Reach out to our team: Our Recruiters Mar 27, 2023 Sara Weed joins Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher Sara Weed, previously Partner at Paul Hastings, has joined Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher as Partner in the firm’s FinTech and Digital Assets Practice Group. Ms. Weed’s practice spans both regulatory and transactional advice for a range of clients, including traditional financial institutions, non-bank financial services companies and technology companies. Back to News and Insights Recent Posts May 18, 2026 Garrison quoted in The National Law Journal Amy Savage was quoted in "Big Law Talent Battle Accelerates in Congressional Investigation Practices," (The National Law Journal, 5/7/26). May 5, 2026 Garrison quoted in Law360 Nancy Palermo was quoted in "How Happy Are In-House Attorneys At Work?," (Law360, 2/18/26). Apr 29, 2026 Veronica Ascarrunz joins Sheppard Veronica Ascarrunz, previously Partner at Perkins Coie, has joined Sheppard as Partner and Co-Leader of the firm's ITC Litigation Practice. Veronica has experience in Section 337 ITC investigations at all stages, patent infringement litigation, Hatch-Waxman litigation, product development license disputes and USPTO inter partes proceedings.

With 20+ years in the DC legal market, Amy knows the legal market’s players and process — and her contacts benefit from her reputation as a Washington insider. She leverages the expertise and connections she has developed over two decades to help lawyers and legal employers find what they are looking for. Amy understands which attorneys are likely to make a successful move, how to launch an effective search, which practice areas are most in demand, and how that plays into your approach. Amy K. Savage Partner asavage@g-s.com 202.684.3090 1627 I Street, NW Suite 1230 Washington, DC 20006 Media, Writing, and Speaking Outside the Office What It's Like To Work With Me Overview Credentials Representative Placements Testimonials WHAT IT'S LIKE TO WORK WITH ME I care about the people who trust me with their searches, which is why I take a personalized approach to lateral moves. From initial conversations and market research, to crafting compelling pitches and preparing you for interviews, I am actively involved in tailoring your search at every stage. When it comes time to negotiate final terms, my compensation expertise will give you an advantage. Beyond the search, I am invested in your success and have even introduced firms and candidates to potential clients and referral sources. OVERVIEW With 20+ years in the DC legal market, Amy knows the legal market’s players and process — and her contacts benefit from her reputation as a Washington insider. She leverages the expertise and connections she has developed over two decades to help lawyers and legal employers find what they are looking for. Amy understands which attorneys are likely to make a successful move, how to launch an effective search, which practice areas are most in demand, and how that plays into your approach. Working with candidates Contrary to what many will say, all firms are not alike - each platform differs in what it has to offer. The best firm for someone else is not necessarily the best for you and your clients. Amy helps find the strongest platform for you with an initial, exploratory conversation about you, your practice, your clients, your goals, and other key factors like rates, conflicts, and the presence of other complementary practice areas. Amy will then gather market intelligence and present options that align with your goals and background. Amy knows which firms are interested in hiring in specific practice areas and she has access to key decision makers; she will help you navigate the process, simplify the recruiting process, save you time, ensure a more effective search, and help you secure a better result than you can on your own. In addition to working with current law firm partners, Amy also works with Senate-confirmed and other high-level government attorneys. Those candidates face issues those already in private practice do not – how to make a business case without immediately portable business, with whom to speak about recusals, how to address limitations on appearances and compensation after