Michael Ascher

About Michael Ascher

I help corporate clients build high-performing legal departments by identifying and placing exceptional General Counsels, Chief Compliance Officers, and senior in-house legal leaders. As a former General Counsel, Associate General Counsel, and corporate counsel, I bring firsthand insight into the strategic, operational, and cultural demands of in-house legal teams — and I use that experience to guide both clients and candidates with empathy and precision.My approach is consultative and candid. I understand the stakes involved in executive legal hiring and career transitions, and I work to ensure that every placement reflects long-term alignment, not just short-term fit. Whether advising a company on its next legal hire or supporting a candidate through a pivotal career move, I prioritize clarity, discretion, and impact.Before joining the In-House Counsel Recruiting Practice at Major, Lindsey & Africa, I served as a Managing Director in the Partner Practice Group, helping law firm partners navigate lateral moves and career strategy. That experience sharpened my ability to understand complex motivations and align talent with opportunity.Now, as part of the in-house team at Major, Lindsey & Africa — the world’s premier legal search firm — I’m privileged to work with some of the most discerning corporate clients and accomplished legal professionals in the market.If you\'re building your legal team or considering your next move as a senior in-house lawyer, I’d welcome the opportunity to connect.

Experience

1. Managing Director

   Major, Lindsey & Africa

   Jan 2016 — Present · Chicago, IL, US

   As a Managing Director in the In-House Practice Group at Major, Lindsey & Africa, I advise corporate clients on the recruitment of senior legal executives, including General Counsels, Chief Compliance Officers, and other key in-house legal roles. Leveraging over a decade of experience as a GC, AGC, and corporate counsel, I bring practical insight into the leadership, legal acumen, and cultural alignment required for success in corporate legal departments.I serve as a strategic partner to both clients and candidates, ensuring each placement supports long-term organizational and career goals. Prior to joining the in-house practice, I led partner recruiting at MLA, guiding law firm partners through lateral transitions.Major, Lindsey & Africa is the world’s premier legal search firm, and I am proud to contribute to its mission of delivering exceptional legal talent to the market.

Education

• Duke University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA

• Duke University

  Bachelor of Arts - BA, History

• University of California, Los Angeles - School of Law

  Doctor of Law (J.D.)

  1992 — 1995

Skills

• Disposition
• Dispositions
• Product Liability
• Corporate Law
• Investment Properties
• Business Development
• Litigation Management
• Class Actions
• Structured Finance
• Legal Assistance
• Employment Law
• Real Estate
• Securities
• Dispute Resolution
• Small Business
• Personal Injury
• Real Estate Development
• Finance
• Commercial Litigation
• Commercial Real Estate
• Legal Research
• Contract Negotiation
• Start-Ups
• Real Estate Transactions
• Trade Secrets
• Due Diligence
• Corporate Governance
• Leases
• Legal Writing
• Real Estate Financing
• Construction Law
• Joint Ventures
• Legal Advice
• Appeals
• Asset Management
• Acquisitions
• Litigation Support