Michael Allen is the Founder and CEO of Lateral Link, a global leader in legal recruiting. He founded the firm in 2006 after beginning his legal career at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and Irell & Manella LLP. His experience gave him a deep understanding of the demands placed on attorneys and the complexities of law firm and in-house hiring, ultimately shaping his vision for a recruiting company led by former practicing attorneys who truly understand the profession.

Under Michael’s leadership, Lateral Link has grown into one of the most recognized legal recruiting platforms in the industry, with a team operating across more than a dozen cities throughout the United States and Asia. The firm’s recruiters, most of whom are former practicing attorneys, have completed tens of thousands of placements across Am Law 200 firms, elite boutiques, Fortune 100 companies, and high-growth global enterprises.

Michael’s responsibilities include guiding major corporate initiatives, managing organizational structure and resources, and driving long-term growth strategy. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, deep client relationships, and a strong commitment to service. He works closely with law firm leaders, partners, and in-house executives to understand evolving hiring needs and help them attract top legal talent in an increasingly competitive market.

Michael graduated summa cum laude from the University of California, San Diego, and earned his JD, cum laude, from Harvard Law School. He remains actively engaged in industry conversations, offering insight into legal hiring trends and attorney career development, and continues to drive innovation within the legal recruiting space.