(312) 781-9000

Chicago Legal Recruiters

The Chicago legal recruiters at Astor Professional Search are leaders in the attorney recruitment and placement industry. For over 20 years, we have successfully placed countless partners, associates, and in-house counsel in permanent positions with boutique, midsize, and premier large law firms and top corporate legal departments throughout Illinois and nationwide. As former practicing attorneys ourselves, we know what it takes to deliver the perfect match. 

Discover how the legal recruiters at Astor Professional Search can help you reach your goals. Call 312-781-9000 today.

Wrigley Building Chicago at night with light effects

Shining Light on New Opportunities for Attorney Candidates

For more than two decades, our legal recruiters have developed long-term relationships with a wide variety of law firms and corporate legal departments, gaining the trust of top decision-makers. As a result, we are often the first to know about new opportunities in Chicago for both partner and associate candidates. In many cases, we can help open the door to new possibilities candidates may have never discovered on their own.

Legal Recruiting Services for Partners, Associates, and In-House Counsel

At Astor Professional Search, our attorney recruiters provide partners, associates, and in-house counsel with more personalized services than your average headhunters for lawyers. While some legal recruiters will simply skim over your resume, provide you with a few potential matches, and call it a day, our recruiting agency believes in getting to know you personally, identifying your career objectives, interests, past achievements, and any obstacles that may be hindering your satisfaction or growth in your current role. Then we identify law firms or corporate legal departments that are in line with your cultural, geographical, growth, and personality needs and preferences. We are your advocate throughout the process, providing you with ongoing support until you have successfully transitioned into your new position. 

woman interviewing a candidate

Since the day I started as a real estate associate at a major Chicago law firm, recruiters would call me on a regular basis. My connection with Bill Sugarman at Astor Professional Search was immediate, and his sincerity and knowledge of the marketplace set him heads and shoulders above all the other recruiters. Bill was able to easily identify my goals and concerns and locate the best opportunities. His many connections run to law firms and companies alike, and ultimately enabled me to make the switch to a unique opportunity on the business side.

Brian Howard
President, Stage Equity Partners, LLC | Former General Counsel at Baum Development, LLC

It was important for me to take an exhaustive approach in considering a lateral move. Having known Bill Sugarman for several years, I felt very comfortable with his strategic philosophy and in-depth market knowledge. I was thrilled to have Bill in my corner as a trusted advisor, particularly given the magnitude of the process and my ultimate decision. I have been extremely happy with the results, and I continue to recommend Bill and Astor Professional Search to any attorneys contemplating a move.

Craig D. Leavell
Intellectual Property Partner | Barnes & Thornburg LLP

The lateral hiring process can be onerous, and it was beyond helpful to have Bill Sugarman and his experience in my corner, backing my efforts to advance my career. Bill had the unique ability to recognize my priorities while I was still formulating them, and he was strategic in aligning those priorities with potential firms. He was willing to jump on the phone in short order at any time, including nights and weekends, to talk through any issue along the way, no matter how big or small. Bill is the type of advocate you want on your team when considering a move.

Dan Gelwicks
Intellectual Property Attorney | Steptoe & Johnson LLP

After 14 years of practicing corporate law and building my practice with the same law firm, the notion of moving firms and working with a legal recruiter was daunting. However, my experience with Bill Sugarman was extremely positive from the first phone call. Not only did Bill spend a great deal of time with me, but his in-depth analysis and consultation really helped me put things in perspective. Bill’s responsiveness and comprehensive approach throughout the entire process proved invaluable in the results we achieved. I have the highest regard for Bill and Astor Professional Search, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Bill to anyone.

David Cellitti
Corporate Partner | Quarles & Brady LLP

As former President and CEO of one of the nation’s leading online brokerage firms, I oversaw our search for an associate general counsel. We were extremely selective with exactly who and what we were looking for. Bill Sugarman, of Astor Professional Search, asked the right questions and took the time to find the specific attributes that were critical to us. He presented us with only the strongest candidates to fit our needs. I was particularly impressed with his high level of candor, responsiveness and overall diligence. We were extremely happy with the manner in which he conducted the overall search as well as the outstanding results he delivered.

David Fisher
CEO of Enova | Former President and CEO at optionsXpress, Inc.