departure, and so much more. Government attorneys can rely on Amy’s expertise to help them navigate those and other questions. More generally, Amy helps senior lawyers and groups advance their careers by making strategic lateral moves to the right firms at the right time. Her success stems in part from her unique ability to align an attorney's skills, aspirations, and (potential or existing) client base with the right platform. Working with employers Amy is widely regarded as one of the most skilled and knowledgeable legal recruiters in the region. She has worked with dozens of law firms to enhance their DC presence and build out both emerging and well-established practices. Hiring teams reach out to Amy because she is effective. She explores the driving forces behind the searches (such as growth, succession, replacement, client demand), as well as key factors that need to be considered to ensure a strong fit. She then uses that information to craft an approach that helps bring the right candidates to the platform. She ensures that the first, lasting impression the candidate has of the firm is accurate and engaging. As stated by an AmLaw 15 firm: “[Amy] knows exactly what we are looking for and never fails to provide top-notch candidates.” CREDENTIALS Prior to joining Garrison, Amy served as the National Chair of the Government Regulatory & Enforcement Group of a large attorney recruiting agency. She graduated with honors from Georgetown University Law Center in 2000, and later moved from practicing law to legal recruiting, bringing experience and insight gleaned from her years at law firms to her work with candidates and clients. Now a recognized expert on legal career issues, Amy has spoken about the DC legal market to numerous law schools (including Yale, Harvard, UVA, Columbia, and Georgetown), presented at key professional associations like NALP and WALRAA, and is relied upon for her thought leadership by the legal press (including ALM, Bloomberg, Law360, and Above the Law). She has also served as an expert witness in federal court on matters related to attorney compensation – experience that makes her uniquely qualified to negotiate on behalf of her candidates. REPRESENTATIVE PLACEMENTS The high-profile candidates with whom Amy has worked include Chambers-Ranked partners, team chairs, elected officials, Senate-confirmed officials, U.S. Attorneys, and senior attorneys from EPA, FERC, DOJ, and other agencies. Amy has negotiated offers for them from a range of firms, from the most prestigious and visible practices in the United States to smaller boutiques. TESTIMONIALS “When it came time for me to think about returning to private practice after over two years as a senior political appointee [], I called only one recruiter: Amy. Her knowledge of the legal market for laterals coming out of government was encyclopedic. She excelled at getting me very quickly in front of the senior leadership of a select number of firms of the highest caliber. And her advice on structuring a business plan, preparing for interviews, and compensation was indispensable. I recommend Amy wholeheartedly and without reservation.” Chambers-Ranked Partner “Amy is the recruiter law firms turn to for their most critical searches because she genuinely cares about her clients. Her deep expertise and strong relationships make her a trusted and successful partner.” Firmwide Director of Partner Recruiting, AmLaw Firm “Amy’s expertise with attorney compensation structures combined with her market knowledge proved to be a winning formula, and she secured multiple offers for me, with highly favorable terms.” Chambers-Ranked Partner “Amy is an exceptional legal recruiter with uncanny insight into the DC legal market, particularly for individuals leaving government. She deploys that insight to her clients in order to maximize the probability that the candidates with whom she works enter new positions that are long-term and productive fits. Amy also works with clients to develop a strong plan that leverages the strengths that her clients bring to employer to ensure that the offers received are the best possible under the market conditions….” Former AUSA turned General Counsel “[Amy] listened to the practices I wanted to focus on, helped me target