Meet The Team
Track record of brilliance
Bernadette Gonzalez
Director of Legal Recruitment
Bernadette Gonzalez joined Direct Counsel as one of the company’s Director of Legal Recruitment. Bernadette is an accomplished Director of Legal Recruitment earning her Bachelor's Degree from UCSB. Since 2014, Bernadette has been instrumental in helping companies achieve their hiring objectives across a wide array of positions and industries, including Legal, Engineering, Sales, Accounting, Marketing, IT, Industrial, Manufacturing, and Mortgage. In 2021, she shifted her focus exclusively to the legal sector, leveraging her extensive experience to support law firms in a wide range of areas. Bernadette’s exceptional customer service skills, adept client communication, and strong desire to assist candidates and clients make her an invaluable resource. Bernadette is passionate about helping individuals reach their goals and thrives on networking with fellow professionals. Beyond her professional life, Bernadette is a dedicated wife, mother, and Director of the Women's Ministry at her church. With over 10,000 connections on LinkedIn, she is always eager to connect with those seeking guidance in their talent or job search.
Dion Law
Director of Legal Recruitment
Dion joined Direct Counsel in 2022, bringing a diverse background in both legal and recruiting services. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in Legal Studies from the University of Mississippi, where her internships sparked a passion for connecting top talent with the right opportunities. Later, she obtained a Paralegal Certificate from Emory University and gained valuable experience at a law firm in Atlanta before fully transitioning into legal recruitment. Since making that transition, Dion has successfully placed professionals across a wide array of legal specialties, including labor and employment, trusts and estates, tax, intellectual property, litigation, corporate law, mergers and acquisitions, and real estate. Her keen insight into client needs and candidate goals enables her to create perfect matches, whether she’s staffing senior attorneys, paralegals, contract personnel, or support roles. Outside of her professional endeavors, Dion cherishes her time with her newly adopted rescue pit bull and her spirited six-year-old cat, whom she found in Oxford, all while enjoying life with her long-term boyfriend.
Erica Sundin
Legal Recruiter
Erica Sundin is a highly experienced recruiting specialist at Direct Counsel, based in San Diego. Specializing in legal talent acquisition and strategic HR management, Erica is renowned for her client-focused approach and proficiency in innovative recruitment methods. Over the years, she has successfully placed top-tier legal professionals in roles that drive long-term success for both clients and candidates. With a strong background as a senior recruiter, Erica has refined the candidate selection process using data-driven assessments, enhancing client satisfaction and retention. She has also excelled in managing recruitment timelines and overseeing large-scale hiring initiatives across multiple departments, ensuring seamless operations and exceptional outcomes. Outside of her professional life, Erica enjoys an active and vibrant lifestyle in San Diego with her husband. She's passionate about exploring new destinations, indulging in diverse cuisines, and spending quality time with her two beloved Labrador retrievers.
Kristen Magaruh, MHRM
Senior Director of Legal Recruitment
Kristen Magaruh is currently a part of the management team at Direct Counsel where she serves as Senior Director of Legal Recruitment. With a strong academic background, and earning her Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management, Kristen is a highly dedicated Human Resources professional. With over ten years of HR and management experience, Kristen is passionate about driving HR initiatives that enhance organizational effectiveness. Her expertise includes talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, and compliance. Additionally, with over twenty years of experience in the legal sector, Kristen is well acquainted with a firm's requirements and the diverse, crucial roles that contribute to its success. Kristen is a skilled professional with a solid reputation for building relationships with hiring managers to create sound recruitment plans. She thrives on collaborating with leadership to support business objectives and finding that perfect match. Known for her enthusiasm, confidence, and organized approach, Kristen is committed to making a meaningful impact. “I look forward to connecting legal professionals with new opportunities. Let's work together to achieve exceptional results and drive success.”
Virginia Saryan
Director
Virginia Saryan is a dynamic Director at Direct Counsel, recognized for her exceptional operational acumen and leadership prowess. With nearly eighteen years at a leading financial institution, Virginia advanced through various high-impact roles, including Vice President and A/R Manager. This extensive experience equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of financial operations, strategic planning, and team development. In her current role, Virginia oversees the intricate operations of Direct Counsel, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across all departments. She is also dedicated to enhancing client engagement, employing her deep understanding of client needs to foster strong, lasting relationships. Her commitment to operational excellence and client satisfaction drives the company’s success, positioning Direct Counsel as a leader in its field. Virginia’s dual focus on operational excellence and client satisfaction not only enhances the company’s performance but also solidifies Direct Counsel’s reputation as a trusted partner in the industry. Her strategic vision and commitment to quality drive the organization’s success and growth.
Arthur Zakaryan
Founder & President
Arthur Zakaryan is the dynamic Founder and President of Direct Counsel, a pioneering firm he launched in 2021 to transform the legal recruitment landscape. With an astute business acumen and robust connections within the legal community, Arthur has established himself as a leading authority in identifying and representing candidates across a wide array of practice areas. Under his leadership, Direct Counsel has successfully placed hundreds of legal professionals in some of the country’s most prestigious law firms, earning Arthur a reputation for integrity, transparency, and unwavering dedication. His tenacity and commitment to fostering strong relationships have made him a trusted partner for both candidates and clients. Before founding Direct Counsel, Arthur cultivated his entrepreneurial spirit through a series of successful ventures across multiple sectors, gaining deep insights into various industries that enhance his approach to legal recruitment. As President, he directs the firm’s national operations, collaborating closely with his management team to ensure strategic growth and exceptional service delivery. Arthur provides invaluable guidance to clients on effective hiring strategies, competitive compensation frameworks, and innovative talent retention practices. Driven by a passion for excellence, Arthur’s vision for Direct Counsel centers on delivering unparalleled service and transformative results for all stakeholders. His commitment to connecting exceptional legal talent with rewarding opportunities continues to redefine the standards of legal recruitment, ensuring that both clients and candidates thrive in an ever-evolving marketplace.