Reach out to our team: Our Recruiters Jul 23, 2024 Garrison Promotes Erin Sears to Partner WASHINGTON, D.C., July 23, 2024 – Garrison today announced the promotion of Erin Sears from Vice President to Partner. “We are very excited to elevate Erin to Partner,” said Garrison partner Dan Binstock . “Since joining Garrison in 2018, Erin has demonstrated the skills and tenacity to succeed at the highest level. We have always been proud to have Erin on our team, and this recognition is much deserved.” Erin’s practice focuses on law firm placements, spanning regulatory, transactional and litigation practices. She brings particular knowledge of practices with regulatory components, especially financial services and banking. “Erin receives more referrals than any recruiter with whom I have worked,” said Garrison partner Matt Schwartz . “Her referrals are a testament to her extensive knowledge, creative thinking, hard work, and most importantly, results.” “Erin is an exceptional recruiter,” said Garrison partner Nancy Palermo . “She is respected by our clients and a wonderful advocate for her candidates. In addition, her professionalism, excellent writing ability, and great sense of humor are appreciated by everyone on our team. I look forward to having her as my colleague and friend for years to come.” “I am so appreciative of the confidence that Garrison has in me,” said Erin. “I am thankful every day to work alongside likeminded colleagues who are so dedicated to our candidates and clients.” Erin added, “We have such a collaborative approach and genuinely enjoy working together, which is so important in this business.” Prior to joining Garrison, Erin practiced for twelve years at Paul Hastings in Washington, D.C., as well as at Three Crowns, an elite international arbitration boutique. Her law firm experience has proved an invaluable asset in understanding the DC market. Before practicing, Erin earned her J.D. from Washington University in St. Louis (2004) and her B.S. from the University of Maryland (2001), with double degrees in International Business and Logistics/Transportation, along with double minors in Portuguese and Spanish. About Garrison Since 1986, elite attorneys, law firms, and corporations have entrusted Garrison with their most important lateral searches due to a unique blend of market expertise, connections, and candor. Over the years, Garrison recruiters have placed well over 2000 attorneys in all types of law firms and in-house legal departments, with an emphasis on the Washington, D.C. market. For more information on Garrison, visit https://www.g-s.com/ . Press Release - Erin Sears - 7-23-24 .pdf Download PDF • 54KB Back to News and Insights Recent Posts Nov 16, 2025 Mark Williams joins Clifford Chance Mark Williams, previously Partner at Day Pitney, has joined Clifford Chance as Partner in the firm's Energy Regulatory and Markets Practice. Mark has experience advising investors and energy companies on corporate, financial, securities and related regulatory matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and state utility commissions. Nov 16, 2025 Sara McLean joins Akin Gump Sara McLean, previously Assistant Director, Commercial Litigation Branch at the U.S. Department of Justice, has joined Akin Gump as Partner in the firm's False Claims Act Practice. Sara represents clients facing False Claims Act and civil fraud investigations and litigation. Nov 16, 2025 Kirsten Wilkerson joins Clyde & Co Kirsten Wilkerson, previously Director, Torts Branch, Civil Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, has joined Clyde & Co as Partner in the firm's North American Trial & Defense Practice. Kirsten is a litigator with experience defending complex, high-stakes tort claims, including product liability, environmental contamination, toxic exposure, mass casualty events, and premises liability.

