Empowering Attorneys. Elevating Legal Teams.
Premier Pursuit is a legal recruiting firm that connects top attorneys with AmLaw, boutique, and in-house opportunities nationwide.
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Book a Meeting Today!
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 Are We 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.
HISTORY
Our Story
Premier Pursuit was founded to help attorneys build careers they’re genuinely excited about. With roots in BigLaw and international legal recruiting, the firm was built on firsthand experience navigating the legal profession from both sides of the table. Today, Premier Pursuit operates as a boutique legal recruiting firm focused on thoughtful, strategic, and highly personalized placements.
Successfully placed attorneys at AmLaw 200, boutique, and in-house legal departments nationwide
Built on firsthand attorney experience, offering deep 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 are offered 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.
2025 AmLaw Lateral Hiring Snapshot
Premier Pursuit
2025 Associate and Partner AmLaw Lateral Hiring Snapshot
Martina Ellerbe
recruiting@premierpursuitllc.com | 201.745.5901 | Premier Pursuit
The legal recruiting market came back to life in 2025. AmLaw 200 firms collectively made 13,214 non‑entry‑level hires — the most since the post‑pandemic hiring frenzy — with associates still comprising nearly 60% of the total and partners accounting for roughly 23%. This short blog post unpacks the data behind those headline figures, exploring which practice areas and cities drove the surge, where the talent came from, and what these trends signal for 2026.
Summary
AmLaw 200 firms hired 13,214 non‑entry‑level lawyers in 2025, the highest total since the post‑pandemic boom. Associates remained the largest cohort, making up 58% of hires, while partners accounted for 23%. Partner hiring jumped to 3,009 — a five‑year high and roughly 10% above 2024 levels. Associate hiring reached 7,686, a 5% year‑over‑year increase, signaling a steady recovery. The rise in overall activity reflects renewed investment in senior talent alongside sustained demand for junior and mid‑level lawyers.
Partner‑level trends
Litigation anchored partner hiring with about 26% of all partner hires, while corporate practices captured 16%. Intellectual property, real estate, banking and labor & employment each contributed meaningful volumes, illustrating that firms are balancing growth across both contentious and deal‑driven disciplines. Government agencies produced a notable pipeline: about 9% of partner hires came from federal roles, helping make Washington, D.C. the second‑largest partner market after New York.
Associate‑level trends
Associates accounted for 7,686 hires — roughly three in five lateral moves. Litigation again led the way with 2,726 hires. Corporate practices hired 1,233 associates, followed by labor & employment (753), banking (552), real estate (465) and intellectual property (417). New York dominated associate hiring with 1,851 placements, nearly double Washington, D.C. (930). The vast majority of associates (72%) came from other law firms, while judicial clerkships supplied 17%. Government, in‑house and non‑profit roles combined for roughly 11%.
Looking ahead
Signs point to another strong year for lateral hiring in 2026, offering attractive opportunities for both candidates and firms. If you’re a lawyer exploring your next career move or a law firm seeking to add top‑tier talent, Premier Pursuit’s recruiters are ready to guide you. Get in touch to discuss how we can help you capitalize on these trends.
*All data is derived and interpreted from Firm Prospects’ 2025 AmLaw 200 Lateral Hiring Report. This blog post focuses on partner and associate hiring.
recruiting@premierpursuitllc.com | 201.745.5901