MLA Expands Washington, D.C., Partner Practice Group with Addition of Angela Hart-Edwards and James Rizzo as Managing Directors

Hanover, MD (SEPTEMBER 16, 2024) — Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA), the world's leading legal search firm, announced today that Angela Hart-Edwards and James Rizzo have joined the firm as managing directors in its Partner Practice Group. James and Angela will focus on partner and group placements, as well as law firm mergers and practice acquisitions, in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

“Angela and James are outstanding additions to our Washington, D.C., team,” Carlos Pauling, Executive Director of MLA’s Partner Practice Group, said. “Angela has touched many different corners of the legal world, starting in government and transitioning into private practice, while Jim exudes executive gravitas, having served as a CLO and law firm managing partner. Both have acute knowledge of what our candidates and clients are experiencing and can offer real-world guidance to help them succeed.”

Angela is a seasoned litigator and diversity leader who has held partner positions at four major law firms, where she handled employment, civil rights, corporate and securities matters. She also served as a federal prosecutor and a GSA Schedule contractor, representing public and private clients in various industries. She has been honored for her legal skills and her community involvement, being recognized in Benchmark Litigation, Washington, D.C. as a “Labor & Employment Star” from 2020–2023. Angela received her J.D. and LL.M. from Temple University’s Beasley School of Law and her B.A. from Rutgers University.

“I have been in the shoes of both candidates and clients, and I know what it takes to succeed in this competitive market,” Angela said. “At MLA, I can use my skills and experience in a more meaningful way to help lawyers find the right fit for their practice and their values and help law firms grow intentionally and diversely.”

Jim has extensive experience in both law firm and in-house settings, having served as a chief legal officer for a major trade association and a partner in the D.C. office of McDermott Will & Emery LLP.   He was as an associate in the New York office of O'Melveny & Myers LLP prior to moving to the D.C. area. He understands the challenges and opportunities facing partners and law firms in today's dynamic legal market and can offer strategic guidance and support to both candidates and clients. His practice areas included antitrust, commercial litigation, employment, health care, intellectual property and corporate risk management. Jim earned his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law and his B.A. from Georgetown University.

In choosing MLA, Jim said the decision was obvious. “MLA is the global leader in legal search, and I am excited by the opportunity to work with the best in the business. I thrive in a team-building atmosphere, and I look forward to leveraging my experience and network to identify talent, make connections and help firms strategically grow.”