Reach out to our team: Our Recruiters Aug 7, 2023 Kenneth Polite joins Sidley Austin Kenneth Polite, former Senate-confirmed Assistant Attorney General for the U.S. Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, will join Sidley Austin on October 1,2023, as Partner and global co-leader of the firm’s White Collar: Government Litigation and Investigations Practice. Kenneth will focus on white collar criminal defense, investigation, and compliance matters. Back to News and Insights Recent Posts Nov 16, 2025 Mark Williams joins Clifford Chance Mark Williams, previously Partner at Day Pitney, has joined Clifford Chance as Partner in the firm's Energy Regulatory and Markets Practice. Mark has experience advising investors and energy companies on corporate, financial, securities and related regulatory matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and state utility commissions. Nov 16, 2025 Sara McLean joins Akin Gump Sara McLean, previously Assistant Director, Commercial Litigation Branch at the U.S. Department of Justice, has joined Akin Gump as Partner in the firm's False Claims Act Practice. Sara represents clients facing False Claims Act and civil fraud investigations and litigation. Nov 16, 2025 Kirsten Wilkerson joins Clyde & Co Kirsten Wilkerson, previously Director, Torts Branch, Civil Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, has joined Clyde & Co as Partner in the firm's North American Trial & Defense Practice. Kirsten is a litigator with experience defending complex, high-stakes tort claims, including product liability, environmental contamination, toxic exposure, mass casualty events, and premises liability.

Reach out to our team: Our Recruiters Apr 14, 2023 Brian Johnson joins Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider Brian Johnson, previously Partner at Steptoe & Johnson, has joined Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider as Partner in the firm’s Intellectual Property Group. Mr. Johnson is a skilled patent litigation attorney representing clients before the International Trade Commission (ITC) and district courts. Back to News and Insights Recent Posts Nov 16, 2025 Mark Williams joins Clifford Chance Mark Williams, previously Partner at Day Pitney, has joined Clifford Chance as Partner in the firm's Energy Regulatory and Markets Practice. Mark has experience advising investors and energy companies on corporate, financial, securities and related regulatory matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and state utility commissions. Nov 16, 2025 Sara McLean joins Akin Gump Sara McLean, previously Assistant Director, Commercial Litigation Branch at the U.S. Department of Justice, has joined Akin Gump as Partner in the firm's False Claims Act Practice. Sara represents clients facing False Claims Act and civil fraud investigations and litigation. Nov 16, 2025 Kirsten Wilkerson joins Clyde & Co Kirsten Wilkerson, previously Director, Torts Branch, Civil Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, has joined Clyde & Co as Partner in the firm's North American Trial & Defense Practice. Kirsten is a litigator with experience defending complex, high-stakes tort claims, including product liability, environmental contamination, toxic exposure, mass casualty events, and premises liability.

Reach out to our team: Our Recruiters Jul 17, 2023 Michael Franzinger joins Dentons Michael Franzinger, previously Partner at Sidley Austin, has joined Dentons as Partner in the firm's Intellectual Property and Technology Practice. Mr. Franzinger offers clients extensive experience in patent, trade secret and IP litigation, with a focus on the administrative law aspects of intellectual property protection, particularly Section 337 investigations before the International Trade Commission (ITC) and inter partes reviews before the Patent Trial and Appeal Board. Back to News and Insights Recent Posts Nov 16, 2025 Mark Williams joins Clifford Chance Mark Williams, previously Partner at Day Pitney, has joined Clifford Chance as Partner in the firm's Energy Regulatory and Markets Practice. Mark has experience advising investors and energy companies on corporate, financial, securities and related regulatory matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and state utility commissions. Nov 16, 2025 Sara McLean joins Akin Gump Sara McLean, previously Assistant Director, Commercial Litigation Branch at the U.S. Department of Justice, has joined Akin Gump as Partner in the firm's False Claims Act Practice. Sara represents clients facing False Claims Act and civil fraud investigations and litigation. Nov 16, 2025 Kirsten Wilkerson joins Clyde & Co Kirsten Wilkerson, previously Director, Torts Branch, Civil Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, has joined Clyde & Co as Partner in the firm's North American Trial & Defense Practice. Kirsten is a litigator with experience defending complex, high-stakes tort claims, including product liability, environmental contamination, toxic exposure, mass casualty events, and premises liability.

