was perhaps the only recruiter I’ve met who made me feel like my career truly matters to her because, when all the other recruiters stopped replying, she stuck with me all along. Earlier this year, she sent me an email with the subject line “saw this and thought of you”. She was not contracted with the particular law firm, so she encouraged me to reach out directly and coached me throughout the entire interview process. She didn’t benefit from it at all, except to encourage and support someone that she believed in. And that made all the difference. It’s not an overstatement to say that I would probably not be at my current firm if it wasn’t for her.
Sebastian C.
Corporate Associate
Working with Michael Knutson has been an absolute game-changer in my professional journey. His depth of knowledge in recruiting is matched only by his genuine dedication to supporting candidates through every step of the process. Michael doesn’t just fill roles—he builds relationships. He took the time to understand my goals, strengths, and values, and then connected me with opportunities that truly aligned. His insights into the industry, clear communication, and strategic guidance made the entire experience seamless and empowering. If you’re looking for a recruiter who’s not only incredibly skilled but also deeply invested in your success, Michael is the one. I’m grateful for his support and highly recommend him to anyone navigating the next step in their career.
Lorraine C.
Litigation Assistant