Testimonials

The Burke Williams/Galton Helm Merger

Esquire’s role in placing the core group of partners for Winston & Strawn’s new Los Angeles office
"Outstanding results. Extremely responsive to our needs. Esquire hit a home run!” said James Thompson, former four-term Governor of Illinois and Chairman of Winston & Strawn.

Former Sidley & Austin chair, Tim Scott, on his move to King & Spalding (Silicon Valley)
Thank you for finding me a great position here at King & Spalding. I commend you on understanding my practice, career objectives, not wasting my time and bringing this outstanding opportunity to my attention. Your professionalism and adherence to confidentially were most important. As you know, I was not actively looking to leave Sidley & Austin, where I chaired the litigation group in San Francisco. As I told you early on, the opportunity had to be extremely compelling to move my practice and leave Sidley. You succeeded in identifying such an opportunity. Thank you for your fine work.
Timothy Scott
Partner
King & Spalding

Re: Merger of Hosie Wes with Perkins Coie
(17 lawyer technology/finance firm in Silicon Valley and San Francisco)

"An outstanding job in facilitating the merger of Hosie Wes Sacks & Brelsford with Perkins Coie…. we set very high standards for the ideal merger candidate…."

"After the deal was announced, Charles T. Katz, a senior corporate partner was quoted in the press as saying when I saw the resumes and information about the firm, I actually thought someone had designed it as a joke for me, it was so exactly what we had in mind…."
Robert E. Giles
Managing Partner
Perkins Coie

Re: Merger of Layman, Jones & Dye with Bryan Cave
15 lawyer real estate, corporate and litigation firm in Orange County
"…. very effective…. compatibility in clients, philosophy, management style and culture…. an excellent fit…."
Mark B. Hillis
Managing Partner
Bryan Cave

Galton & Helm
"Esquire clearly exceeded our expectations in their professionalism, there understanding and attention to our objectives , and in their advice during the process. Their understanding of our business model, culture and growth objectives was crucial in steering us to potential business partners and, ultimately, in introducing us to Burke, Williams and Sorensen. Esquire's representation of us to Burke, Williams & Sorenson was first-class. I highly recommend them to any firm or partner exploring business opportunities."
Michael F. Bell, M.P.
Galton & Helm

Re: Merger of Burke, Williams & Sorensen
"Sandy Lechtick, Esquire President, was extremely effective in facilitating the merger of Galton & Helm with Burke, Williams & Sorensen. Esquire is undoubtedly one of the most effective legal search firms we have worded with. Our relationship with them spans a decade. Esquire's professionalism and representation of partner talent if first rate."
John J. Welsh, M.P.
Burke, Williams & Sorensen

Facilitated move to Baker & Hostetler
"You clearly understood exactly what we were looking for and the nature of our biotech and life sciences intellectual property practice. While we had other opportunities, the one you brought to our attention was far superior to eveything else. You expertly handled some of the hiccups along teh way, provided a very useful resource in moving things along and kept the ball rolling forward."
Peter Gluck
Baker & Hostetler
(See entire letter)

"First rate…. we see Esquire as a significant talent resource in helping us achieve our business goals in Los Angeles…. your firm has demonstrated what sets it apart from most other legal search firms."
Paul W. Sweeney, Jr.
Administrative Partner, Los Angeles
KL Gates

Mark Wine, formerly intellectual property co-chair at McDermott, Will & Emery, on his move to Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe to chair Orrick's I.P. group in Orange County
I would like to thank you for facilitating my move to Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. This is the best job I ever had. The opportunities here are terrific.
More...

