LOS ANGELES and HONG KONG, November 4, 2024 — Lateral Link, one of the world’s leading legal recruitment firms, announced today that it has acquired The Roya Agency Limited, a premier boutique legal talent agency based in Hong Kong.
The acquisition further strengthens Lateral Link’s established presence in Asia’s legal recruitment market and expands its capabilities in one of the world’s leading financial centers. Under the leadership of Founder and CEO Michael Allen, Lateral Link has built over the past two decades one of the industry’s most respected legal recruitment firms, specializing in placing exceptional legal talent with major international law firms and Fortune 500 companies. The Roya Agency was founded in 2021 by Tina Lee Jebely and quickly established itself in Hong Kong’s competitive legal recruitment sector through top law firm and in-house placements at a senior level in addition to management consulting engagements and other work championing diversity and inclusion in legal services.
“I am excited that The Roya Agency has now become part of Lateral Link’s very strong global platform,” said Tina Lee Jebely. “This acquisition will no doubt result in enhanced opportunities for attorneys and employers in Hong Kong and beyond.”
“The acquisition of The Roya Agency aligns with our growth strategy and strengthens our position in the Asian legal market,” said Michael Allen, Founder and CEO of Lateral Link. “This strategic move enhances our ability to serve clients in Asia while supporting our commitment to building diverse and inclusive legal communities across Asia.”
“This acquisition reinforces Lateral Link’s longstanding presence and leadership in Asia’s legal recruitment market,” said Evan Jowers, Principal and Head of Asia for Lateral Link. “Tina Lee Jebely is one of the most respected attorney recruiters in the region and we are very fortunate to have her on our Asia team in a senior advisory role. Having operated in Asia for 18 years, Lateral Link is recognized as a market leader in Asia Big Law associate counsel and partner level moves across Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Singapore, Tokyo and Seoul. We have made over 600 attorney placements in Asia over the years, easily more than any other recruiting firm. As the Asia-Pacific legal market continues to evolve, Hong Kong/China and Singapore remain pivotal hubs for partner and associate transitions, driven by growing demand in specialized practice areas. Japan and Korea also present stable markets with consistent demand for internationally experienced legal talent. With this expansion, Lateral Link is well-positioned to support clients in navigating an increasingly dynamic regulatory environment and addressing the region’s evolving legal needs.”
About Lateral Link Lateral Link is a legal recruiting firm that specializes in connecting exceptional legal talent with major international law firms and Fortune 500 companies. With a global presence and a focus on personalized service, Lateral Link has successfully facilitated thousands of placements worldwide, helping both firms and candidates achieve their goals in an ever-evolving legal landscape.
Contact: Evan Jowers, ejowers@laterallink.com