As the administrator in charge of the business functions of Garrison, Kathy Charlwood is responsible for a long list of functions critical to the firm’s ability to successfully serve its clients. Kathy Charlwood Senior Administrator 1627 I Street, NW Suite 1230 Washington, DC 20006 kcharlwood@g-s.com 202.559.0475 WHAT IT'S LIKE TO WORK WITH ME Managing the business side of Garrison requires a great deal of discipline, a trait I bring to everything I do. My Garrison colleagues say I’m focused and reliable, but also warm, friendly and even keeled. Unusual or last-minute requests don’t fluster me, and I will respond quickly with an answer or solution. I love helping to ensure the numbers add up to a firm that successfully provides the best opportunities for our clients. OVERVIEW As the administrator in charge of the business functions of Garrison, Kathy is responsible for a long list of functions critical to the firm’s ability to successfully serve its clients. She manages budgets, creates monthly financial reports, maintains all accounting systems, manages vendor and banking relationships, and handles all payments that come in and go out. Kathy also serves as the primary contact with the firm’s outside accountants, providing the data they consistently need. She is also responsible for managing Garrison’s business and worker’s compensation insurance and audits, as well as the firm’s benefits programs. Kathy is quick to take the initiative whenever and wherever it is needed. CREDENTIALS B.S., business administration, University of Saint Joseph, 1983 OUTSIDE THE OFFICE I love running and hiking, and one of my favorite hikes is McAfee Knob in the Roanoke Valley of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains. It’s on the bucket list for hikers from around the world. As an owner of a 1930s home, I also enjoy the challenge of restoring it while making it a functioning home today. There is much left to do! My reading focus these days is historical fiction, and I read a wide variety of books from many authors. Of course, spending time with my large extended family and my friends is high on my priority list. What It's Like To Work With Me Overview Credentials Outside the Office

Reach out to our team: Our Recruiters Nov 10, 2024 Tyree Jones joins Polsinelli Tyree Jones, previously Partner at Reed Smith, has joined Polsinelli as Shareholder in the firm's Employment Litigation Practice. Tyree is a trial lawyer with experience in litigating complex commercial disputes related to civil rights violations in the consumer finance, employment, housing and information management sectors. Back to News and Insights Recent Posts Nov 16, 2025 Mark Williams joins Clifford Chance Mark Williams, previously Partner at Day Pitney, has joined Clifford Chance as Partner in the firm's Energy Regulatory and Markets Practice. Mark has experience advising investors and energy companies on corporate, financial, securities and related regulatory matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and state utility commissions. Nov 16, 2025 Sara McLean joins Akin Gump Sara McLean, previously Assistant Director, Commercial Litigation Branch at the U.S. Department of Justice, has joined Akin Gump as Partner in the firm's False Claims Act Practice. Sara represents clients facing False Claims Act and civil fraud investigations and litigation. Nov 16, 2025 Kirsten Wilkerson joins Clyde & Co Kirsten Wilkerson, previously Director, Torts Branch, Civil Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, has joined Clyde & Co as Partner in the firm's North American Trial & Defense Practice. Kirsten is a litigator with experience defending complex, high-stakes tort claims, including product liability, environmental contamination, toxic exposure, mass casualty events, and premises liability.

Reach out to our team: Our Recruiters Jan 3, 2023 Paul Kisslinger joins Lewis Brisbois Paul Kisslinger previously Assistant Chief Litigation Counsel at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, has joined Lewis Brisbois as Partner and Chair of the firm’s SEC Regulatory Enforcement Practice, and member of the Complex Business & Commercial Litigation, Securities Litigation and FINRA, and Sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Practices. Back to News and Insights Recent Posts Nov 16, 2025 Mark Williams joins Clifford Chance Mark Williams, previously Partner at Day Pitney, has joined Clifford Chance as Partner in the firm's Energy Regulatory and Markets Practice. Mark has experience advising investors and energy companies on corporate, financial, securities and related regulatory matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and state utility commissions. Nov 16, 2025 Sara McLean joins Akin Gump Sara McLean, previously Assistant Director, Commercial Litigation Branch at the U.S. Department of Justice, has joined Akin Gump as Partner in the firm's False Claims Act Practice. Sara represents clients facing False Claims Act and civil fraud investigations and litigation. Nov 16, 2025 Kirsten Wilkerson joins Clyde & Co Kirsten Wilkerson, previously Director, Torts Branch, Civil Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, has joined Clyde & Co as Partner in the firm's North American Trial & Defense Practice. Kirsten is a litigator with experience defending complex, high-stakes tort claims, including product liability, environmental contamination, toxic exposure, mass casualty events, and premises liability.

