Who we are.

Avance Partner Search is a boutique legal search firm exclusively focused on recruiting premier partner, group placements, and new office openings for elite law firms globally. We are widely recognized for our legal expertise in identifying and advising top tier talent and successfully navigating the complexities of a competitive and ever-changing legal market. Through our deep-rooted relationships amongst the top law firms, we have the unique ability to identify, guide, and match talent to help lawyers maximize their career goals.

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Avance (n.) /a'vans/

To move forward, to make progress, to advance.

Why us?

Law firms.

Avance Partner Search collaborates with law firms to identify talent that best fits with the strategic needs of the firm. Our long-term relationship with firm leadership ensures that we go to the market with a detailed message that differentiates our clients. Because of this, our placements and track record speak for themselves, and we pride ourselves on our ethical approach. Our calls are returned and we become trusted advisors to bring the best talent forward.

Partners.

Avance Partner Search represents individual partners and groups by providing current market intelligence, economic analysis, and detailed information about current compensation systems. We listen, form relationships, and focus on each partner’s specific needs as we navigate potential opportunities. We strive to meet each candidates’ goals to ensure that they are valued. Change is often difficult and we pride ourselves on guiding candidates through the process. Many former candidates have become our clients and decision makers within their law firms.

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Our Team.

Divya Bala

P: 310-563-7163

Divya is the founder of Avance Partner Search. During her legal search career, she has developed a reputation as one of the leading partner recruiters in the country. Divya has worked with top tier partners and groups to both launch new offices and place hundreds of partners into Am Law 100 firms in Los Angeles, San Francisco & Silicon Valley, New York, Boston, Washington DC, and other major metro markets. She has over 15 years of experience as a legal recruiter and 10+ years of experience solely focused on partner talent. Divya has been recognized for several years by LawDragon as one of the top 100 legal recruiters in the country.

Divya possesses an unparalleled drive to surpass the expectations of both candidates and clients. Partners and law firms appreciate her transparency, trust, and empathy. She is a true partner and trusted advisor as she guides candidates. Law firm management and media frequently seek out Divya to weigh in on market trends, compensation, and strategic hiring initiatives.

She frequently works alongside law firm management to strategize and execute their visions for expansion and growth. Her candidates and clients know that she provides trusted feedback and coaching, which results in successful placements and long-term relationships.

Divya previously spent ten years at Lippman Jungers Bala, the last three years as a named partner. She received her JD from Saint Louis University and her B.A. from Creighton University where she also played Division 1 tennis. While she is not connecting top talent with top law firms, you can usually find her on a tennis court, at the driving range, or at an ACFC game with her family.

Mary Copeland

P: 212-643-4313

Mary has placed dozens of partners into many of the world’s leading law firms. She has represented partners across practice areas, including Private Equity & M&A, Litigation, Capital Markets, Public Company M&A, Restructuring & Bankruptcy, Finance, Real Estate, and Employment. In doing so, Mary has fostered relationships with law firm leadership and key decision makers across the AmLaw 100. Working throughout the country, Mary possesses an in-depth knowledge of the New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Silicon Valley markets. In 2023, she was recognized by Lawdragon as one of the “Global 100 Leaders in Legal Strategy & Consulting”.

With a tenacious personality, Mary is a tireless advocate for the partners and groups she represents. Leading with integrity and transparency, Mary brings clients and candidates together based on mutually aligned parameters and objectives. Known for her humor and congeniality, she enjoys maintaining long term relationships with her clients and candidates.

Mary is dedicated to serving and investing in her community. She sits on the Board of Directors for the University of Maine Foundation and is an advisor for the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute, a non-profit dedicated to empowering young women through leadership and confidence building curriculum.

Prior to joining Avance, Mary spent 5+ years at Lippman Jungers Bala as a Managing Director where she solely focused on partner placements. She received her B.S. from the University of Maine. When she is not on the phone, she enjoys cycling, running, and swimming. On the weekends, you can often find her and her husband chasing their two young boys.

Suzy Lewis

P: 310-563-7150

Suzy has over 20 years of experience in operations management, human resources, data management, and accounting. With her excellent organizational skills and positive take-charge attitude, Suzy is what keeps it all moving forward. She anticipates tasks before they need to be done and always goes above and beyond, whether for a candidate or internally. She actively fosters a team environment at Avance and supports us to reach our potential.