I was happy in my position at my law firm, but my long-term career goal was to move in-house. Unlike other recruiters who simply passed me law firm opportunities in the hopes of a quick placement, Joel Bronstein of Astor Professional Search took the time to really understand my long-term goals. Thanks to Joel’s persistence and huge network, he ultimately connected me with a unique in-house opportunity that I likely never would have discovered on my own and without his guidance. Joel became a trusted advisor and resource for me throughout the search process, and at every step along the way. I would not hesitate to recommend Joel and Astor to other attorneys who are looking for a professional change, whether at a law firm or elsewhere.

David W. Nordsieck
Assistant General Counsel | CCC Information Services Inc.

Bill Sugarman is a fantastic legal recruiter who spent a great deal of time getting to know me on both a professional and personal level. His tenacity, market knowledge and vast network of relationships were instrumental in procuring multiple offers for me. Ultimately, I was able to choose the right opportunity after thorough analysis that was made easier through Bill’s detailed consultation and sound judgement throughout the process. I would gladly recommend Bill and Astor Professional Search to any of my friends or business associates.

Edward J. McGillen
Estate Planning Partner | Thompson Coburn LLP

My family and I were in the process of relocating, and I was considering available career opportunities that would make sense for me. After consulting with Joel Bronstein, of Astor Professional Search, we were able to identify an ideal position that would enable me to achieve my long-term goals. Joel was instrumental in each step of the process, and his high level of market knowledge, strategic insight, and tactical advice were invaluable. I would strongly recommend Joel and Astor to any attorney exploring the market in Chicago or throughout the country, as well as to any attorney simply interested in gaining a better market perspective through Astor’s expertise.

John L. Mack
Litigation Associate | Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP

Having a sizable book of business in my intellectual property litigation practice, I knew that I would have good options when I decided to leave my previous law firm. Although I had worked with other legal recruiters previously, it wasn’t until I worked with Bill Sugarman of Astor Professional Search that I realized how much more value he brought to the table as my advocate. His thorough market insight and attention to detail, coupled with his accessibility and superior work ethic are unparalleled. I continue to be very pleased with the results he delivered.

Jonathan Hill
Intellectual Property Partner at Flachsbart & Greenspoon, LLC | Former Intellectual Property Partner at Freeborn & Peters LLP

Joel Bronstein, of Astor Professional Search, was an invaluable part of my lateral search when I was looking to relocate. I thought that identifying law firms that aligned with my long-term goals in a different geographic region would be a challenging ordeal, but through Joel’s impressive market intelligence and detailed guidance, the process was much smoother and easier than I anticipated. Joel exceeded my expectations by taking the time to gain an in-depth understanding of my goals and priorities from multiple perspectives. I would strongly recommend Astor Professional Search to any attorney.

Jonathan Rash
Corporate Attorney | Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobson LLP

As a corporate attorney at an international law firm, I was constantly receiving recruiter phone calls. However, Joel Bronstein at Astor Professional Search immediately stood out from the crowd. My experience with him was particularly refreshing, given his professionalism, market knowledge, and sincere interest in my long-term goals. Joel was diligent and patient as we navigated a variety of quality opportunities. I would happily recommend him and Astor to any attorney interested in gaining a better understanding of the legal market and exploring their career options.

Kevin Waklatsi
Corporate Attorney | Winston & Strawn LLP

After 15 years at an IP boutique firm, I decided to move to a full-service firm to better serve my clients. I had concerns about the process, finding the right fit, and ensuring a seamless transition for my clients. Bill Sugarman of Astor Professional Search guided me through the entire process, first by discussing my objectives and determining my clients’ needs, and then by continuously asking insightful questions and applying his experience to my objectives. His in-depth knowledge of the legal market and firm-specific culture, as well as his extensive network of relationships, were critical to the process. His experience and coaching resulted in a “perfect-fit” transition for me. Bill is a communicative, sincere, and objective advocate. I strongly recommend Bill and Astor to any attorney either looking to make a move or just exploring the market.

Kurt W. Rohde
Intellectual Property Partner | Barnes & Thornburg LLP

As the hiring partner with a national law firm specializing in real estate law, I need to make sure that the candidates we interview, and ultimately hire, have what it takes to satisfy the heavy demands of our high profile clients. Astor Professional Search has really advanced our recruiting efforts by continuously providing the type of top legal talent that can sometimes be difficult to find in a competitive market. Astor’s ability to target high caliber candidates, and effectively communicate our firm message to them, has proven very successful in delivering outstanding results for us.