Reach out to our team: Our Recruiters Jun 17, 2025 Jeff Korenblatt joins Norton Rose Fulbright Jeff Korenblatt, previously Partner at Holland & Knight, has joined Norton Rose Fulbright as Partner. Jeff focuses on tax law, insurance and transactional risk mitigation. Back to News and Insights Recent Posts Nov 16, 2025 Mark Williams joins Clifford Chance Mark Williams, previously Partner at Day Pitney, has joined Clifford Chance as Partner in the firm's Energy Regulatory and Markets Practice. Mark has experience advising investors and energy companies on corporate, financial, securities and related regulatory matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and state utility commissions. Nov 16, 2025 Sara McLean joins Akin Gump Sara McLean, previously Assistant Director, Commercial Litigation Branch at the U.S. Department of Justice, has joined Akin Gump as Partner in the firm's False Claims Act Practice. Sara represents clients facing False Claims Act and civil fraud investigations and litigation. Nov 16, 2025 Kirsten Wilkerson joins Clyde & Co Kirsten Wilkerson, previously Director, Torts Branch, Civil Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, has joined Clyde & Co as Partner in the firm's North American Trial & Defense Practice. Kirsten is a litigator with experience defending complex, high-stakes tort claims, including product liability, environmental contamination, toxic exposure, mass casualty events, and premises liability.

Reach out to our team: Our Recruiters Jun 15, 2023 Adam Hudes joins Vinson & Elkins Adam Hudes, previously Partner at Mayer Brown, has joined Vinson & Elkins as Partner in the firm's Antitrust Litigation Practice. Mr. Hudes is a seasoned litigator and antitrust lawyer who concentrates on complex antitrust and commercial disputes. Back to News and Insights Recent Posts Nov 16, 2025 Mark Williams joins Clifford Chance Mark Williams, previously Partner at Day Pitney, has joined Clifford Chance as Partner in the firm's Energy Regulatory and Markets Practice. Mark has experience advising investors and energy companies on corporate, financial, securities and related regulatory matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and state utility commissions. Nov 16, 2025 Sara McLean joins Akin Gump Sara McLean, previously Assistant Director, Commercial Litigation Branch at the U.S. Department of Justice, has joined Akin Gump as Partner in the firm's False Claims Act Practice. Sara represents clients facing False Claims Act and civil fraud investigations and litigation. Nov 16, 2025 Kirsten Wilkerson joins Clyde & Co Kirsten Wilkerson, previously Director, Torts Branch, Civil Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, has joined Clyde & Co as Partner in the firm's North American Trial & Defense Practice. Kirsten is a litigator with experience defending complex, high-stakes tort claims, including product liability, environmental contamination, toxic exposure, mass casualty events, and premises liability.

