We aren’t the new kids on the block-- and we believe that’s a good thing. E.P. Dine has been the leader in executive legal search since 1975. Our core values of honesty, integrity, and excellence have driven our success, as well as our focus on developing long-standing partnerships. With a search process that is personalized, collaborative, and efficient, we are trusted advisors to the most successful law firms, corporations, startups, and attorneys nationwide.
We are incredibly proud of our past achievements, but our focus is on the future. We handle searches in cutting-edge legal disciplines and keep pace with the constantly shifting legal market. While strengthening existing relationships, we are also looking to build new partnerships. To share our knowledge, creativity, and integrity with a new generation. To partner with you.
Let’s get started.
“I've worked with E.P. Dine for many years, both as a candidate and a client. E.P. Dine has consistently provided me with excellent advice and service. They go to great lengths to understand their client's needs and work hard to match the right candidate to the opportunity. They are a trusted and valuable resource and I highly recommend them.”
Laurie is the Chair of E.P. Dine and has been with the firm since 1991. She started her legal career as a corporate lawyer in Boston and realized early on that Big Law was not her path. After spending several years as the General Counsel of a public company in New York, Laurie sensed that her interests and skillset would be best engaged as a legal recruiter. Over thirty years later, she likes to think she was right! Laurie is recognized as an industry leader in national retained general counsel searches. She regularly conducts such searches for leading companies throughout the country. She finds her practice enormously gratifying and has enjoyed building long-term personal relationships with General Counsels across the country. Laurie also has an active Partner placement practice and conducts retained Partner searches on behalf of law firms on a regular basis.
Laurie earned her BA from Washington University and her JD, cum laude, from Boston University School of Law. She has been living on the Upper West Side of Manhattan for a very long time and is a devotee of Central Park. Laurie is the founder and Chair of The Beacon Group, a community of women that makes annual grants to smallish not for profits in New York City. She also is the Vice Chair of America on Tech, her favorite not for profit.
Melissa has been a recruiter for over 20 years and is Co-CEO at E.P. Dine and leader of the In-House Division. During her tenure at E.P. Dine, Melissa has had the privilege to work with the most prestigious companies and law firms throughout the country and attorneys from all walks of the profession.
If you speak with Melissa’s candidates and clients, they will inevitably mention her professionalism, integrity, unwavering work ethic, market knowledge, and accessibility. Melissa has an easy manner that makes everyone comfortable, and she feels that everyone has a unique story to tell. Maybe it is the detective in her, but she loves to understand what makes people tick and is a fabulous listener. She is proud that most of her business comes from referrals, many from attorneys to whom she has been a trusted counselor for many years. She derives immense satisfaction from the success of her candidates and enjoys the long-standing professional relationships and friendships that she has developed. Melissa is tenacious and never gives up on a candidate or a search, and her dedication to assisting clients with even the most difficult searches makes her the go-to person for many of the most discerning clients in the market.
Melissa earned her B.A. in History from the State University of New York at Binghamton where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa, and her J.D. from New York University School of Law. She came to legal recruiting after working as a hedge fund and derivatives associate at Seward & Kissel. While she enjoyed her colleagues and the professionalism of law firm life, she particularly liked her work as an active member of the firm’s recruiting committee, and as a mentor for the summer associate program. One day while meeting with a recruiter about possible in-house positions, the recruiter turned the interview around and suggested that Melissa might have the skills and temperament to become a recruiter. It was an unexpected pivot, but that conversation was the catalyst for learning about the world of legal recruiting and steered Melissa towards a new career path that still remains as interesting, gratifying, and exciting today as it was on day one.
When she is not working, Melissa enjoys foreign and independent films, crossword puzzles, European travel, trying to actually make it through her daily mindfulness practice without checking email, beach vacations in CapeMay (her true “happy place”), and binge-watching House Hunters International, as she dreams of owning a home in Italy someday.