my search, and then pointed me towards some wonderful opportunities that I wouldn't have known about otherwise. She helped me secure an interview within weeks of when we started working together and I accepted an offer shortly thereafter. Throughout, she quickly gathered information for me and responded to all of my questions, ensuring that I understood where things stood in the firm's decision-making process and had all the information I needed to decide how to respond to the offer.” NGO fellow who landed a position in a highly specialized legal practice “Amy was retained by [a law firm] to help find someone with my skillset to augment its practice … While she was a great advocate for the firm, she also gave me sound advice and insight that helped me make the selection that made the most sense for me. Thanks to Amy I've found a new professional home.” Agency General Counsel, who accepted position as a practice group chair MEDIA, WRITING, AND SPEAKING Amy is a trusted speaker and author on lateral attorney issues. Frequently cited by national publications for her expertise in attorney hiring, she has also presented lectures for top-ranked law schools (including Yale and Harvard), given presentations for the nation’s leading legal placement associations (NALP and WALRAA), and has written articles for The Legal Times, AboveTheLaw, and other publications. Recent Articles (as industry commentator) "Biglaw Lateral Activity Expected To Be ‘On Fire’ In 2026 ," Above The Law (January 14, 2026) "Lateral Activity From 'Perfect Storm' of Market Factors Expected to Surge in 2026 ," National Law Journal (January 12, 2026) "What Will Shape The DC Legal Market In 2026 ," Law360 (January 5, 2026) "DC Firm Hiring From Government Skyrocketed In 2025 ," Law360 (December 19, 2025) "Big Law Hires From Government—'Like Nothing We've Ever Seen'—Jumped 225% in the DC Region This Year ," National Law Journal (December 12, 2025) "Amid Turmoil at Virginia U.S. Attorney’s Office, Big Law Firms Are Hitting Their Hiring Limit, " National Law Journal (October 14, 2025) "Innovation Aids Client Satisfaction, Retention, but Does It Boost Profits? " The American Lawyer (September 26, 2025) "Facing a Tough Job Market in Big Law, Staying Put Might Pay Off Later For Government Attorneys ," The American Lawyer (August 21, 2025). "These Laterals Are Seen as a 'Huge Win' in the Talent War. Here's How Big Law Is Building Around 'Boomerangs' ," The American Lawyer (August 20, 2025). "Trump’s Slew of Federal Layoffs Is Benefitting at Least One Industry ," Politico (August 4, 2025) "Mayer Brown Lateral Cut Loose Over Social Media Posts Highlights 'Uneven' Vetting Process in Big Law ," The American Lawyer (July 25, 2025) "Former DOJ Civil Rights Lawyers Flooding D.C. Litigation Talent Market ," The American Lawyer (June 5, 2025) "The 2025 NLJ 500: After Head Count Growth Exploded Last Year, Law Firms Pull in the Reins ," Law.com (June 5, 2025) "What's Life Like For a Nonequity Partner? From Duties to Duration to Tax Status, the Answer Is Complicated, " The American Lawyer (May 6, 2025) "Cut a Deal or File a Suit? Every Big Law Response to Trump Scrutiny Is a Blueprint, " The American Lawyer (March 20, 2025) "BigLaw Hiring From Gov't Up As Trump Slashes Agencies ," Law360 (March 17, 2025) "How Gov't Attys Can Prepare For A Private Sector Job Search ," Law360 (February 19, 2025) "Government Attys Crowd Legal Job Market Amid Trump Cuts ," Law360 (February 14, 2025) "Eight-Figure Outliers Aside, These Lateral Candidates Face a 'Buyer's Market' in Big Law, " The American Lawyer (February 13, 2025) "‘High Demand’: Former Trump Admin Lawyers Leverage Connections for Big Law Work, Job ," National Law Journal (January 29, 2025). "Law Students Scramble As Federal Gov't Yanks Job Offers, " Law360 (January 24, 2025). "Government Attorneys Face Reassignment, Rescinded Job Offers in First Days of Trump Administration ," National Law Journal (January 24, 2025). "Weil Saw 20 People Leave in Partners' Lateral Move to Paul Weiss ," The American Lawyer (January 17, 2025) "As Bonus Pools Expand, Challenges Grow in Partner Compensation, " The American Lawyer (January 13, 2025) "Biggest DC Legal Industry News From 2024 ," Law360 (December 20, 2024) "Government Attorneys Are