Re: Merger of Petillon & Davidoff with Gipson Hoffman & Pancione
5 lawyer bankruptcy and intellectual property firm
"…. professional way you introduced us to Gibson, Hoffman & Pancione…. our merger has been most gratifying."
Lee R. Petillon
Managing Partner
Petillon & Davidoff

"As you know, we have been looking for an environmental specialist at his level for over three years. While we saw a number of candidates, none worked for us. Your organization was able to come through on a search that no one else had been able to help us with."
Bruce P. Jeffer
Managing Partner
Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro

"As managing partners the past 13 years, I have received countless telephone calls from executive recruiters promising me the world and delivering nothing…. I was very impressed by Esquire’s ability to deliver.… very professional and responsive. Their process of screening candidates with respect to academic credentials and book of business is better than their competition."
Steven H. Sunshine
Managing Partner
Layman, Jones & Dye
(Ultimately represented the firm in merger with Bryan Cave)

(Note: Two years later we represented Layman, Jones & Dye in its merger with Bryan, Cave. Mr. Sunshine became managing partner of California Bryan, Cave offices)

Esquire Represents Jeffrey Joyner to Lead Patent Litigation Practice at Greenberg Traurig
Jeff Joyner has joined Greenberg Traurig's Intellectual Property Litigation and Intellectual Property & Technology Groups as a Shareholder.
More... Recommendation Letter...

"Without question, (corporate partner and group) is one of the finest lateral candidates we have seen in years. We were extremely impressed with Esquire and in particular, Sandy Lechtick. As a consequence, Esquire was recently placed on our "short list" for consideration as an exclusive or "dedicated" recruiter for our lateral partner searches for the Los Angeles office."
Gordon E. Bosserman
Co-Managing Partner
Baker & McKenzie, Los Angeles

"…. in the four years I have worked with you, you were more successful than the other search firms I worked with in representing partners that matched up well …. Sandy, I can say and without reservation, Esquire is the most professional and effective search organization I have ever worked with …. In addition, I like your style - non-pushy."
Les Sullivan
Executive Director
Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith
(Placed him in present position)

"In our experience, we have not found any other legal search firm as effective as you organization in bringing outstand partners to our attention that match-up, and so responsive to our needs. You have been a pleasure to work with."
Sanford L. Michelman
Chairman
Michelman & Robinson, LLP
(See entire letter)

As managing partners the past 13 years, I have received countless telephone calls from executive recruiters promising me the world and delivering nothing…. I was very impressed by Esquire’s ability to deliver.… very professional and responsive. Their process of screening candidates with respect to academic credentials and book of business is better than their competition."
Steven H. Sunshine
Managing Partner
Layman, Jones & Dye
(Ultimately represented the firm in merger with Bryan Cave)

(Note: Two years later we represented Layman, Jones & Dye in its merger with Bryan, Cave. Mr. Sunshine became managing partner of California Bryan, Cave offices)

Labor Partner Placement at Greenberg Traurig
"At the time you contacted me, I already had several outstanding offers from major firms, and was in the throes of deciding among them. You literally swooped in, an unknown quantity, and introduced me to a candidate firm with a superior platform and an environment which I could flourish …. Will have an extraordinary impact on my career – and my life, and I cannot thank you enough."
Diana P. Scott
Greenberg Traurig

Litigation Partner Placement at Loeb & Loeb
"I evaluated several search firms before I selected Esquire…. having spent my entire 14 year career with Debevois & Plimpton, it was particularly important that I work with a headhunter who not only knew the market inside and out, but had the insights to council me on this critical point in my career…. many headhunters are too aggressive, too pushy and a pain to deal with…. I found it a pleasure working with you…. (Esquire) a top notch legal search firm."
Dan Murphy
Litigation Partner
Loeb & Loeb

Litigation Partner Placement at Wickwire Gavin
"Having dealt with a number of search firms both as a hiring partner and a relocating partner, your grasp of the market place, your relationships with top law firms and industry knowledge was far superior to other search firms."
Roger P. Heyman
Wickwire Gavin