Garrison Search is selective in the lawyers we represent. Our employer clients know if you are being presented by us, you are sought after. Partners and Groups Associates In-House Government Attorneys > Law Firms Align With Garrison Garrison is selective in the lawyers we represent. Our employer clients know if you are being presented by us, you are sought after. Even if you are not seeking a change today, you recognize that aligning with market experts who can closely guide you on every stage of this process has immense value once your circumstances change. You’re busy with your practice, and we’re busy handling sophisticated lateral moves. For over 35 years, legal employers have consistently told us that our candidates rise to the top because our endorsement and representation carries weight and trust. Job Openings What clients are saying: They’re fun to work with and very down-to-earth. It’s all about the relationship with them. Managing Partner AmLaw 100 firm In an industry in which the majority of players are not known for playing above-board, I completely trust Garrison. Director of Legal Recruiting AmLaw 50 firm Director of Recruiting AmLaw 50 firm I have been working with recruiters at Garrison since I started recruiting in 2006 and cannot recommend them enough. As a legal recruiter, I seek out search firms that I find knowledgeable, responsive, and trustworthy. The recruiters at Garrison embody these characteristics, and I honestly find working with them fun. High touch. High truth. High trust. Garrison quoted in American Lawyer Dan Binstock was quoted in " 4-Day Attendance Requirements Gain Momentum, but Partner Objections Persist , " (American Lawyer Online, 11/5/25). Garrison News and Media Wed Nov 05 2025 Garrison quoted in American Lawyer Dan Binstock was quoted in " In Big Law's 'Free-Agent' Era, Are New Partners 'Ripe' for Moves? " (American Lawyer Online, 10/20/25). Garrison News and Media Mon Oct 20 2025 News and Insights Keep up with Garrison and the industry For Candidates 2000+ Attorneys placed 175 Law firms have hired our candidates 98.3% Of our candidates stay with their new employer for at least one year 75% Retention rate of partners after five years (industry average is 50%) 95% AmLaw firms in the DC region with which we've worked 100+ Corporations at which we have made placements

Reach out to our team: Our Recruiters Feb 2, 2025 Karyn Schmidt joins Squire Patton Boggs Karyn Schmidt, previously Senior Director, Regulatory & Scientific Affairs and International Team Leader at the American Chemistry Council, has joined Squire Patton Boggs as Principal in the firm's Public Policy Practice. Karyn has experience working on chemicals management, environment, sustainability, and other issues, as a lawyer and trade association policy representative. Back to News and Insights Recent Posts Nov 16, 2025 Mark Williams joins Clifford Chance Mark Williams, previously Partner at Day Pitney, has joined Clifford Chance as Partner in the firm's Energy Regulatory and Markets Practice. Mark has experience advising investors and energy companies on corporate, financial, securities and related regulatory matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and state utility commissions. Nov 16, 2025 Sara McLean joins Akin Gump Sara McLean, previously Assistant Director, Commercial Litigation Branch at the U.S. Department of Justice, has joined Akin Gump as Partner in the firm's False Claims Act Practice. Sara represents clients facing False Claims Act and civil fraud investigations and litigation. Nov 16, 2025 Kirsten Wilkerson joins Clyde & Co Kirsten Wilkerson, previously Director, Torts Branch, Civil Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, has joined Clyde & Co as Partner in the firm's North American Trial & Defense Practice. Kirsten is a litigator with experience defending complex, high-stakes tort claims, including product liability, environmental contamination, toxic exposure, mass casualty events, and premises liability.

Reach out to our team: Our Recruiters May 30, 2023 Eric Solomon joins Ivins, Phillips & Barker Eric Solomon, previously Partner at Steptoe & Johnson, has joined Ivins, Phillips & Barker as Partner. Mr. Solomon advises clients on a wide range of transactional tax, tax policy and controversy issues. Back to News and Insights Recent Posts Nov 16, 2025 Mark Williams joins Clifford Chance Mark Williams, previously Partner at Day Pitney, has joined Clifford Chance as Partner in the firm's Energy Regulatory and Markets Practice. Mark has experience advising investors and energy companies on corporate, financial, securities and related regulatory matters before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and state utility commissions. Nov 16, 2025 Sara McLean joins Akin Gump Sara McLean, previously Assistant Director, Commercial Litigation Branch at the U.S. Department of Justice, has joined Akin Gump as Partner in the firm's False Claims Act Practice. Sara represents clients facing False Claims Act and civil fraud investigations and litigation. Nov 16, 2025 Kirsten Wilkerson joins Clyde & Co Kirsten Wilkerson, previously Director, Torts Branch, Civil Division at the U.S. Department of Justice, has joined Clyde & Co as Partner in the firm's North American Trial & Defense Practice. Kirsten is a litigator with experience defending complex, high-stakes tort claims, including product liability, environmental contamination, toxic exposure, mass casualty events, and premises liability.