Building a Scalable Legal Function for a Technology- Focused Manufacturing Corporation

The Challenge

In 2019, a growing public company was entering a period of rapid transformation. The company’s stock was outperforming peers, and this momentum created significant demands on the legal department. With only about a dozen attorneys spread across multiple geographies, the legal team was tasked with supporting complex corporate and technology transactions, SEC matters, global legal operations, and global corporate compliance. As the company grew and its needs evolved, it became clear that adaptability, such as making information and processes user-friendly, was essential for both the legal team and the recruiting process. Likewise, MLA’s expertise was essential in overcoming geographic challenges in recruiting since the company headquarters and worksite for the legal team is located outside downtown and the adjacent suburbs of a sprawling metropolitan area.

The Solution

Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA) first stepped in as the company’s strategic recruiting partner in October 2019. MLA brought critical expertise for a rapidly growing public company in various retained searches over the years; this included placing attorneys in diverse areas of law such as securities, global corporate compliance, corporate governance, general corporate, technology, and legal operations. Many of the positions required close collaboration across global markets, legal operations, HR, IT, senior leadership, and product teams. MLA worked closely with the General Counsel and other senior leaders to align talent acquisition with the company’s global expansion plans, conducting almost a dozen searches across multiple geographies and anticipating growth in the U.S. and beyond. Throughout the process, MLA emphasized clear communication and the importance of practical tools while always applying a human touch to candidate engagement and selection.

The Results

The impact was transformative. The legal department grew from over a dozen attorneys in 2019 to approximately 40 attorneys today --- with continued growth --- all while creating a scalable legal function prepared for complex global operations. This expansion positioned the company to execute key strategic initiatives, including major acquisitions, mergers, and partnerships throughout the globe. By providing deep market insight, global reach, and a consultative approach, MLA helped the company build a legal team that not only met immediate needs but also supported long-term growth. The partnership demonstrated the value of adaptability and a thoughtful approach to both unique and routine challenges in legal recruiting.