MLA Names Barrett Avigdor and Melba Hughes to Executive Director, In-House Counsel Recruiting

Hanover, MD (January 6, 2022) — Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA), the world’s leading legal search firm, today announced that Barrett Avigdor and Melba Hughes have been named executive directors for In-House Counsel Recruiting. The continued success and growth potential for MLA’s In-House Counsel Recruiting team has led to a new leadership structure, dividing the market under the supervision of three U.S. executive directors. Barrett and Melba join Chad Marlow as executive directors reporting to Greg Richter, partner and vice president, retained search and advisory services. 

Barrett Avigdor joined MLA in 2014 after serving as chief talent officer for MassMutual, San Diego and spending nearly 20 years as a member of the in-house legal team at Accenture. She co-authored the best-selling book “What Happy Working Mothers Know” (Wiley 2009). Barrett began her career at MLA by building the in-house search practice in Latin America. Most recently, she was a founding member of Transform Advisory Services, where she worked with corporate law departments and law firms to build highly effective teams by providing organizational design, talent development and culture consulting.

Melba Hughes joined MLA as a partner in 2012, bringing her Atlanta-based search firm, Hughes Consultants, to MLA. As the national in-house diversity practice leader, Melba is committed to advancing DE&I in leadership and has devoted much of her career to advancing that cause. A change agent and leader, Melba has been instrumental in placing general counsel in Fortune 500 companies, such as McDonald’s and Phillips 66. Her client base includes Albertsons; Home Depot, Inc.; Entergy Corporation; Southwire; Southern Poverty Law Center, Flowserve Corporation and The Azek Company.

Under the new structure, Barrett will oversee MLA’s offices in Boston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego and Texas. Melba will oversee offices in Basking Ridge, New York, Miami, Philadelphia, South Carolina and Washington, D.C. Chad will oversee Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, Palo Alto and Seattle.

“I am thrilled to implement this new structure with Chad, Barrett and Melba,” said Greg. “Each brings a unique skill set and experiences that will make us better and ensure we live our spirit of continuous improvement. This investment is a testament to our growth and a reflection of the confidence we have in Chad, Barrett and Melba as we continue to grow and win market share.”