Flooding the Job Market, But Is There Room in Big Law? " National Law Journal (December 18, 2024) "Congressional Inquiry Practices To Stay Hot With GOP Sweep ," Law360 (November 26, 2024) "'There Is No Time to Waste': Matt Gaetz Withdraws From AG Nomination ," National Law Journal (November 21, 2024) "From ‘Deep Sadness’ to Little Concern, Gaetz’s Nomination Draws Sharp Reaction From Lawyers ," National Law Journal (November 20, 2024) “After Trump’s Win, DC Recruiters See Surge In Gov’t Atty Calls ,” Law360 (November 12, 2024) “Trump's Return to the White House: The Legal Industry Reacts ,” Law.com (November 6, 2024) “From Guaranteed Comp to Ethics Screens, How Big Law Navigates the Revolving Door ,” National Law Journal (October 29, 2024) “Bloomberg Law Reports on McGuireWoods ’ New Partner Hires in Washington, D.C.,” McGuireWoods (October 29, 2024) “Judicial Notice (10.20.24): Blast Off ,” Original Jurisdiction (October 20, 2024) “Legal Recruiter Amy Savage Joins Garrison as Lateral Gov't Moves Stay Busy ,” National Law Journal (October 16, 2024) “Veteran DC Recruiter Joins Garrison From Lateral Link ,” Law360 (October 16, 2024) “McGuireWoods Adds DC Partners as Election Spurs Government Exits ,” Bloomberg Law (October 9, 2024) “The Prosecutors Behind Hunter Biden's Conviction ,” National Law Journal (June 13, 2024) “Biden Antitrust Crackdown Is Boon for Law Firm Competition Work ,” Bloomberg Law (May 10, 2024) “In Big Law Partner Hiring, Business Plans Become 'Litmus Test' For Government Hires ,” National Law Journal (April 9, 2024) “Government Lawyers, Particularly at DOJ, Are 'Flooding' the Job Market ,” National Law Journal (April 3, 2024) OUTSIDE THE OFFICE My husband (my college debate partner) and I have lived in the DMV for almost 30 years. We enjoy exploring Old Town Alexandria with our two pups. Virginia has always been home, but I love visiting our children in California, racing to our favorite Formula 1 events, and taking road trips to spring training for the Washington Nationals. Let’s go Nats!

Reach out to our team: Our Recruiters Mar 3, 2023 Keenan Adamchak and Davina Sashkin join Wilkinson Barker Knauer Keenan Adamchak and Davina Sashkin, previously at Baker & Hostetler, have joined Wilkinson Barker Knauer as Counsel and Partner respectively. Back to News and Insights Recent Posts May 18, 2026 Garrison quoted in The National Law Journal Amy Savage was quoted in "Big Law Talent Battle Accelerates in Congressional Investigation Practices," (The National Law Journal, 5/7/26). May 5, 2026 Garrison quoted in Law360 Nancy Palermo was quoted in "How Happy Are In-House Attorneys At Work?," (Law360, 2/18/26). Apr 29, 2026 Veronica Ascarrunz joins Sheppard Veronica Ascarrunz, previously Partner at Perkins Coie, has joined Sheppard as Partner and Co-Leader of the firm's ITC Litigation Practice. Veronica has experience in Section 337 ITC investigations at all stages, patent infringement litigation, Hatch-Waxman litigation, product development license disputes and USPTO inter partes proceedings.

Reach out to our team: Our Recruiters Oct 9, 2024 Jeremy Morrison joins Baker Donelson Jeremy Morrison, previously Partner at Jones Day, has joined Cooley as Partner in the firm's Antitrust and Competition Practice. Jeremy’s practice focuses on complex antitrust compliance counseling, investigations, and mergers and acquisitions review before federal and state agencies, with extensive experience in consumer packaged goods, energy, technology, transportation, retail and finance Back to News and Insights Recent Posts May 18, 2026 Garrison quoted in The National Law Journal Amy Savage was quoted in "Big Law Talent Battle Accelerates in Congressional Investigation Practices," (The National Law Journal, 5/7/26). May 5, 2026 Garrison quoted in Law360 Nancy Palermo was quoted in "How Happy Are In-House Attorneys At Work?," (Law360, 2/18/26). Apr 29, 2026 Veronica Ascarrunz joins Sheppard Veronica Ascarrunz, previously Partner at Perkins Coie, has joined Sheppard as Partner and Co-Leader of the firm's ITC Litigation Practice. Veronica has experience in Section 337 ITC investigations at all stages, patent infringement litigation, Hatch-Waxman litigation, product development license disputes and USPTO inter partes proceedings.

