Rusty Branch is the founder of Compass Law Group and a leading expert in helping Am Law firms enter new markets and strategically expand nationwide. With more than 25 years in the legal industry, he has structured and closed over 500 Am Law partner acquisitions and participated in more than 20 Am Law office openings. Rusty is a seasoned advisor who understands both the opportunities and challenges of lateral acquisitions, serving as a valuable ally in the boardroom for clients pursuing strategic growth. A lifelong resident of Allen, Texas, Rusty has been married to his wife, Kari, for 25 years. They have four sons—Cooper, Carson, Kyle, and Kolby—and enjoy watching their boys play sports, traveling, and following college football.

• 972.727.6177
• [email protected]

Based in Houston, Texas, Hayden Flowers is a trusted advisor to managing partners and Am Law firms across the country. With over 20 years of recruiting experience, he has placed partners, facilitated group moves, expanded offices, opened new markets, and advised on law firm mergers. Hayden began his career recruiting IT, sales, and medical professionals before transitioning to the legal industry. Born in Oklahoma City, he remains a lifelong OU Sooners fan. Hayden is married with three grown children and enjoys football, skiing, working in the yard, and spending time with his grandchildren.

• 281.462.9300
• [email protected]

John Thomas is an experienced legal recruiter based in Atlanta, Georgia, specializing in partner and group placements as well as new office openings. With 17 years in the legal recruiting industry, he has guided numerous successful lateral moves nationwide. Originally from Angleton, Texas, John graduated from Sam Houston State University and began his career as a sales manager with Southwestern before moving into legal recruiting. He is married with three daughters and a dog. Outside of work, John enjoys playing golf, spending time outdoors, traveling the world to fish in new locations, and being active in his local church.

• 404.719.4344
• [email protected]

MacKenzie Alexander is a Dallas-based legal recruiter with Compass Law Group, where she has successfully moved partners, facilitated group transitions, and managed multiple Am Law 50 office openings. The daughter of two litigators, MacKenzie is passionate about working with law firm partners. She joined CLG after a career in corporate and technical recruiting, including positions with Victoria’s Secret Corporate in New York and TEKsystems. A graduate of Rhodes College, MacKenzie spent 3.5 years in NYC before returning to Texas. She enjoys travel, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.

• 214.542.8113
• [email protected]

Based in the Houston area, Sonny Howard brings seven years of experience placing partners, facilitating group moves, and coordinating new office openings. His work spans from placing associates at boutique IP firms to helping launch offices for global Am Law 50 firms. Before recruiting, Sonny worked in student ministry and commercial real estate. A native Houstonian, he lives with his wife, three children, a dog, and a cat. Sonny enjoys hiking—especially in the Colorado mountains, and values time with family in the outdoors.

• 281.462.9304
• [email protected]

Lawson Flowers is a Houston-based legal recruiter who advises firms on growing existing offices and opening new markets. His experience ranges from assisting top Am Law 200 firms to regional firms and in-house placements. Lawson is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and is committed to helping attorneys make strategic career moves. He is active in his community, serving as a pastor at his local church. In his free time, Lawson enjoys the outdoors, working out, reading, and spending time with his wife and five children.

• 281.462.9303
• [email protected]

Jesse McDonald serves as the Director of Operations for Compass Law Group, a role he has held since 2015. Originally from Southern California, Jesse moved to Texas in 2014. He plays a key role in overseeing operations, ensuring the firm’s processes and resources to support both clients and recruiters. Jesse is married with two young children and enjoys watching his kids play sports, playing golf, and building custom furniture.

• 214.269.3944
• [email protected]

Ben Kessler is a Nashville-based legal recruiter specializing in partner and group moves as well as new office openings for Am Law firms nationwide. With more than a decade of recruiting experience, Ben is known for building strong relationships and delivering results. Raised in Denver, Colorado, he graduated from Baylor University and began his career as a sales manager at Southwestern, where he met his wife. Ben enjoys the outdoors, traveling, skiing, and following Denver sports teams.

• 303.951.4718
• [email protected]

Christian Debay is a Nashville-area legal recruiter focused on partner and group placements as well as office openings for Am Law firms nationwide. He is passionate about creating mutually beneficial opportunities for attorneys and law firms. Originally from metro Detroit, Christian graduated from Central Michigan University and now lives with his wife and two cats. He is active in his local church, volunteers with underserved youth, and enjoys golfing and cooking.

Based in the Houston area, Eddie Nostrand specializes in partner and group placements as well as new office openings for top-tier Am Law firms. He believes lasting success comes from aligning skills, expertise, and talent with the right culture and values. Eddie grew up in Seattle, Washington, and graduated from Cal State Northridge. Before recruiting, he served as a National Sales Director for a custom software development company and has nearly 20 years of prior sales experience. Eddie and his wife have four children and enjoy camping, hiking, reading, and watching their kids’ sports and dance performances. He also serves as a pastor at his church.

Kat Wood is a Charlotte-based legal recruiter specializing in partner and group placements for Am Law firms nationwide. Prior to joining Compass Law Group, she spent 14 years in medical device sales, working with organizations ranging from large corporations to early-stage startups. Kat is passionate about helping partners and firms align to achieve the best possible fit and long-term success. A Charlotte native, she continues to live just a few miles from where she grew up, along with her husband and their two dogs. Outside of work, Kat enjoys traveling, attending concerts, exploring new restaurants, and cooking.

Based in the Dallas area, John Marant focuses on assisting in partner and group placements as well as supporting Am Law firms in opening new markets. A former Division I baseball player at the University of Georgia, John brings the discipline, resilience, and team-first mindset of an athlete to his work in legal recruiting. He is motivated by helping people achieve their goals and guided by his Christian faith, which shapes his relationship-driven and values-based approach. Prior to recruiting, John gained experience in player development and coaching, where he worked closely with athletes to refine skills, build confidence, and maximize performance. Originally from Georgia and now living in Frisco, Texas, John enjoys traveling to new places, staying active in the gym, and being involved in his church community.

Brittney de Charmoy is based in Dallas, Texas, with Compass Law Group. She began her professional journey after graduating from Louisiana Tech University, spending 12 years as an educator and professional development specialist before transitioning into legal recruiting. Brittney is married to her husband, Marc (since 2017), and together they have two young daughters. In her free time, Brittney enjoys cooking, reading, skiing, and traveling with her family—especially when it involves a beach.