Completed Searches Archives - Page 2 of 5

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP strengthens firmwide talent strategy with the appointment of Lisa Featherson.

Client: Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP | Role: Chief Talent Officer | Candidate: Lisa Featherson

Executive Search Consultants: John Lamar, Sarah Mitchell, Pamela DeLuca

Overview

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP, a leading international law firm with a strong presence across eight global offices, engaged The Alexander Group to lead the search for a Chief Talent Officer. The firm required a proven executive to drive firmwide strategic initiatives related to executive search, retention, professional development, and overall talent performance.

Key Leadership Need

Katten sought a high-impact executive capable of elevating its talent function across legal and business services. The firm needed a leader with experience managing talent strategy at scale, aligning cultural values with firm objectives, and fostering a best-in-class experience for attorneys and staff alike.

The Alexander Group’s Approach

Drawing on deep expertise in legal executive search, Managing Directors John Lamar, Sarah Mitchell, and Pamela DeLuca launched a national search focused on candidates with a demonstrated ability to lead transformational talent strategies in global law firm environments.

Key steps included:

Developing a customized search strategy aligned with Katten’s firmwide talent and leadership development goals.
Conducting comprehensive market research to identify proven talent executives with experience in global law firm environments.
Evaluating candidates for strategic leadership capability and cultural fit, ensuring alignment with Katten’s entrepreneurial and client-centric culture.

Successful Placement and Impact

Lisa Featherson, previously Chief People and Development Officer, US at Norton Rose Fulbright, was appointed Katten’s Chief Talent Officer. She brings extensive experience in strategic human capital initiatives across law firms, focusing on recruiting, professional development, and retention.

Immediate benefits:

Unified Leadership Across Talent Functions: Lisa oversees talent development and acquisition, human resources, performance management, professional development and training, leadership programming, and other areas, ensuring a cohesive strategy across all offices.
Alignment with Firm’s Strategic Objectives: Her role includes spearheading the creation and implementation of a human capital strategy that syncs with Katten’s strategic objectives, enhancing overall organizational effectiveness.
Enhanced Employee Satisfaction and Retention: Lisa is responsible for maintaining employee satisfaction by managing benefits, fostering a positive cultural environment, and leading compensation efforts, contributing to improved retention and morale.

Insights from the Executive Search Director

“Lisa is a dynamic, strategic, and high-energy talent executive with an exceptional track record of success in large law firm environments. She is the ideal leader to continue elevating Katten’s talent function.”

— Sarah J. Mitchell, Director, The Alexander Group

About Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP

Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP is a prestigious and dynamic international law firm with approximately 670 attorneys across eight global offices. The firm provides full-service legal counsel to a third of the Fortune 100, as well as government entities, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. Katten is recognized for its entrepreneurial culture and commitment to aligning legal service delivery with each client’s business goals.

About The Alexander Group

Specializing in executive search for law firms and financial leadership roles, The Alexander Group delivers strategic, results-driven placements tailored to each client’s unique needs.

Interested in learning more about our executive search services? Contact The Alexander Group today.

Lauren Elkhoury has joined Vinson & Elkins as Director of Pricing and Rates. Ms. Elkhoury is a cross-functional leader with extensive experience identifying and planning strategic initiatives to maximize revenue and profitability competitively.

Prior to joining Vinson & Elkins, Ms. Elkhoury Director, Practice Operations for Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP in Houston, Texas. Ms. Elkhoury received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Tulane University.

“Lauren is a seasoned legal professional who will bring years of legal project management, pricing, and practice operations experience to Vinson & Elkins. She is known for her ability to plan strategic initiatives to maximize revenue and profitability competitively,” said Anthony Ott, Senior Associate, The Alexander Group.

Managing Director John Mann and Senior Associate Anthony Ott conducted and completed this search.

Vinson & Elkins LLP is one of the largest and most successful law firms in the United States, with approximately 700 attorneys. V&E consistently ranks as one of the most profitable law firms and is ranked 25th in the Am Law 100 with respect to 2023 based on profit per equity partner.

Collaborating seamlessly across 11 offices worldwide, V&E provides outstanding client service. The Firm’s lawyers and other professionals are committed to excellence, offering clients experience in handling their transactions, investments, projects, and disputes across the globe. Established in 1917, the Firm’s time-tested role as trusted advisor has made V&E a go-to law firm for many of the world’s leading businesses and investors.