Reach out to our team: Our Recruiters Jan 2, 2024 Chandri Navarro joins Baker & McKenzie Chandri Navarro, previously Partner at Hogan Lovells, has joined Baker & McKenzie as Senior Counsel in the firm's International Commercial & Trade Practice Group. Chandri advises companies, multinationals, trade associations and governments on customs and trade law and policy, trade compliance matters, free trade negotiations, litigation and legislation. Back to News and Insights Recent Posts May 18, 2026 Garrison quoted in The National Law Journal Amy Savage was quoted in "Big Law Talent Battle Accelerates in Congressional Investigation Practices," (The National Law Journal, 5/7/26). May 5, 2026 Garrison quoted in Law360 Nancy Palermo was quoted in "How Happy Are In-House Attorneys At Work?," (Law360, 2/18/26). Apr 29, 2026 Veronica Ascarrunz joins Sheppard Veronica Ascarrunz, previously Partner at Perkins Coie, has joined Sheppard as Partner and Co-Leader of the firm's ITC Litigation Practice. Veronica has experience in Section 337 ITC investigations at all stages, patent infringement litigation, Hatch-Waxman litigation, product development license disputes and USPTO inter partes proceedings.

Reach out to our team: Our Recruiters Feb 1, 2026 Jesse Solomon joins Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison Jesse Solomon, previously Partner at Davis Polk & Wardwell, has joined Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison as Partner in the firm's Antitrust Practice. Jesse represents clients in antitrust investigations of complex, high-profile transactions and in non-merger conduct investigations before the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice. Back to News and Insights Recent Posts May 18, 2026 Garrison quoted in The National Law Journal Amy Savage was quoted in "Big Law Talent Battle Accelerates in Congressional Investigation Practices," (The National Law Journal, 5/7/26). May 5, 2026 Garrison quoted in Law360 Nancy Palermo was quoted in "How Happy Are In-House Attorneys At Work?," (Law360, 2/18/26). Apr 29, 2026 Veronica Ascarrunz joins Sheppard Veronica Ascarrunz, previously Partner at Perkins Coie, has joined Sheppard as Partner and Co-Leader of the firm's ITC Litigation Practice. Veronica has experience in Section 337 ITC investigations at all stages, patent infringement litigation, Hatch-Waxman litigation, product development license disputes and USPTO inter partes proceedings.

Reach out to our team: Our Recruiters Apr 17, 2024 Roger Swartzwelder joins Thompson Coburn Roger Swartzwelder, previously Shareholder at Maynard Nexsen, has joined Thompson Coburn as Partner in the firm's Higher Education Practice. Roger represents institutions of higher education in a wide array of regulatory, accreditation, and operational issues. Back to News and Insights Recent Posts May 18, 2026 Garrison quoted in The National Law Journal Amy Savage was quoted in "Big Law Talent Battle Accelerates in Congressional Investigation Practices," (The National Law Journal, 5/7/26). May 5, 2026 Garrison quoted in Law360 Nancy Palermo was quoted in "How Happy Are In-House Attorneys At Work?," (Law360, 2/18/26). Apr 29, 2026 Veronica Ascarrunz joins Sheppard Veronica Ascarrunz, previously Partner at Perkins Coie, has joined Sheppard as Partner and Co-Leader of the firm's ITC Litigation Practice. Veronica has experience in Section 337 ITC investigations at all stages, patent infringement litigation, Hatch-Waxman litigation, product development license disputes and USPTO inter partes proceedings.