As Co-CEO of E.P. Dine and leader of the Law Firm Practice Group, David is a premier legal career strategist and search industry expert to law firm executives and partners throughout the United States. His clients, among the world's finest law firms, engage him when seeking the highest standard of excellence in their search efforts and hiring initiatives.
Having been in the field of executive search for more than twenty-five years, David's primary focus is on partner placements throughout the United States, conducting retained and contingency searches nationally for AmLaw 100firms and for some of the most profitable boutique law firms.
David advises attorneys across a wide range of practice areas and is a trusted market expert and career advisor. He provides outstanding service to the attorneys and law firms he partners with by following the guiding principles of integrity, discretion, professionalism, and a standard of care that's exemplary in the legal search industry.
Prior to executive search, David was a practicing corporate real estate attorney in New York with the law firms White & Case and Skadden, Arps. David is a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy, Tufts University, and Cornell Law School, completing his third year at Columbia Law School. Outside of work, he has been involved with and supportive of various nonprofit organizations over the years, including Jazz Foundation of America, Joslin Diabetes Clinic, and Battery Dance Company.
Having been raised in Savannah, Georgia, David initially planned to reside in NY for a few years to begin his legal career. More than 35 years later, he's continued to live and work in NYC where he and his wife have been blessed to raise their two daughters.
As E.P. Dine’s Chief Operating Officer, Anthoula plays an integral part in the day-to-day operations of the firm, as well as in its recruiting efforts. She is involved with the planning and execution of the firm’s strategic, financial, and administrative functions, as well as spearheading special projects. Anthoula also spends a significant amount of her time identifying and recruiting candidates for in-house counsel and general counsel roles.
In 1999, as her second summer at Fordham University School of Law was fast approaching, Anthoula opted to explore opportunities outside of law and joined E.P. Dine as a Recruiting Coordinator. She remained in that role throughout her final year of law school. After earning her J.D., Anthoula decided against practicing law and so began her career at E.P. Dine. Although she has worn many hats throughout her years at the firm, Anthoula most enjoys watching candidates grow into successful professionals in law and beyond.
Prior to law school, Anthoula earned her B.A. from New York University. While earning her undergraduate degree, Anthoula also worked at the University’s Law School Career Counseling and Placement Office. She is the mom of 15-year-old triplets and much of her free time is spent convincing them that she does not have a favorite (though we all know her real favorites are Coco and Gracie, her two Shetland Sheepdogs). Any other free time is spent on the NYT crossword, crocheting and reality competition shows of all kinds.
As a legal recruiter, Sarah's focus is on building lasting relationships. She loves getting to know her candidates—their unique interests, career goals, ambitions beyond the office—and matching them with an employer that shares those values. Candidates turn to her for all kinds of support, including job opportunities, market insight, and long-term career planning. With any conversation, she promises thoughtful listening, transparency, honest dialogue, and an open mind. Sarah works with associates and partners on lateral transitions, to AmLaw 100 and elite boutique law firms, and has extensive experience conducting in-house searches for F500 and startup clients. She has also been involved in developing partnerships and informational programming with top law schools. Sarah majored in Neurobiology at Northwestern University, where she served as chapter President for Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed national service fraternity. Before joining E.P. Dine, she was pursuing a career in physical therapy in Pittsburgh. Her work at a premier sports medicine rehabilitation facility, and her passion for counseling and coaching patients, led her to recruitment. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys conducting NYC-kitchen-sized cooking experiments and adopting way too many plants—next, a dog! Her free time is otherwise spent on hiking, swimming, wandering quiet corners of the Met, Broadway sodas, and long conversations with friends.
Brian Burlant brings to E.P. Dine Inc. over 30 years of experience as a legal recruiter and attorney, including as general counsel for a successfully IPO’d technology company and in international and domestic in-house roles with Avon Products and Times Mirror. Brian comes to E.P. Dine from another leading legal search firm in New York, where he undertook numerous engagements on behalf of AmLaw 100 firms; elite boutiques; and public, portfolio and emerging companies.
