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.
Wendy Miranda
Legal Recruiter
Wendy Miranda joined Direct Counsel as one of the company’s highly skilled Legal Recruiters. With over 10 years of dedicated experience in the legal recruitment industry, Wendy excels in identifying, attracting, and placing top-tier legal talent. As a Legal Recruitment Specialist at Direct Counsel, Wendy brings unparalleled expertise and a deep understanding of the legal market, ensuring that law firms and corporate legal departments are matched with the best legal professionals. Throughout her career, Wendy has successfully filled a wide range of legal positions, from associate attorneys to senior partners, and from in-house counsel to legal support staff. Wendy’s commitment to understanding the unique needs of both clients and candidates has resulted in high placement success rates and long-term satisfaction. Wendy is passionate about helping law firms and corporate legal departments build high-performing teams and assisting legal professionals in advancing their careers. She stays abreast of legal industry trends and continuously enhances her skills to provide the most effective recruitment services. When Wendy isn't matching top legal talent with premier legal opportunities, she enjoys traveling with her family. Wendy considers her family the driving force behind her success, showcasing her well-rounded and dynamic approach to both professional and personal life.
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 one of the Directors at Direct Counsel with a highly impressive operational background. Prior to joining Direct Counsel, Virginia worked for a reputable financial institution for nearly eighteen years where she held various leadership roles, as Vice President, and A/R Manager. In her current role as Director, Virginia oversees behind-the-scenes operations of the company. In addition to her operational management, Virginia focuses on client engagement.
Arthur Zakaryan
Founder & President
Arthur Zakaryan is the Founder and President of Direct Counsel. With a powerful business acumen and having strong ties in the legal community, Arthur founded Direct Counsel in 2021. Arthur has a special expertise in identifying and representing candidates in a broad spectrum of practice areas. Working with some of the most sought-after prestigious law firms in the country, Arthur has placed hundreds of legal professionals throughout the country. Arthur has garnered the reputation in the legal community as an honest, trustworthy and tenacious business individual. Prior to founding Direct Counsel, Arthur has been involved in several successful business ventures, in a variety of sectors. Serving as the company’s President, Arthur currently oversees Direct Counsel’s national operations with its management team. In addition, Arthur advises clients with hiring processes, compensation structures and how to retain talent. Arthur founded Direct Counsel with the clear goal of providing each client and candidate with an exemplary level of service and outstanding results.