Jeremy LeBlanc has joined Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP as Director of Technology Services.

Mr. LeBlanc has over 20 years of multi-industry, innovative information technology executive experience, including senior technology leadership roles with major law firms, investment banking, and technology consulting firms. Before joining Fried Frank, Mr. LeBlanc served as Regional Head of Information Technology for the U.S. for Withersworldwide.

“Jeremy has an outstanding record of strategic and operational information technology experience and has been a key member of business leadership with the firms he has served with throughout his career,” said Bill Lepiesza, Director of The Alexander Group.

Fried, Frank, Harris, Shriver & Jacobson LLP is an elite Wall Street law firm with approximately 700 attorneys in New York, Washington, DC, London, Frankfurt, and Brussels. Fried Frank’s origins date to the turn of the 20th century, and it is well known for representing global financial institutions, investment banks, private equity firms, hedge funds, real estate investors and developers, and Fortune 500 corporations.

Consistently highly ranked in league tables and legal directories, including Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500, the firm is well recognized for providing highly effective solutions to sophisticated business challenges.

This search was conducted and completed by Director Bill Lepiesza and Associate Pam DeLuca.

Anton Levchik has joined Seward & Kissel LLP as Chief Financial Officer.

Mr. Levchik is an experienced leader with an extensive track record of financial operations and advisory capabilities within legal and professional services firms.

Before joining Seward & Kissel LLP, Mr. Levchik was the CFO at Foley Hoag LLP in New York, New York. Mr. Levchik received a Master of Business Administration from New York University Stern School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Fordham University.

This search was conducted and completed by Managing Director Jean Lenzner and Director Bill Lepiesza.

Seward & Kissel LLP, founded in 1890, is a leading US law firm with an international reputation
for excellence. With approximately 170 attorneys across offices in New York City and Washington
DC, the firm’s practice primarily focuses on corporate and litigation work for clients seeking legal
expertise in the financial services, corporate finance, and capital markets.

The firm is well known for its representation of central commercial banks, investment banking
firms; investment advisors and related investment funds (including mutual, hedge, and private
equity funds); broker-dealers; institutional investors; and maritime and transportation companies.
The firm’s award-winning attorneys are highly regarded in their respective practice areas, and many
have been with the firm for most, if not all, of their legal careers.

The firm’s focus and expertise, combined with its stability, have enabled it to create a work culture that is dedicated to professional excellence and sound judgment and that is committed to providing its clients with effective, high-quality, hands-on legal service.

Susan van Vollenhoven has joined Pierce Atwood LLP as Director of Human Resources. Ms. Van Vollenhoven has an extensive leadership background in human resources including employee relations, performance management and compensation and benefits. Before joining Pierce Atwood, Ms. Van Vollenhoven was Director of Human Resources & Operations at Sullivan & Worcester LLP. Ms. Van Vollenhoven earned a bachelor’s degree in political science and an MBA from Questrom School of Business, Boston University.

Before joining Pierce Atwood, Ms. Van Vollenhoven was Director of Human Resources & Operations at Sullivan & Worcester LLP. Ms. Van Vollenhoven earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and an MBA from Questrom School of Business, Boston University.

This search was conducted and completed by Managing Director John Mann and Senior Associate Mike Doering.

Pierce Atwood LLP is a leading New England full-service law firm with 150 attorneys. This nationally and internationally recognized firm is known for its expertise in complex and class action litigation, energy production and distribution, midmarket mergers and acquisitions, information security and technology, commercial real estate development, and complex construction projects. Established in 1891, Pierce Atwood’s clients range from regional and local enterprises, utilities, financiers, middle-market companies, entrepreneurs and individuals to Fortune 500 companies, multinational corporations, and foreign governments.

Jennifer Porto has been named Chief Operating Officer at Stokes Lawrence.

Ms. Porto is a proven senior leader in law firm management, strategic operations, and business development with a successful track record in increasing revenue, improving processes, developing business, and bringing practice group and firm strategic goals to fruition.

“Jen is a seasoned legal professional with expertise in law firm management, known for her ability to optimize business operations, drive strategic initiatives, and drive revenue growth,” said John Mann, Managing Director of The Alexander Group.