Brian’s approach to recruiting is characterized by partnering with clients to truly understand their culture, organization and strategy to find candidates that fit in a complete, holistic way. Brian’s placements reflect the breadth of his domestic and international legal experience, having counseled C-suites on matters ranging from securities regulation, corporate governance, mergers & acquisitions and joint ventures to IT, privacy, real estate, employment and licensing. Brian has frequently organized and hosted forums for Partners and General Counsel on topics of importance, including team management, launching an IPO and managing information security breaches. He regularly publishes on recruitment and talent management trends and is a source for several leading industry publications.
Brian earned his B.S., Economics/B.A., Political Science, cum laude from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania and his J.D. from the George Washington University Law School. Brian’s community service has included serving as a team volunteer at Ronald McDonald House New York and as a weekly instructor at The George Jackson Academy in downtown Manhattan, a non-profit school founded to serve academically talented boys of all incomes from across New York City’s underserved neighborhoods.
Natasha started her career in legal recruiting in 2019,primarily helping attorneys at the associate and counsel level make strategic lateral moves. Her objective when working with candidates is to understand their motivation for a move, identify their goals, and help them find the right firm and career path. She pledges to always work with integrity and listen to candidates carefully, as recruiting is not about short-term placements, but building strong relationships and earning the trust of both her candidates and the firms she works closely with. Natasha graduated from U.C. Santa Barbara with a degree in Political Science and previously worked in marketing and executive support roles before becoming a legal recruiter. Being able to develop relationships and help people be their best selves professionally has been a consistent vein throughout her career, and she continues to use that motivation in legal recruiting. At home in Southern California, she is busy in a full house with three teenage-to-adult boys and two huskies. Her passions include reading, yoga, and backpacking in the Sierras with her husband and their husky duo, Fred & Wilma.
Amy understands making your next move is not just about finding another job; it is about finding the unique match that is compatible with a candidate’s strengths, personality, and long-term career and life goals. She is passionate about guiding and advocating for her candidates and clients during the search process, in order to help facilitate a successful outcome. With a distinctly individualized approach and commitment to developing authentic relationships, Amy has developed a loyal following from employers and candidates alike.
As co-head of E.P. Dine's In-House Division, Amy devotes most of her time to recruiting top-level talent for legal departments throughout the US, working hand-in-hand with the country’s leading corporations to help them build powerhouse legal teams. In addition to her in-house practice, she recruits partners, counsels and associates on behalf of AmLaw 200 firms and specialty boutiques.
Prior to becoming a recruiter, Amy practiced real estate and land use and zoning law at two boutique law firms in NYC and in White Plains. She was a speaker at the 2017 National Association for Law Placement presenting on the topic of partnering with law firms to help associates navigate the move in-house titled "Navigating the Next Chapter: Strategies for In House Placement of Law Firm Associates". In her spare time, Amy enjoys hiking near her home in Westchester, learning to perfect her golf swing, and playing with her newest grandchild. She is also active in several community organizations and serves on the Board of the Chappaqua Summer Scholarship Program.
Noreen has more than 25 years of experience managing lateral attorney and law student recruiting for the global law firms; Skadden Arps, Latham & Watkins and Freshfields. Prior to her law firm experience, Noreen began her legal recruiting career at E.P. Dine. Her return to the executive search side of recruiting affords Noreen the opportunity to continue to offer career guidance while fostering meaningful connections across the industry. Noreen is a trusted colleague within the law firm recruitment community. If you worked with Noreen as a summer associate, were a lateral hire she welcomed aboard or perhaps just met with her briefly as a lateral or student candidate during her law firm days, you know Noreen’s integrity, market knowledge and personal way of connecting with each candidate make her an exceptional recruiter.
Noreen is a lifelong New Yorker and an alum of Fordham University (Go Rams!). Outside of the office, Noreen enjoys spending time with her family, perfecting her pickleball game and Long Beach boardwalk bike rides.