Intellectual Property Partner Placement at Steinhart & Falconer
"…. your help in alerting me to the possibility of moving my practice to Steinhart & Falconer …. You pursued this matter after determining that Steinhart would be a particularly suitable fit for me ….You handled the process professionally and with great discretion."
"…. particularly suitable fit …. You handled the process professionally and with great discretion. I am quite happy with the move.
Randall S. Farrimond
Steinhart & Falconer

Litigation Partner Placement at Crosby, Heafey, Roach & May
"…. personable…. an excellent grasp of the legal market, ready access to firm’s key decision makers and a good insight into my particular needs, goals and aspirations…. (Esquire) highly effective and very professional search firm."
Robert S. Schulman
Crosby, Heafey, Roach & May

Mr. Schulman was one of Crosby Heafey’s top producers and served on Crosby Heafey’s executive committee for most of his tenure. Daily journal included Mr. Schulman in their annual $5M Rainmaker Edition. After the merger of Reed Smith and Crosby Heafey in 2003, Mr. Schulman requested our placement services. We ultimately handled his move to Fulbright & Jaworski.

Represented Mr. Seley and his products liability group to form the nucleus of Lewis, Brisbois’s Sacramento office
"My relationship with Esquire may be one of the most important relationships I have ever had as far as my career advancement."
Dennis Seley
Managing Partner
Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith
(Sacramento office)

Corporate Partner Placement at Pillsbury, Winthrop
"…. your firm’s professionalism, diligence and overall demeanor. You never wasted my time…. Your analysis of the market and various firms was insightful and helpful…. You focused on opportunities that were compatible with my practice…. low key - non-pushy."
R.T.
Pillsbury, Winthrop

Managing Partner Placement at Carlton, DiSante & Freudenberger
"…. impressed by your enthusiasm and assertiveness …. smooth transition …. your efforts are highly appreciated."
Cheryl Orr
Managing Partner
Carlton, Di Sante & Freudenberger

Litigation Partner Placement at Baker & Hostetler
"…. responsive, diligent through…. I am very pleased with the final result."
Jack I. Samet
(Selected as litigation chair and Managing partner of Los Angeles office)

Corporate Partner Placement at Katten, Muchin & Zavis
"…. effective and professional representation…. your "hands on" approach throughout the whole process was extremely helpful. I found your counseling and perceptive insights a definite plus…. Your matchmaking expertise connected me with an excellent firm that not only evaluated the "total" package, but will allow me to "spread my wings."
Lisa Hamilton Klein
Katten, Muchin & Zavis

Labor Partner Placement at McKenna & Cuneo (D.C. office)
"…. invaluable assistance in my move to McKenna & Cuneo. In sharp contrast to many of the other headhunters who contacted me this spring, the two of you were consummate professionals from the beginning to end, sharing your impressive knowledge of the firm and answering my questions along the way."
Douglas B. Mishkin
McKenna & Cuneo
Washington, D.C. Office

Labor Partner Placement (Los Angeles) McKenna & Cuneo
"I just wanted to drop you a note to again thank you for the professional way in which you assisted me in my transition from Jackson Lewis to McKenna & Cuneo. As I am sure you realize, these decisions are always very hard ones, both personally and professionally. Again, thank you for your invaluable assistance."
Joel P. Kelly
McKenna & Cuneo
Los Angeles Office

Bankruptcy Partner Placement at Grace, Skocypec, Cosgrove & Schirm
"…. I enthusiastically recommend Sandy Lechtick as the most effective legal recruiter that I have ever had the opportunity of working with."
Huge Biele
Grace, Skocypec, Cosgrove & Schirm

Trusts & Estates Partner Placement at Bryan Cave (Santa Monica)
"I have practiced for twenty years and as you know have served in various leadership positions, including chair of the Beverly Hills Probate Section. Your knowledge of the market was particularly helpful to me. Few recruiters have as much depth and breadth in knowledge as your firm. And few know the trusts and estates areas…. you knew where to go and what firms were compatible with my practice and objectives."
Kenneth G. Petrulis
Bryan Cave

