LAURA RUSCHE, ESQ.

CO-MANAGING MEMBER & LEGAL RECRUITER lrusche@ascendattorneysearch.com 

Direct: 773-972-7477 

For the last 15 years, Laura has successfully placed countless attorneys into law firms and in-house legal departments across the United States. Laura wholeheartedly believes that to be an effective recruiter, she must take the time, energy and effort to thoroughly understand the career objectives of each candidate as well as the strategic needs and initiatives of every law firm and in house legal department with which she works. This dedication allows Laura to build close, long-term relationships with her candidates and clients.   

Laura has a Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago School of Social Service Administration and a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she took an active role as the Executive Editor of Student Articles for the school’s Law Review. After practicing law with two Am Law 100 firms and a top-tier Chicago-based firm, Laura’s desire to help improve the lives of other attorneys led her into the field of legal recruiting. Using the knowledge and expertise she gained as both a social worker and lawyer allows Laura to effectively understand the unique objectives of each candidate or group she works with. This quality allows Laura to determine which types of candidates will succeed within the culture of a particular law firm or legal department.   

Laura often spends substantial time editing and revising resumes and/or business plans for her candidates. Candidates appreciate Laura’s ability to highlight both their past achievements and significant potential for future success. Similarly, Laura works closely with her law firm and in-house clients to focus in on the precise types of attorneys and groups to effectively fill a specific need or strategic growth initiative.   

Laura strongly believes that part of her role as a legal recruiter includes providing consultation and market knowledge to all attorneys seeking such information, even if they are not on the market for a new law firm or in-house role. Even when not formally representing candidates, Laura regularly prepares them for interviews and/or provides them with detailed information about specific law firms and market trends.