Marc A. Benjamin
Real Estate Partner | White & Case (Former Hiring Partner, Pircher, Nichols & Meeks)
Chicago

I was referred to Astor Professional Search by a former colleague, who was very happy with her overall experience and ultimate results. Bill Sugarman spent a lot of time with me discussing my short, intermediate, and long-term goals. His experience and connections helped him readily identify the opportunities which best positioned me to achieve these goals. Equally important, Bill was interested in finding a place in which I would fit personally as well as professionally, which is critical to my success and the firm’s ultimate success. I continue to recommend Bill to any attorney contemplating a job change.

Matthew A. Bills
Litigation Partner | Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP

Bill Sugarman, of Astor Professional Search, really helps you examine your career goals and determine what type of firm will be best for you. He knows the Chicago legal market extremely well. He immediately understood what type of environment I was looking for and he helped me to achieve my goals. Changing law firms can be a difficult and stressful process, but Bill made the transition much easier than I expected.

Michael Rechtin
Real Estate Partner | Seyfarth Shaw LLP

As an experienced real estate attorney, it was very important to me that my recruiter understood not only the general reputations and qualities of firms, but which specialties each firm excelled at. Through his contacts in the legal community and long-time experience, Bill had a great sense of what smaller departments were like within the context of bigger firms. This expertise enabled me to find a firm and department that fit my specific goals for both work and firm culture. Bill put a tremendous amount of effort into my search and was very involved in helping me get through each step of the process. It was very helpful and useful to have his advice and support through my search. I would definitely recommend Astor Professional Search to anyone.

Michael Steingo
Vice President, J.P. Morgan Asset Management | Former Real Estate Attorney at DLA Piper US

In an ever-changing legal market, our lateral recruiting efforts continue to be a top priority. Having known Bill Sugarman for over 25 years, we have the utmost confidence in Astor Professional Search to represent our law firm’s attorney recruiting interests in a highly effective manner. Astor treats Much Shelist and its lateral task force with integrity and professionalism, and we are thrilled to have Bill and his company securely in our corner.

Mitchell S. Roth
Principal and Chair, Management Committee | Much Shelist PC
Chicago

The many demands of a growing firm like ours requires the legal recruiters we work with to be very efficient when conducting lateral searches for us. Working with Bill Sugarman at Astor Search is refreshing, because he has a very good understanding of our firm culture and our particular needs, and as a result is consistently able to provide us with highly credentialed candidates whose personalities tend to fit in well with our firm environment.

Sonia Menon
Chief Talent Officer | Neal Gerber & Eisenberg LLP

As we continue to grow our Chicago office and expand our national footprint, the select few legal search firms with whom we work must be at the top of their game. Astor Professional Search, under the leadership of Bill Sugarman, epitomizes this notion. Not only has Astor provided us with the highest caliber of lateral partner talent on a consistent basis, but they have done so in a way which makes the entire process seamless. Their combination of in-depth market knowledge, partner relationships, candid communication and high integrity really sets them apart. We look forward to continued mutual success with Astor in the years to come.

Tony Nasharr
Capital Markets/Banking Shareholder & Former Managing Shareholder | Polsinelli PC
two men doing a handshake

Helping Chicago Law Firms Build Their Teams with Top Legal Talent

The Chicago legal recruiters at Astor Professional Search care more about helping your firm find the perfect partner or associate than we do about simply closing another deal. As such, we employ our proven, multi-layered methodology to ensure law firms and attorney candidates achieve long-term success. We take the time to get to know your law firm, your needs, your culture, and your vision before we ever begin screening candidates for placement. Once we’ve identified your unique goals, we use our own extensive knowledge of the legal industry to evaluate potential candidates. We consider each attorney’s strengths, personality, style, work ethic, and geographic needs to ensure we provide you with candidates that are fully suited for a position with your firm. 

Our Chicago Attorney Recruiters Are Available When You Need Us

Our legal recruiters understand how difficult it can be to investigate career opportunities and discuss your objectives during normal business hours in Chicago. To ensure we accommodate your demanding schedule while delivering superior results, our team is available seven days a week, including evenings and weekends.

Discover how the legal recruiters at Astor Professional Search can help you reach your goals. Call 312-781-9000 today.

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