Founded in 1981, Stokes Lawrence is a leading full-service law firm with 52 attorneys in Seattle and Yakima, Washington offices. The firm provides tailored legal services to individuals, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and Fortune 100 companies in commercial litigation, business transactions, American Indian law, aviation, employment, trust and estates, financial services, intellectual property, nonprofits, agriculture, and real estate law.

The firm’s respect for people—clients and employees alike—and its lasting relationships distinguish Stokes Lawrence from other law firms. The firm has fostered long-lasting relationships with many of its clients, including many businesses it has represented for decades.

Martina Owens has joined Milbank LLP as Chief Administrative Officer.

Ms. Owens is an innovative administrative and operations executive with strong facilities, real estate, and staff management experience.

For more information about Ms. Owens, click here.

Director Sarah J. Mitchell conducted and completed this search.

Brian Sakala has joined Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP as Chief Financial Officer.

Mr. Sakala is a highly regarded accounting and finance executive with a proven track record of delivering client value by leveraging key technologies, providing financial analyses and creating efficiencies.

Learn more about Mr. Sakala here.

Managing Directors John Lamar, Jean Lenzner and Director Sarah Mitchell conducted and completed this search.

Wendela von Munching has joined Clifford Chance as Chief People Officer.

Ms. von Munching has more than 25 years of strategic and operational human resources leadership experience with major multinational firms. Previously, she served as the worldwide Chief People Officer for Freshfields.

Learn more about Ms. von Munching here.

Managing Director John Lamar, Director William Lepiesza, and Senior Associate Anthony Ott conducted and completed this search.

White & Case LLP appoints Jason Hill to lead firmwide marketing, brand strategy, and client engagement.

Client: White & Case LLP | Role: Chief Marketing Officer | Candidate: Jason Hill

Recruiters: John Lamar, Managing Director; William Lepiesza, Director; Pam DeLuca, Associate

Overview

White & Case LLP — one of the world’s leading international law firms — partners with The Alexander Group, a global executive search firm, to recruit a Chief Marketing Officer. As the firm continues its global expansion, it seeks a marketing leader capable of strengthening its brand and driving firmwide growth through client engagement, data, and creativity.

Key Leadership Need

White & Case seeks a Chief Marketing Officer to oversee global marketing strategy, brand positioning, client development, communications, and marketing operations. The role requires a dynamic leader who can unify complex marketing functions across international offices while elevating the firm’s market presence and client experience.

The Alexander Group’s Approach

The search team — led by John Lamar, William Lepiesza, and Pam DeLuca — focuses on senior marketing executives with extensive experience building and scaling integrated marketing organizations across global professional services or financial institutions.

Search priorities included:

Strategic leadership in global brand development and campaign execution
Expertise in marketing transformation, team building, and digital enablement
Deep understanding of client-centric marketing in complex, B2B environments

Jason Hill emerges as the ideal candidate, bringing over 20 years of leadership in brand marketing and global media strategy at Goldman Sachs, GE, and BlackRock. His experience in unifying marketing functions across international markets and designing award-winning brand programs positions him as a transformative addition to White & Case’s leadership team.

Successful Placement and Impact

Jason Hill joins White & Case as Chief Marketing Officer. He leads the firm’s global marketing efforts, aligning brand, creative, communications, and business development teams under a unified growth strategy.

Immediate Impact:

Oversees global brand positioning and firm reputation strategy
Leads data-informed client development programs and marketing innovation
Builds a unified global marketing infrastructure across geographies and disciplines
Strengthens White & Case’s competitive positioning across global legal markets

Insights from the Recruiters

“Jason has been a key senior executive, driving revenue, market growth, and functional innovation with [the] leading multinational financial services and professional services firms.”

– John Lamar, Managing Director, The Alexander Group

About White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP is a global law firm with lawyers in 30 countries. Recognized for its strength in cross-border legal work, the firm serves clients across various sectors, including finance, technology, energy, and infrastructure. With a reputation for innovation, client service, and strategic advisory, White & Case is a leader in global legal services.

About The Alexander Group

The Alexander Group is a global executive search firm headquartered in Houston. With a reputation for precision and discretion, the firm helps law firms, financial institutions, and multinational organizations recruit senior leaders who drive brand growth and market expansion.

Brand matters — especially in global law. The Alexander Group helps firms find marketing leaders who bring clarity, creativity, and commercial growth.