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Larry Watanabe
Described by Forbes as “one of the more prolific recruiters in the country,” Larry founded this firm in 1998 and has been a legal recruiter for more than 30 years. The Los Angeles Daily Journal said, “The legal talent who jump from firm to firm may grab headlines, but the man behind the moves in California, making the calls and tapping into the highest levels of law firm leadership to influence the make-up of the state’s legal market, is Larry Watanabe.”
Larry’s practice involves the representation of partners and practice groups seeking new affiliations. His expertise includes partner practice analysis, creating business strategies for partner practices, and the negotiation of partner compensation.
From Partners:
“I am pleased to recommend Larry Watanabe to any partner considering a lateral move. Larry’s knowledge of the legal market is unparalleled. His longstanding relationships with firm leaders and practitioners across a wide range of practice areas enables him to take a truly holistic approach to evaluating any potential opportunity. Larry is also uniquely positioned, not only to identify opportunities, but also to assess their relative value in light of your specific objectives and career goals. His focus is on finding the right long-term fit—not simply facilitating a move. Working with Larry was a pleasure at every stage of the process. He is incredibly hardworking, exceptionally responsive, and an outstanding advisor. His counsel extends well beyond the economics of a lateral move. He provides thoughtful guidance through every step of the process, helping navigate the many nuances and strategic considerations with sound judgment and unwavering support. I am grateful to have worked with Larry and would recommend him without hesitation to any partner considering a strategic lateral move.” –Taylor Stevens, Life Sciences ECVC Partner, Sidley
“I retained Larry to advise me as my team and I evaluated potential opportunities with other law firms. Throughout the process, he served as a trusted advisor, providing thoughtful guidance, candid feedback, and valuable insight into the legal market. Larry combines deep knowledge of law firm economics, partner and team compensation, and team transitions with exceptional professionalism and discretion. He took the time to understand our goals and priorities and consistently offered practical, well-reasoned advice tailored to our circumstances. What impressed me most was Larry’s sound judgment and commitment to helping us make informed decisions for the long-term. He was responsive, trustworthy, and focused on finding the right fit rather than simply facilitating a move. I would not hesitate to recommend Larry to partners, practice groups, or law firm leaders considering strategic career opportunities or firm transitions.” –Matthew Bresnahan, Life Sciences IP Partner, Goodwin
“When I decided it was time to consider a move from my professional home of over 13 years, Larry was the obvious first call. Larry truly became a trusted advisor and confidante throughout a process that was unfamiliar and filled with moments of high anxiety, particularly as it came time to make a decision regarding the future of my practice.” –William O’Connor, Litigation Partner, Cooley
“Larry has an encyclopedic knowledge of the California legal market and unparalleled experience placing law firm partners in new homes.” –Deborah Stein, Litigation Partner, Gibson Dunn
“Larry Watanabe represented me in a significant career move involving myself and a team of 10 lawyers. It was a difficult, agonizing decision for all concerned, and I don’t think we could have gotten through the process with our sanity intact without Larry’s sage advice, patience, and steady hand.” –Rick Stone, Litigation Partner, Jenner & Block
“When I decided it was time to look for another firm, Larry was the only person I called because he is the best in the business. He has deep knowledge of the law firm market that no one can match, and he has the respect and attention of the real decision-makers in every firm.” –Scott Stanton, Corporate Partner, Mintz Levin
“Larry built credibility with me for over 10 years before he orchestrated my move.” –Stefani Shanberg, IP Litigation Partner, Morrison & Foerster
“Larry knows me, and he truly knows the market. He knew of a truly once-in-a-career opportunity and he made the connection. From there, Larry was the perfect guide throughout the process, and I was able to get answers and advice from him on a moment’s notice. Larry has tremendous experience and brings it to bear just when its needed.” –Michael Rubin, Data Protection Partner, Latham & Watkins
From the Press:
“His firm dominates the legal recruiting market in California. A smattering of its San Diego deals alone read like a modern history of major events in the region’s legal services industry…. His database of about 6,000 clients and candidates is well-known in legal circles. If a potential lateral partner has a question about a law firm’s profits in the last year, Watanabe pulls up the data in seconds.”
—The Daily Journal
“Larry Watanabe is not an attorney, but he knows more about the legal industry than most partners in the state’s largest law firms. Perhaps more than anyone else, Watanabe and the partners at his search firm, are responsible for the changing shape of the region’s legal landscape. In the past two decades, the Rancho Santa Fe legal recruiter has placed dozens of practice groups, moved countless partners and helped several national firms open offices in San Diego.” – San Diego Transcript