Michael Jahnke Joins MLA as a Managing Director in the Partner Practice Group

Hanover, MD (February 24, 2026)— Major, Lindsey & Africa (MLA), the world's leading legal search firm, announced today that Michael Jahnke has joined the organization as a managing director within its Partner Practice Group. Based in New York, Michael helps partners, partner groups and law firms navigate the delicate process of lateral hiring.

“We are thrilled to welcome Michael to Major, Lindsey & Africa,” said Carlos Pauling, Executive Director. “Michael brings a rare combination of deep law firm leadership experience and firsthand insight into the strategic considerations that drive partner and firm-level hiring decisions. Having spent decades advising clients on complex, high stakes matters and navigating lateral moves himself, he is exceptionally well positioned to guide partners, practice groups, and firms through the nuances of growth, succession, and strategic expansion. His perspective and credibility will be a tremendous asset to our Partner Practice Group and to the clients we serve.”

Prior to joining MLA, Michael served as partner in several law firms, including Allen & Overy, ArentFox Schiff, Loeb & Loeb LLP, Thompson Hine LLP, and gunnercooke US LLP, with a focus on antitrust risks in M&A transactions and complex litigation. He also was a Senior Counsel for four years at Wachtell Lipton Rosen & Katz. He has been recognized by The Best Lawyers in America for his work in Antitrust Law and is admitted to the Supreme Court of the United States.

“After decades in private practice, I am excited to begin the next chapter of my career as a managing director in Major, Lindsey & Africa’s Partner Practice Group,” said Michael. “MLA has long been recognized as the premier firm in legal search, both by reputation and through my own experience. Throughout my career, MLA consultants consistently distinguished themselves through their relationship driven approach and their focus on understanding what motivates both candidates and clients. They were not simply presenting opportunities but helping lawyers thoughtfully reassess their professional goals and priorities. I am proud to join the firm and to collaborate with colleagues across MLA’s global platform, drawing on the firm’s unparalleled insight into the legal market built over 40+ years.”