Suzy earned her B.S. from the University of Arizona and when she is not moving the ball forward at Avance, she can be found on the golf course or at Dodger Stadium.

Testimonials

“The decision to change law firms is a major life decision and can be a stressful process. There is no one I would rather have guiding me through the process than Divya. Divya is extremely knowledgeable about the legal market and has deep connections to key decision makers with all of the top firms for my area of practice. Divya took the time to get to know me and my priorities and goals and developed and executed a sound strategy in identifying firms whose culture, practice areas and strategic focus ideally matched my own practice, priorities and goals. Divya became my trusted advisor and confidante – she was extremely responsive and helped me successfully navigate the entire process. Her expertise and guidance was invaluable. I could not have made a move to Goodwin without her support. I would highly recommend her to any lawyer seeking to pursue career opportunities and am looking forward to continuing to partner with her to add amazing lawyers to our team. “

Nicole Peppe
Goodwin
“I was the definition of a reluctant client, not looking to move and not interested in any of the myriad opportunities that were being presented by recruiters attempting to lure me out of a comfortable situation. When Divya called and asked what it was going to take to make me consider a move, I told her to find me a unicorn. Divya spent years, patiently waiting and working with me until the right opportunity presented itself. She found me a Unicorn (aka Willkie) and I have never been happier professionally. I cannot say enough good things about Divya or give her any stronger a recommendation. Divya listened to what I wanted, heard what I said and found me the perfect home.”

Alex Weingarten
WILLKIE FARR
"Deciding to start a search is a daunting proposition, and one that I can scarcely imagine navigating without Divya. From the beginning of the process to the very happy ending, she served as a guide, a confidant, an advocate, and an oracle. Her market knowledge surpassed all expectations I might have held, and she had deep relationships with all of the top firms for my area of practice. She listened carefully to my feedback and pushed me when I needed pushing. No matter how stressful things got, having Divya on my side gave me tremendous confidence. She was candid and thoughtful in helping me evaluate each opportunity; patiently advised me on how to prepare for every interaction; and was incredibly responsive and generous with her time. I truly cannot praise Divya highly enough."

Aaron Schlaphoff
Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
"I got to know Divya over the course of many years before I ever considered a move, and when I did consider it, she was the perfect fit. She took time to understand the specific nature of my practice and was very thoughtful about which law firms posed the best opportunities for me to grow my practice. What was even more remarkable was how dialed in she was to various firms, and then how much hard work and responsiveness she demonstrated in identifying and pursuing the right opportunity for me. It was clear to me every step of the way that she is a true pro, and that I was very well represented in the process. She was absolutely first class throughout the entire process, and I’m delighted to have worked with her. "

Saul Rostamian
Sheppard Mullin
"I am thrilled that I was able to work with Divya. She truly knows the firms, the practice groups and, most importantly, the decision-makers at firms. She took the time to understand my practice, my goals (both personal and professional) and style to help identify a handful of compelling opportunities. Her access to management at various firms allows her to see the future and advise on where firms are growing, their priorities and what opportunities may come up. As I worked through the process, she was always available and willing to talk though the issues and opportunities. Moving firms is a stressful process, and having Divya in my corner was invaluable. Divya was a pleasure to work with and I highly recommend her."

Carlton Fleming
Sidley Austin LLP
"Divya provided a truly differentiated product that was instrumental in my decision to change firms. At every step of the process she provided honest and detailed guidance to help navigate both the broader strategic elements of my decision as well as the countless details. Her responsiveness throughout the process was consistent and notable, even by the largely unreasonable standards of lawyers at major law firms. She became a true partner and trusted advisor as I navigated the various aspects of my transition, from the initial analysis to the discussions with Sidley to the ultimate move itself. I am extremely grateful for her support and would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone interested in understanding the potential options available to them in the market. "

Nicholas Schwartz
Sidley Austin LLP
"Divya was an absolute delight to work with throughout my process of exploring a change in firms. Divya and I met years ago when it was not the right time for me to make a move, and she spent a tremendous amount of time understanding my practice and my career goals. When the right opportunity presented itself, Divya was able to quickly understand the potential fit with Willkie and alerted me to it. Making a move can be daunting, and she brought a tremendous amount of market knowledge to the process, was extremely responsive and available when I needed her, and essentially played the role of my personal psychologist. I never felt hurried or pressured by the pacing of the process. I can say, without exaggeration, that I would not be at Willkie if not for Divya. I am grateful for her advice and counsel and would recommend her to anyone considering a move."