Chief Financial Officer Placement at Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith
"…. your insights and the valuable assistance you provided not to mention making a great match-up, were invaluable in landing this position …. Your counseling and ability to make things happen have not only advanced my career, but put me in a position where further advancement at Lewis, Brisbois is possible." (Note: 6 months later promoted to Executive Director).
Les Sullivan
Chief Financial Officer
Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith
(Note: elevated to Executive Director)

Re: Of Counsel – (Finance Department) Placement at Orrick, Herrington
"…. Unlike some other recruiters you did not try to submit my resume to everyone that might even be possibly interested, but instead took the time to evaluate my strengths and weaknesses …. I was particularly impressed by the number of employment opportunities of which you were aware of that other headhunters did not have access to ….".
M.S.
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe

Re: Corporate & Securities Associate Placement at Munger, Tolles
"…. diligence in gathering information about Munger, Tolles …."no pressure" approach to job placement…. Strike the optimal balance of facilitating the decision making process without interfering with too much pressure.
M.K.
Munger, Tolles & Olson

Re: Corporate & Securities Associate Placement at Wilson, Sonsini
"…. I was especially impressed with your extensive knowledge of, and contacts with San Francisco Bay Area law firms ….an instrumental part of my new association with Wilson, Sonsoni, Goodrich & Rosati."
D.A.
Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati

Re: Corporate & Securities Associate Placement at Skadden, Arps
"…. thank you for you invaluable help in placing me here at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom …. working closely with you and other legal search consultants, I was particularly impressed with your energy, integrity, professional manner and knowledge of local law firms and of the placement process."
W.L.
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom

Re: Corporate Associate Placement at Jones, Day
"…. absolutely first rate, I do not believe there is any search firm around with your expertise - especially in the international area."

"…. I needed a headhunter who knew the market, especially where my growing diverse practice would blossom…. after I move to Jones, Day I will certainly recommend Esquire when we need people…."
Z.J.
Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue

(A client who was so impressed with Esquire, he wrote a letter even though we did not handle his placement).

Re: Corporate & Securities Associate Placement at Cooley, Godward
"…. unparalleled level of commitment and enthusiasm in connection with my recent move from Sullivan & Cromwell in Los Angeles to Cooley Godward in Palo Alto …. knowledge of Bay Area law firms (both from a practice standpoint and a culture standpoint), your close relationships with many of the recruiting coordinators at the area’s top firms and your willingness to present my credentials, schedule interview and follow up."
N.K.
Cooley Godward

Re: Job career counseling to fifteen associates at Baker & McKenzie after firm announced the closing of the L.A. office
"I found Sandy’s two hour presentation extremely helpful in better understanding the legal market, how to select (and control) recruiters as well as general job hunting information. In particular, I found his comments on relationship building and business development quite relevant, especially in the context of making partner."
L.M.
Baker & McKenzie

Re: Environmental Associate Placement at Preston, Gates
"…. heartfelt thanks to you for your successful efforts in connection with my move from Graham & James LLP in New York to Preston Gates & Ellis LLP in Los Angeles. Your acute understanding of my needs and excellent relationships with each firm considered made for a smooth process ending in the most optimal result."
C.P.
Preston, Gates & Ellis

Re: Litigation Associate Placement at McCutchen, Doyle
"…. very impressed with the depth of your contacts within each firm that we considered, and with your ability to expedite the review process …. Each at the firms at which I interviewed was due in no small part to your efforts."
B.D.
McCutchen, Doyle, Brown & Enersen

Re: Business Associate Placement at Carr, McClellan
"…. impressed with your energy and knowledge of California law firms and their areas of practice …. Your attention to my specific needs and preferences with respect to my career."
T.Q.
Carr, McClellan, Ingersoll, Thompson & Horn

Re: Real Estate Associate Placement at Riordan & McKinzie
"…. wanted to let you know that I was recently named a principal by Riordan & McKinzie …. Thank you again for your work in placing me here a little over three years ago."
W.T.
Riordan & McKinzie