Reach out to our team: Our Recruiters Jan 17, 2023 Richard Snyder joins Mayer Brown Richard Snyder, previously Counsel at Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer, has joined Mayer Brown as Partner in the firm’s Antitrust & Competition Practice. Mr. Snyder focuses his practice on antitrust litigation and regulatory matters. Back to News and Insights Recent Posts May 18, 2026 Garrison quoted in The National Law Journal Amy Savage was quoted in "Big Law Talent Battle Accelerates in Congressional Investigation Practices," (The National Law Journal, 5/7/26). May 5, 2026 Garrison quoted in Law360 Nancy Palermo was quoted in "How Happy Are In-House Attorneys At Work?," (Law360, 2/18/26). Apr 29, 2026 Veronica Ascarrunz joins Sheppard Veronica Ascarrunz, previously Partner at Perkins Coie, has joined Sheppard as Partner and Co-Leader of the firm's ITC Litigation Practice. Veronica has experience in Section 337 ITC investigations at all stages, patent infringement litigation, Hatch-Waxman litigation, product development license disputes and USPTO inter partes proceedings.

Reach out to our team: Our Recruiters Feb 16, 2023 Johnjerica Hodge and India Williams join Katten Muchin Rosenman Johnjerica Hodge, previously Associate at Norton Rose Fulbright and India Williams, previously Partner at Kirkland & Ellis, have joined Katten Muchin Rosenman as Partners in the firm’s ESG Risk and Investigations Practice. Back to News and Insights Recent Posts May 18, 2026 Garrison quoted in The National Law Journal Amy Savage was quoted in "Big Law Talent Battle Accelerates in Congressional Investigation Practices," (The National Law Journal, 5/7/26). May 5, 2026 Garrison quoted in Law360 Nancy Palermo was quoted in "How Happy Are In-House Attorneys At Work?," (Law360, 2/18/26). Apr 29, 2026 Veronica Ascarrunz joins Sheppard Veronica Ascarrunz, previously Partner at Perkins Coie, has joined Sheppard as Partner and Co-Leader of the firm's ITC Litigation Practice. Veronica has experience in Section 337 ITC investigations at all stages, patent infringement litigation, Hatch-Waxman litigation, product development license disputes and USPTO inter partes proceedings.

Reach out to our team: Our Recruiters Jan 31, 2023 Edmund Amorosi, Todd Garland, Jennifer Mahar, Zachary Prince, Jonathan Shaffer, and Brian Vella ... Edmund Amorosi, Todd Garland, Jennifer Mahar, Zachary Prince, Jonathan Shaffer, and Brian Vella, previously at Smith Pachter McWhorter, have joined Haynes Boone as Partners focusing on counseling and litigation in the areas of government contracts, construction, and white-collar law. Back to News and Insights Recent Posts May 18, 2026 Garrison quoted in The National Law Journal Amy Savage was quoted in "Big Law Talent Battle Accelerates in Congressional Investigation Practices," (The National Law Journal, 5/7/26). May 5, 2026 Garrison quoted in Law360 Nancy Palermo was quoted in "How Happy Are In-House Attorneys At Work?," (Law360, 2/18/26). Apr 29, 2026 Veronica Ascarrunz joins Sheppard Veronica Ascarrunz, previously Partner at Perkins Coie, has joined Sheppard as Partner and Co-Leader of the firm's ITC Litigation Practice. Veronica has experience in Section 337 ITC investigations at all stages, patent infringement litigation, Hatch-Waxman litigation, product development license disputes and USPTO inter partes proceedings.

