Susan Agopian Headshot
partner

Susan Agopian

Senior Principal

Bio

Susan Agopian is a Senior Principal at Lateral Link, where she specializes in partner and group representation nationwide. Over nearly two decades in the legal recruiting profession, Susan has successfully placed partners and teams across virtually every major U.S. legal market, including Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Dallas, Miami, Salt Lake City, and Seattle. Her extensive network, sophisticated market intelligence, and deep understanding of law firm dynamics have made her one of the industry’s most trusted resources for firms seeking to grow and partners evaluating their next move.

What distinguishes Susan in a crowded field is not just her experience, but the breadth of perspective she brings to her work. Born and raised in Bulgaria, Susan spent her formative years traveling through Europe alongside her mother, a prima ballerina, an upbringing that cultivated an appreciation for discipline, artistry, and the kind of cross-cultural fluency that proves invaluable when navigating the complex personalities and institutional cultures of elite law firms. She made Los Angeles her permanent home in 1994 and has been a fixture of the city’s legal community ever since.

Susan holds a Master’s degree in Philosophy, a credential that speaks to both her intellectual depth and her willingness to chart an unconventional path. When a Virginia law school acceptance came her way, she turned it down, trusting her instincts and ultimately finding her calling in legal recruiting instead. It was a decision that has benefited countless attorneys and firms over the nearly 20 years that followed. Her philosophical training is not incidental to her success; the ability to think critically, listen carefully, and understand what people truly want beneath the surface is at the heart of what makes a great recruiter, and Susan has those qualities in abundance.

Outside of work, Susan approaches life with the same curiosity and energy she brings to her practice. She enjoys exploring new places and cultures, a natural extension of a childhood spent traveling throughout Europe. She is a passionate supporter of her local community, including serving on the Board of Counsel for Justice. A devoted mom, Susan has mastered the art of balancing the demands of legal recruiting with the equally rigorous schedule of modern parenthood—school events, sports, and the occasional negotiation that could rival any partnership discussion. When she finds a rare moment of quiet, she enjoys film, concerts, Premier League soccer, and the adrenaline and strategy of MotoGP.

Childhood Hero

My Dad

Super Power

Career Whisperer

Favorite Artist

Frida Kahlo

I was not excited about the prospect of a lateral move. Susan not only brought me focus, but her guidance made the process as painless as possible. While I always tend to be skeptical of headhunters, it quickly became clear that Susan was not simply following random leads hoping for a hit, but she was being driven by a very clear vision for a specific move that actually made sense, based on research, a deep understanding of the law firm, and an appreciation for what it takes to be successful in the business of law. I feel very lucky Susan was there every step of the way.
Victor Jih
― Partner, Wilson Sonsini
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