Testimonials

“It was critical 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

“I had the pleasure of working with Bill Sugarman when I made my lateral move. Through his real-time market intelligence, vast connections and excellent work ethic, Bill made an otherwise arduous process very smooth and manageable.  I would highly recommend him as a legal recruiter to anyone considering a lateral move at the partner level.”

Robert Winner
Corporate Partner
Akerman, 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/Chicago

“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
Private Client Services Group
Thompson Coburn, LLP

“After 15 years at an Intellectual Property 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
Partner
Barnes & Thornburg, 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

“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
DLA Piper US LLP

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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

“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 Litigation Partner
Freeborn & Peters 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

“In my previous position as a labor and employment attorney with a prominent law firm, things were going well and I was comfortable. It wasn’t until I consulted with Bill Sugarman of Astor Professional Search that I was able to thoroughly analyze my long-term vision.

Bill’s analysis of my objectives within the context of the legal market really helped me to achieve my goals. His knack for asking the right questions and providing deeper insight proved invaluable. I was truly impressed with the level of personal attention, diligence and strategic coaching afforded to me. Bill was a consummate professional throughout the process, and it’s no wonder that Astor’s network of relationships is so extensive.”

Rachel Urquhart
Senior Labor & Employment Associate
Seyfarth Shaw LLP

“I’ve been contacted by many legal recruiters over the years, but Bill Sugarman really stood apart from the pack for his professional approach, patience, and polite but requisite persistence. Those good qualities, and his seasoned market savvy, serve his clients very well.”

Martin Tully
Founding Partner of Actuate Law, LLC
and former Litigation Partner at Akerman, 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
optionsXpress, Inc.

“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
Former General Counsel
Baum Development, LLC
President, Stage Equity Partners, LLC, a real estate investment firm

“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
Partner
Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg 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)

“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.