Rosemary has been placing lawyers at E.P. Dine for 35 years. She prides herself on the excellent reputation she has built in the legal community through her honesty, integrity and commitment to serving both her clients and her candidates. She is a careful listener and works hard to make matches that will last. She focuses on litigators and employment lawyers of all levels and has made placements at most top firms and boutiques and many leading corporations. She is always ready to offer counsel and perspective even if she does not have a candidate or job that fits. Due to this approach, and her longevity, she has an expansive network of friends and connections throughout the legal world.
Rosemary majored in English at Smith and earned her JD at Fordham University School of Law. The highlight of her legal career was her clerkship for the Hon. Inzer Wyatt in the Southern District of New York. After a few years at a major NY firm, she joined a non-profit that promoted Alternative Dispute Resolution. In 1986, she decided she would rather bring people together than help with disputes and she joined E.P. Dine as a recruiter. She has never looked back except to appreciate how lucky she was to find recruiting. It has been a very rewarding career and a wonderful match for her natural talents and interests. When she is not on the phone or in a meeting, Rosemary can be found pursuing one or more of her passions: tennis, biking, hiking, theater and movies, word games, travel and volunteering. She is especially happy when these activities give her opportunities to enjoy friends and family, bring friends together, or make new friends.
Dyani is a Recruiting Coordinator at E.P Dine, specializing in placing attorneys into in-house roles at both public and private companies. Dyani takes pride in helping match companies with exceptional legal talent. She is committed to providing consistent support and communication throughout the hiring process, ensuring a smooth experience for both candidates and employers. Dyani is very passionate about being able to help others. Prior to E.P. Dine, Dyani developed her administrative expertise as a coordinator at Harvard Business School. When not at work Dyani can be found antique and vintage shopping throughout the coastal towns of New England. She is also an avid completer of the daily New York Times games
As a Senior Recruiting Consultant at E.P. Dine, Mary Ellen Reilly is a key member of our placement team. She is responsible for sourcing, recruiting and interviewing candidates, as well as liaising with clients throughout the search process.
Mary Ellen joined E.P. Dine in 1999 part-time while pursuing her master's degree in Business Management at Marymount University. After a brief stint in handling administrative and operational matters at the firm, Mary Ellen transitioned over to recruiting. She initially joined our litigation team, recruiting litigation associates at Amlaw 100 and 200 firms, as well as at elite litigation boutiques. Since then, she has spent a significant amount of time recruiting law firm partners and is currently consulting on associate placement for our in-house clients.
There is not a person Mary Ellen could not strike up a conversation with. That has translated into a long and successful career at E.P. Dine connecting the right candidates to the right opportunity. She excels at developing relationships with attorneys at all levels and really listening to their wants, needs and aspirations.
Prior to joining E.P. Dine, Mary Ellen attended Marymount University and earned her B.S in Business Management. Mary Ellen served as Director of Business Card Development at Mastercard where she was instrumental in the implementation of the company's Internal Business Card program. In her free time, Mary Ellen likes to exercise, explore the boroughs, and travel with family.
Emmett is a recruiting coordinator at E.P. Dine who works with attorneys at all levels and stages of their careers. He helps place attorneys in-house at a variety of public and private companies, and also supports colleagues in their work with law firm associates and partners. He strives to ensure candidates and their prospective employers receive consistent, clear communication throughout the hiring process. Emmett takes pride in helping match mission-driven companies with exceptional attorneys.
Prior to working at E.P. Dine, Emmett served as an executive assistant at OutRight Action International, an LGBTIQ human rights organization, where he developed his capacity for organizational administration. Through it all, he is most satisfied whenever he can help connect people to the resources they need. Emmett also enjoys spending time gardening and sharing knowledge about how to grow food and flowers. When he’s not at work, he can be found with mud under his nails in the black dirt region of the Hudson Valley.