Womble Bond Dickinson U.S. CEO Merrick Benn recalls the obstacles and successes from combining firms from different countries, such as the U.S. firm Perkins Coie and the U.K.’s Ashurst, as they plan the latest trans-Atlantic merger.
I’ve dealt with several legal recruiters the past few years and Joe was far and away the best to work with. When he first reached out to me, I was deep in the interview process with an opportunity I found on my own. While he did encourage me to at least consider the firm he wanted to pitch, he also provided advice and counsel on how to navigate the process I was already engaged in. It spoke volumes about Joe’s value as an ally to anyone looking for a new opportunity: he is truly there to help. I ultimately interviewed with and accepted an offer from the firm Joe pitched to me, and after starting that job I am confident it was the right fit for me. Throughout the entire process, Joe was easily accessible, and provided sage advice at every step. In short, he was instrumental in my successful job search. If a friend in the legal industry ever told me they were looking for a new opportunity, I’d immediately point them in Joe’s direction.
Associate Attorney
Joe helped me get a job with a great law firm in downtown Chicago as I was trying to relocate from D.C. He was very knowledgeable about the position for which I was applying and truly shepherded my application through the process. He wasn’t like a lot of recruiters who submit your application and then you never hear from them again. He kept me regularly updated about where I stood among other candidates and what the next steps were. Once I got an interview, he helped me prepare, gave me some pro-tips, and even offered to get me to and from the airport. I cannot thank Joe enough for his professionalism, honesty, and encouragement.
Senior Associate Attorney
Joe and I have worked together to recruit and hire the best people for our firm for over 5 years. What impresses me most about Joe is his passion for helping his clients and his candidates be successful. He truly plays as part of the team. He is also a valuable educator as it relates to understanding the market. Joe continues to take the time to collaborate with our hiring team and has demonstrated over and over his ability to shift with our business needs. Joe excels at communication and keeping me updated with any relevant information we need to make hiring decisions. Joe has made a measurable difference in our firm. Highly recommend.
Chief Operating Officer
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.
Corporate Associate
Joe is terrific to work with! He’s a true business partner and differentiates himself with the quality candidates he provides. He’s been a lifesaver and I strongly recommend him.
Head of Human Resources (North America)
To anyone looking for your next opportunity I HIGHLY suggest working with Joe. We worked together for only a few weeks but when I say he was my biggest cheerleader I mean it. Even when I didn’t think it would work the way it did, he still spoke as though it was already a done deal! I have NEVER had a recruiter produce the results that Joe did. I will most definitely be passing his information along to all of my associates looking for new opportunities.
Accounts Payable Analyst
Ana is fantastic! She helped me find a firm that matched what I was looking for perfectly and was incredibly supportive and responsive throughout the entire process. Truly a pleasure to work with and would recommend her to anyone looking for a change.
Senior Associate
Joe is a wonderful individual with which to work. He does his very best to place individuals where they are able to thrive. He has been supportive in so many ways. I have appreciated working with him.
Legal Assistant
I would recommend Joe to anyone searching for a new role or a new employee. Joe has an uncanny knack for fitting the right people with the right companies. I wasn’t even really looking for a new opportunity when Joe contacted me, but it was the perfect fit! Joe worked hard to represent my interests and make sure that my transition to a new firm would be as seamless as possible, even when there were a few transition challenges due to timing. Joe was always available to me and so great to work with. Thanks, Joe!
Legal Assistant
I worked with Michael to find and secure a lateral position at another firm. Throughout the experience, I enjoyed working with Michael. He was knowledgeable about the legal market, communicative, and an all-around pleasant person. I would highly recommend working with Michael if you are interested in making a move during your legal career.
Associate Attorney
Joe helped me through the interview process with my current employer. He took his time speaking with me and gave me solid advice. He really pushed me to think about myself and my happiness, which was extremely helpful. If you are in the market for a new position, I would recommend working with Joe.
Professional Development Specialist
I cannot say enough great things about working with Ana. From start to finish, she truly went above and beyond in every possible way. As someone in the legal field, finding the right position — not just any position — was incredibly important to me. Ana understood that immediately. She took the time to learn what I was looking for professionally and personally, and she was genuinely invested in helping me find the best fit. Throughout the entire process, she was in constant communication, keeping me informed, prepared, and confident every step of the way. Her guidance, insight into the legal market, and attention to detail made what can often be a stressful experience feel seamless and manageable. I always felt supported and advocated for. If you are looking to work with a recruiter who is knowledgeable, responsive, professional, and truly cares about her candidates, I wholeheartedly recommend Ana.
Legal Assistant