Garrison is a top-tier, award-winning legal search firm with national clients and legal recruiters based in Washington, DC. Celebrating 40 years Our Team For Candidates For Employers More Minds behind the moves. Elite attorneys, law firms, and corporations align with Garrison because of our approach: a blend of intellectual rigor and emotional understanding. For decades, we've been entrusted with handling sophisticated lateral moves while serving as partners for employers and advocates for attorneys. Photo: Garrison Offices High touch. High truth. High trust. A Washington, DC-headquartered legal search firm, Garrison's long track record of loyal clients across the country is a testament to how we've chosen to run our business. Our clients are the most discerning in the legal industry and demand what we offer: a recruiting team that invests the time to fully understand your goals and provide unparalleled market intelligence, insight and access. “[T]he highest levels of professionalism with good people you just want to be friends with” Director of Partner Recruiting, AmLaw 25 Firm Candidates Partners and Practice Groups Associates In-House Government to Law Firm Job Openings Employers Recruiting Partners and Groups Recruiting Associates Recruiting In-House Counsel News and Insights Keep up with Garrison and the industry Garrison quoted in The National Law Journal Amy Savage was quoted in "Big Law Talent Battle Accelerates in Congressional Investigation Practices," (The National Law Journal, 5/7/26). Garrison News and Media Mon May 18 2026 Garrison quoted in Law360 Nancy Palermo was quoted in "How Happy Are In-House Attorneys At Work?," (Law360, 2/18/26). Garrison News and Media Tue May 05 2026 Get to know us. Having placed over 2,000 lawyers into permanent positions, we run our business with a complete mastery of the lateral attorney market. When working with us you can expect: Active listening and a deep understanding of your needs Collaboration Responsiveness Honesty and directness Accountability A combination of expertise and emotional intelligence No pressure Learn More By the Numbers 2000+ Attorneys placed 98.3% Of our candidates stay with their new employer for at least one year 175 Law firms have hired our candidates 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 What clients are saying: After meeting with so many recruiters … finding Garrison was a breath of fresh air. Associate AmLaw 50 firm Clients get 110% from Garrison. They pay attention to your needs and won’t waste your time. Garrison gets a 10 out of 10 for professionalism, responsiveness, consistency and efficiency. Chief Legal Officer and Chief Compliance Officer Private equity fund 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 Reach out to our team: Our Recruiters

Reach out to our team: Our Recruiters Sep 16, 2025 Smarter In-House Job Searching: How Lawyers Can Use AI Tools to Stand Out and Save Time By: Kaitlyn Hunter and Nancy Palermo with Contributions by Edwin Hopkins-Gillispie and Barry Parsons The legal job market has always been competitive, but today’s attorney candidates are navigating a landscape transformed by technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a standard tool for both corporate employers and job seekers. Used wisely, it can help you accelerate your search, stand out in a crowded field, and tailor your applications in ways that weren’t possible even a few years ago. AI is not a silver bullet and won’t land you a job on its own. What it can do is act as a powerful aid. Think of it as a co-pilot in your in-house search. As with any tool, you need to use it thoughtfully, ethically, and with your own judgment. Why AI Matters in Your In-House Job Search In today’s job market, companies are flooded with applications, in turn causing them to use AI to help sort, screen, and evaluate candidates. According to a recent Resume Builder survey, 83% of companies use AI to screen resumes, but only about 18% of job seekers report using AI tools like ChatGPT to help prepare their materials. That means AI is shaping the process from both sides of the table. So, if you want to compete, you need to understand how these tools work and how to use them to your advantage. How Corporate Employers Are Using AI Before exploring how attorneys can leverage AI, it’s worth understanding how companies already use it: Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): T hese platforms scan resumes for key words and skills, rank applicants, and often remove those who don’t meet predefined criteria before a human recruiter ever sees them. Online tools like Jobscan or ResumeWorded can help you test how well your resume matches a job description. Candidate Sourcing and Matching: Platforms like LinkedIn Recruiter use AI to scan job boards and match candidates to openings based on skills. Chatbots: Many employers now use AI-powered chatbots to screen candidates, schedule interviews, and answer FAQs. Some are obviously automated, while others can mimic human conversation remarkably well. Despite these technologies, humans still make the ultimate decisions. Recruiters and attorney hiring managers