Connecting premier legal talent with top law firm and in‑house roles
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At Premier Pursuit, we empower attorneys and legal teams to make strategic, intentional moves. From AmLaw 200 firms to boutique practices and in-house legal departments, we connect top talent with exceptional opportunities. Whether you’re exploring your next role or building your team, we bring insight, discretion, and genuine partnership to every search. Let’s start with a confidential conversation about your goals.
Who's This Perfect For?
For legal professionals and employers who believe the right fit makes all the difference.
Law firm & in-house attorneys at every level - from associates and COUNSE to partners
LAW FIRMS & in-house LEGAL DEPARTMENTS
A Simple Process
Introductory Call
We’ll start with a relaxed, no-pressure chat to get to know you — your background, goals, and what you’re hoping for in your next move. It’s also your chance to learn more about how we work and ask any questions along the way.
Targeted Search
Using market insight and relationships across AmLaw, boutique, and in-house teams, we identify opportunities that align with your values and career path.
Support
From interview prep to offer negotiations, we’ll be in your corner every step of the way. You’ll get personalized guidance, insider insight, and honest feedback to help you land a role that fits both your career goals and the life you want outside of work.
Ready to get started?
WHY IT WORKS
Our Approach
At Premier Pursuit, we believe recruiting should feel personal — not transactional. We take a consultative approach, grounded in integrity, confidentiality, and a genuine commitment to helping both attorneys and firms achieve long-term success.
MEET THE FOUNDER
Hey, I'm Martina!
I started Premier Pursuit because I’m passionate about helping attorneys build careers they’re genuinely excited about. I graduated from law school and began my career in BigLaw, practicing labor and employment law. After a few years, I made the leap into legal recruiting at an international agency and quickly realized how much I loved guiding attorneys through big career moves. That experience inspired me to create Premier Pursuit—a boutique legal recruiting firm focused on thoughtful, strategic, and personalized placements.
Successfully placed attorneys at AmLaw 200, boutique, and in-house legal departments nationwide
Former BigLaw associate with firsthand insight into law firm culture, expectations, and career paths
Deep network of legal professionals and decision-makers, with access to both posted and unlisted roles
Frequently Asked Questions
Making a career move is a big decision, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
What services do you offer at Premier Pursuit?
We’re legal recruitment specialists, connecting attorneys with the right opportunities. Beyond placements, we offer expert resume development, tailored interview coaching and strategic job‑search guidance to help you advance your career with confidence.
How much does this cost?
For the attorney, this service is completely free.
Will my current employer find out that I am looking for a new job?
You may naturally have concerns about confidentiality and whether your current employer will find out. At Premier Pursuit, we prioritize client confidentiality and take measures to ensure your job search remains discreet.
We understand the sensitivity of job hunting while employed and maintain strict confidentiality throughout our process. Rest assured, your current employer will not be informed of your engagement with our services unless you choose to disclose this information yourself. Your privacy and confidentiality are our utmost priority.
How soon can we start?
Use the link below to book a meeting with a legal recruiter to start right away!
premier insights
The Premier Blog: Insights for Legal Professionals
The Premier Blog: Insights for Legal Professionals. Here, we provide actionable guidance, expert advice, and thought leadership tailored to attorneys and legal teams. Whether you're navigating career moves, refining professional documents, or seeking inspiration, this is your go-to resource for empowering attorneys and elevating legal teams.
Mentor vs. Sponsor: Why Every Lawyer Needs Both
Mentor vs. Sponsor: Why Every Lawyer Needs Both
In a field as competitive—and often opaque—as the legal profession, talent alone isn’t enough. Who’s helping you grow? Who’s opening doors for you when you’re not in the room?
That’s where the difference between a mentor and a sponsor becomes career-defining.
👩🏽⚖️ First, What’s a Mentor?
A mentor is someone who advises you, guides you, and helps you navigate your career. They’re a sounding board—often more senior than you—who shares insights, feedback, and support based on their own experience.
A good mentor might:
Review your resume before a lateral move
Help you prep for a big client pitch or interview
Offer honest feedback on your performance or goals
Remind you of your value when imposter syndrome hits
Mentors are essential because they help you develop.
🧑🏽💼 Now, What’s a Sponsor?
A sponsor is someone who goes a step further—they don’t just guide your career; they actively advocate for it.
Sponsors are often powerful, well-connected people who use their influence to move your career forward. They recommend you for stretch assignments, speak your name in partner meetings, or refer you to top opportunities.
A sponsor might:
Recommend you for a promotion or high-profile case
Introduce you to key decision-makers
Champion you during partnership or compensation reviews
Refer you for an in-house role before it’s even posted
Sponsors help you advance.
⚖️ Why Lawyers Need Both
In law, especially at large firms or competitive companies, advancement isn’t just about billables and quality work. It’s about visibility, politics, and positioning—things that mentors can help you understand and sponsors can help you navigate.
Here’s how they work together:
Mentor:
Role: Advisor
Focus: Development
Actions: Offers guidance, support, feedback
Found through: Organic relationships, formal programs
Outcome: Confidence and clarity
Sponsor:
Role: Advocate
Focus: Advancement
Actions: Pushes for promotions, opportunities
Found through: Often earned through trust + performance
Outcome: Career acceleration
🧭 How to Attract Mentors and Sponsors
In a way, you can’t “ask” someone to be your sponsor (I mean, you can, but let's assume you didn't)—but you can build the kind of relationships and reputation that make people want to vouch for you.
Tips:
Deliver excellent work consistently
Be reliable, curious, and responsive
Ask thoughtful questions that show ambition
Follow up and stay in touch—relationships matter
Say yes to visibility (presenting, writing, attending events)
Sponsors often emerge from strong mentor relationships—once someone sees your work ethic and potential firsthand, they may naturally start advocating for you.
🚀 Final Thought
If you’re an associate wondering why your career isn’t moving faster—ask yourself:
Do I have people advising me? Do I have anyone advocating for me?
If the answer is no, it might be time to build those relationships. They could be the difference between doing good work quietly… and getting the opportunities your work deserves.
📅 Want help building your network, identifying your strengths, or preparing for a promotion? I'm happy to talk this through with you. Use the contact information below to connect.
Martina Ellerbe
Legal Recruiter
PREMIER PURSUIT
Expert Legal Recruitment | Empowering Attorneys. Elevating Legal Teams.
Book an Appointment
201-745-5901
recruiting@premierpursuitllc.com
www.premierpursuitllc.com
recruiting@premierpursuitllc.com | 201.745.5901