Re: Litigation (products liability) Associate Placement at Crosby, Heafey
"Your counseling insight and contacts made this career transition much easier. You respected and understood my objectives, including the need for extreme confidentiality…. pleasure to work with…. excellent resource about the legal market."
T.B.
Crosby, Heafey, Roach & May
(Note: Made partner two years after placement)

Re: Health Care Associate Placement at Manatt, Phelps
"…. the time and attention you devoted to gaining an understanding of both my practice area and the qualities that are important to me in forming professional alliances enhancing my ability to obtain a wonderful position…. Your skill as a legal search consultant is unparalleled.
H.M.
Manatt, Phelps & Phillips

Re: Move from Skadden, Arps in D.C. to Cooley Godward in Silicon Valley
(Corporate and Technology Associate Placement)
"…. Your assistance was invaluable in all aspects of my move and in choosing among the firms I received offers. Your knowledge, energy and attention to my specific situation were particularly appreciated."
F.G.
Cooley Godward

Re: Of Counsel-environmental Associate Placement at Jeffer, Mangels
I would like to thank you and your organization for the professional way I which you targeted and handled my placement here at Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro LLP. I’ve been here almost two years and things are working out terrifically. Thanks again for your efforts and the highly professional way your organization assisted me in the move."
W.D.
Jeffer, Mangels, Butler & Marmaro

Re: Real Estate Placement at Baker & McKenzie (San Diego)
"I believe your excellent working relationships with recruiting coordinators in the best law firms in Southern California were important in some of the opportunities I encountered."
C.M.
Baker & McKenzie

From: Associate placed in-house (Los Angeles)
RE: A+ in Service
I am writing this letter to thank you and your staff for the excellent service I received when seeking employment as a lawyer in the Los Angeles area. Over the years, I have had experience with recruiting agencies where they are too high pressure and ineffective. However, your organization deserves an A+ in that the service I received easily ranks at the top of the class.

In addition, thanks for placing in-house. Things are working out great. As I continue to practice law, I will not hesitate to recommend your organization. Thanks for everything.
Very truly yours,
R.P.
American International Group

From: Associate placed in-house (Orange County)
RE: Esquire - one of the very few legal recruiters with in-house placement experience
June 15, 1989
I just wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for your efforts in placing me with the Legal Department at Toshiba America Information Systems. The mere fact that you were able to obtain an interview for me on such short notice (one day, to be exact!) was pretty amazing.

Based on my previous dealings with legal recruiters, very few have any experience in corporate counsel placement, and most lack your agency's relationships with corporations, as well as law firms. I am really very happy with the work here at Toshiba, and it is an extremely pleasant environment in which to work in. I realize that it was quite a coup to land a position with such a prestigious company in the first place, but to do it during a one-week visit, while on my honeymoon no less, well I guess that says it all about your recruiting and placement abilities. Once again, many thanks for your terrific results. I owe you a lunch next time you are down this way!
Yours truly,
L.C.
Assistant Counsel Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc.

From: Lawyer placed at State Farm
RE: In-House Expertise
August 11, 1989
You're the greatest! Thank you for finding the perfect position for me in such a short period of time.

I had only previously dealt with a few headhunters in the past. They were really not interested in finding in-house counsel positions, but were rather interested in finding in-house counsel positions, but were rather interested in finding positions with Latham & Watkins or O'Melveny & Myers. You, on the other hand, were flexible enough and motivated enough to find me what I really wanted - an in-house attorney position. Working with you was a pleasure. You did not waste my time. You were very positive, very confident and very energetic.

I am still amazed that it only took four short weeks from the time we first spoke until the time I accepted an ideal offer for an in-house attorney position. I am looking forward to being able to focus my attention on what I really like to do: practice law. Thank you again for everything. If you're ever in Pasadena, please look me up.
Sincerely,
Lisa Ander State Farm