review resumes, decide who to interview, and evaluate fit. You must optimize your materials for both machines and humans , but more importantly, your personal connections within an organization and interview performance will go further than any AI tool. How Attorney Candidates Can Use AI Used strategically, AI can make your job search more efficient and more effective. Here are five key areas where it can help: Resume and Cover Letter Creation AI can refine your resume and cover letters by helping you: Proof for typos, inconsistencies, or grammatical errors. Translate jargon or technical skills into plain language. Tailor your materials to specific job descriptions. For example, instead of “Drafted and negotiated commercial contracts,” AI might suggest: “Drafted and reviewed commercial vendor contracts and sales agreements, supported contract negotiation processes, and coordinated cross-functional communication with internal teams and external partners.” Writing assistants like Jasper, Quillbot, and Rezi can help with phrasing, formatting, and ATS optimization. Always personalize and fact-check. AI is a starting point, not a final draft. Interview Preparation AI can generate potential interview questions based on a job description, including both technical and behavioral prompts. It can also suggest strong sample answers, create industry-specific question sets, and even provide questions to ask interviewers. Some tools allow you to practice by speaking your answers aloud and receive instant feedback on tone, clarity, and structure. This is a strong starting point but practicing with a friend or family member to avoid sounding too rehearsed or as though you are reading from a script is the best method. Company and Role Research Need to prepare for a meeting or interview? AI can quickly summarize a company’s mission, values, and recent news. This gives you a head start, but you should always confirm insights with human sources or the information on the company’s website. LinkedIn Optimization Your LinkedIn profile is often the first place recruiters look. AI can help you: Compare job descriptions across companies and extract the most common requirements. Rewrite your “About” section to highlight accomplishments and leadership. Suggest stronger headlines, bullet points, or outreach messages. Tailor your profile for visibility in LinkedIn’s search algorithm. Beyond writing support, AI can guide your content strategy: posting consistently, engaging with peers, and sharing authentic insights. Job Search Strategy AI can act as your career coach, helping you: Identify gaps between your experience and a job description. Draft networking scripts for different scenarios (cold outreach, reconnecting with contacts, following up after events). Create and refine your 2-minute elevator pitch. Set weekly job search goals and track progress. Again, AI is a starting point. Review for accuracy and make sure the content reflects your own voice. Risks to Be Aware Of Like any tool, AI comes with risks for both employers and attorney candidates. For Employers AI can unintentionally replicate or amplify bias if it’s trained on flawed data. Some states have already passed laws requiring bias audits and disclosures. Employers must be transparent when AI is being used, monitor developments, prepare for audits, and most importantly, ensure human oversight. For Job Seekers Candidates face different risks, including: Misrepresentation: AI-generated content that inflates experience or fabricates skills. Privacy Concerns: Uploading resumes or personal information into public AI tools without knowing how the data is stored or shared. Overreliance: Believing flawed job-matching tools over your own judgment. Detection Software: Some employers now use AI to flag AI-written applications, raising credibility issues. Always review, personalize, and own your materials. AI should enhance your voice, not replace it. Final Takeaways AI won’t get you a job, but used wisely, it can make you faster, sharper, and more prepared. It’s a tool that can help you focus on what really matters: building relationships, telling your story, and demonstrating the unique value you bring. Experiment with different tools, stay aware of the risks, and always keep authenticity at the center. The job search process is still, and will always be, about people. Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Back to News and Insights Recent Posts May 18, 2026 Garrison quoted in The National Law Journal Amy Savage was quoted in "Big Law Talent Battle Accelerates in Congressional Investigation Practices," (The National Law Journal, 5/7/26). May 5, 2026 Garrison quoted in Law360 Nancy Palermo was quoted in "How Happy Are In-House Attorneys At Work?," (Law360, 2/18/26). Apr 29, 2026 Veronica Ascarrunz joins Sheppard Veronica Ascarrunz, previously Partner at Perkins Coie, has joined Sheppard as Partner and Co-Leader of the firm's ITC Litigation Practice. Veronica has experience in Section 337 ITC investigations at all stages, patent infringement litigation, Hatch-Waxman litigation, product development license disputes and USPTO inter partes proceedings.