LATERAL LINK

MICHAEL ALLEN

Michael Allen is a Principal (and Founder) at Lateral Link, located in the Los Angeles office.  Michael started his legal career as a real estate finance associate at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP before making a lateral transition to Irell & Manella LLP.  Michael subsequently founded Lateral Link with a few other former practicing attorneys who he met at Harvard Law School.  Since its inception, Lateral Link quickly matured into a leading legal placement boutique matching top attorney candidates with Am Law 200 law firms and Fortune 1000 companies.  In addition to overseeing the search firm, Michael is one of Lateral Link's experienced legal recruiters, placing attorneys at both (i) law firms, from major Am Law 200 firms to specialty contingency boutiques; and (ii) Corporate In House departments.  Michael holds a B.A. in Political Science, summa cum laude, with a concentration in Economics, from the University of California, San Diego and a J.D., cum laude, from Harvard Law School. 

"I have a hard time imagining someone better at this position than Mike Allen.  Anyone can tell you things you can read on law firm websites, but Mike adds actual value.  He understands the nuances of the legal industry, the culture of leading law firms, and most importantly, how to help find the right fit for you.  Mike is professional, efficient, but most importantly, unparalleled in his understanding of the California legal market.  I could not recommend him more highly." (Harvard Law School Alumnus; placed at Munger Tolles)