Steven Hurdle Jr.
WILLKIE FARR
"Divya was an absolute delight to work with. I wasn't looking to make a move and routinely said "no thanks" to other recruiters, but as Divya and I got to know each other, I soon came to view her as a trusted advisor. She offered insight into firms that I didn't hear from other recruiters. She took the time to understand my practice and goals at a deep level, and she had a sophisticated understanding of the market and where I would best fit. She is an honest sounding board and has great judgment. At all times, she made it clear to me that she cared that I made the best decision for me, measured over the long term and not just on day one. That is not something I expected to see, and it made a tremendous difference throughout the entire process."

Ben Au
Orrick
"Divya's tailored approach to the individual is refreshing and her excellent track record in the New York market speaks for itself. With her deep knowledge of corporate practice and strong connections at firms and keen observations in realistically assessing the market and the candidate, she expedites what can be a daunting process to effectively achieve a successful outcome."

Alice Hsu
Orrick
"I cannot express my gratitude enough for the invaluable assistance provided by Divya. Divya was instrumental in helping me and my team make a successful transition, from a firm I was with for over a decade, to my new firm. Divya was highly knowledgeable and had a deep understanding of the legal industry. She was available to me at all hours, providing me with prompt and thorough responses to any questions or concerns I had. Her professionalism and work ethic were truly outstanding. The move was a huge risk for me and my team, but Divya's empathetic counseling and support made the process much smoother. She was a keen negotiator, helping me to navigate complex considerations and ensuring that my team and I received the best possible terms for our move. In addition to her excellent recruitment skills, Divya also acted as a trusted advisor during this challenging move. She analyzed the situation thoroughly, provided sound advice and guidance, and helped me make informed decisions every step of the way."

Timothy Reimers
Sheppard Mullin
"Working with Divya has been a tremendous experience. We knew each other for years before I decided to make a move. She never pressured me to look or to gave me a hard sell on any firm. Instead, she was always available to talk about market trends and spent time trying to understand what I wanted. When I decided to move, Divya provided me with a tailored list of firms that she thought would fit my needs and personality. Due to her deep relationships law firms, Divya could provide thoughtful insights about each firm, which helped me narrow down the list. She also wasn’t afraid to challenge my assumptions about firms, which ended up being crucial to my decision-making. I spent a lot of time thinking through my move but Divya never rushed my process. She genuinely wanted to make sure I picked the best place for me. After making the move, Divya has continued to stay in touch and, as I took on some hiring responsibilities at my firm, continued to provide market insights that were instrumental as we built up the Southern California practice for my firm. While Divya has many great strengths, the one I appreciated the most was her bedside manner. Moving firms can be a stressful, draining process. Divya’s patience, kindness and great sense of humor made the process fun and infinitely easier."

Stephen Lee
Goodwin
“Changing law firms is not an easy task during the best of circumstances, but to make a move during a global pandemic is downright daunting. I would not have been able to effectively navigate the current legal market without Divya Bala. I have known Divya for a number of years, and during that time she earned my respect and admiration by sharing her detailed knowledge of the top law firms and their practice groups in not only the Los Angeles market but on a nationwide basis. That level of market intelligence and understanding of the shifting legal landscape was, and continues to be, invaluable to me. Divya works thoughtfully, efficiently and collaboratively. Divya took the time to listen to what I value in a law firm, so she was quickly able to eliminate certain firms from consideration and focus on firms that she believed would be a good match for me and my practice. As the pandemic set in and the interview process shifted from in-person meetings to virtual interviews, Divya was with me every step of the way acting as a sounding board, providing insightful advice, and guiding me through the process. I continue to be impressed at how responsive Divya was to my e-mails, texts and phone calls, whether it was early in the morning or late at night. Divya is a wonderful person and an absolute pleasure to work with. I would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking to explore the market.”

Alex Jacobs
Goodwin