This year, Gloria Sandrino, our Managing Principal and Co-Chair of the Partner Practice at Lateral Link celebrated a major milestone: her 40th reunion at Harvard Law School. A return to her alma mater brought back fond memories and meaningful connections, as she reconnected with friends and colleagues from her law school days. For Gloria, the reunion wasn’t just a celebration of years gone by—it was a chance to reflect on the remarkable journey that’s brought her from Harvard to the forefront of legal recruiting.
Early Career & Harvard Experience
Gloria’s time at Harvard Law was transformative. “I loved my time there,” she says, recalling the friendships she forged with peers who remain close to this day. For Gloria, the experience at Harvard wasn’t just about academics—it was about building lasting relationships that shaped her personal and professional journey.
A key lesson from law school that still guides her today is the importance of the rule of law. “That was a constant thread in everything we did,” she reflects. “It’s something that has stayed with me throughout my career, both as a lawyer and a recruiter.”
Career Highlights
After law school, Gloria practiced corporate M&A in New York, gaining invaluable experience in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. But her career didn’t stop there. Gloria’s passion for teaching led her to academia, where she became a law professor and achieved the prestigious milestone of earning tenure. “Getting tenure as a law professor was a major accomplishment,” she says, noting it as one of the pivotal moments in her career.
Yet, despite these achievements, Gloria felt a pull toward something different. Her transition into legal recruiting was driven by a desire to help law firm partners find the best opportunities to build client relationships and take their careers to new heights. “After practicing law and teaching, I wanted to help partners find the right firm to grow their client base,” she explains. This move to legal recruiting ultimately led her to Lateral Link, where she now co-leads the Partner Practice Group.
Joining Lateral Link & Your Role Today
Gloria joined Lateral Link to help grow the Partner Practice Group, bringing her wealth of legal experience to focus on lateral partners and group placements. One of the main reasons Gloria was attracted to Lateral Link was the opportunity to work with Mike Allen, CEO and President of Lateral Link and member of Havard Law School ’04.
Gloria relies on her collaborative, long-term relationships with her Harvard Law School alum network to help her navigate the complex issues of partner recruiting, including partner compensation structures and origination credit systems. Her deep understanding of the law and insights allow her to offer valuable guidance and support partners and groups exploring lateral opportunities in the Am Law 100.
Reflections & Advice for Lawyers
When asked what advice she would give to lawyers at various stages of their careers, Gloria emphasizes the importance of remaining informed about changes in the legal industry. In today’s legal industry, especially for partners, making an informed decision about one’s legal career requires understanding law firm metrics, market trends, and platforms. Gloria advises that a conversation with a legal recruiter who can give a partner an overview of the market is essential in order for them to make an informed decision about their legal career.
Conclusion: The Value of Staying Connected
As Gloria reflects on her 40 years since Harvard Law School, she recognizes the importance of paying it forward. The passage of time has given her a deep understanding of the legal profession that she feels obligated to share with every lawyer looking for the next professional opportunity. “Law is the only industry I know, and I work daily to make it better for all lawyers.”
