Meet The Team
Our Team is Comprised of Genuinely Gifted Minds
Introducing Jesse, the visionary driving force behind Plona Partners. His journey commenced in 2015 in New York’s fiercely competitive recruitment landscape, where he quickly built a proven track record, leading high-performing teams that provided vital support to prestigious law firms across the nation. Recognizing the need for specialized recruiting, Jesse crafted a forward-thinking vision centered on niche expertise, speed to market, and strong industry connections nationwide.
Leveraging his bilingual skills and entrepreneurial approach, Jesse has expanded Plona Partners’ reach, establishing an international presence across both Brazil and the United States. His dedication to excellence and innovative strategies aren’t just reshaping recruitment—they’re setting a new global standard, revolutionizing the way top talent is sourced and placed within the nation’s most prestigious law firms. Discover how Jesse’s leadership has transformed Plona Partners into a beacon of excellence by exploring his journey on LinkedIn.
For any and all inquiries, please email or call:
jesse@plonapartners.com
(475) 265-3006
Meet Maria Luisa, affectionately known as Malu, Plona Partners’ Executive Assistant. With a strong background in administrative and financial operations, Malu brings structure, initiative, and a proactive mindset to the team. She provides strategic, high-level support to Plona’s leadership, managing priorities, streamlining processes, and enabling the CEO and broader team to operate at their best.
Malu is dedicated to fostering efficiency and a collaborative work environment, leveraging her attention to detail and adaptability to anticipate needs and solve challenges before they arise. With a natural ability to connect across diverse teams, she supports Plona Partners’ global operations seamlessly. Connect with Malu on LinkedIn to explore her professional journey.
For any and all inquiries, please email or call:
marialuisa@plonapartners.com
(929) 395-1338
Meet Aldo, Plona Partners’ Legal Recruiter and Client Success Manager. Originally from Peru and a former bilingual educator, Aldo leverages his passion for lifelong learning, cultural insight, and deep industry knowledge to connect top legal talent with AmLaw 200 firms. Building on his experience in legal recruitment, he now also helps drive client success, ensuring law firms achieve their business goals while candidates find opportunities that align with their career aspirations.
Aldo has a proven track record of securing top talent in legal administrative roles—from assistants to practice managers—combining market expertise with a relationship-driven approach that delivers results. Connect with Aldo on LinkedIn to explore how he can support your legal career or firm objectives.
For any and all inquiries, email or call:
aldo@plonapartners.com
929-262-3956
Meet Flavio DaCosta, Esq., Director of Operations at Plona Partners, and a practicing attorney with a rich background across multiple legal practice areas, including Immigration Law and Mediation. Flavio combines his extensive legal expertise with a strategic operational mindset to drive efficiency and innovation across international markets.
Flavio’s multilingual fluency in English, Portuguese, and Spanish allows him to connect with diverse clients and professionals, offering nuanced legal solutions that reflect his broad experience. His attention to detail, coupled with his expertise in mediation, makes him a trusted leader in both legal and operational functions. To learn more about Flavio’s professional journey and contributions, connect with him on LinkedIn.
For any and all inquiries, please email or call:
flavio@plonapartners.com
(617) 539-2961
Meet Filipe, Plona Partners’ Client Success Manager. With a presence in the company since day one, Filipe brings a strategic mindset and a relationship-driven approach to every search. He excels at building authentic connections with clients, demonstrating a collaborative, team-oriented attitude while understanding each firm’s goals, challenges, and culture.
Filipe spearheads negotiations with precision, advocating for candidates while ensuring clients are represented with the utmost integrity and that their specific hiring goals are met. He drives business development, aligns top-tier talent with AmLaw 200 firms, and consistently closes deals that elevate legal careers and strengthen legal teams. A leader in Net Fee Income (NFI), Filipe’s expertise ensures both candidates and clients achieve lasting success. Connect with Filipe on LinkedIn to discuss your firm’s hiring needs and see how he can help secure exceptional professionals.
For any and all inquiries, please email or call:
filipe@plonapartners.com
(929) 605-4991
Meet Isadora, affectionately known as Isa, Plona Partners’ Legal Recruiter. As a Brazilian attorney, Isa brings a vibrant perspective and strong analytical skills to the team, navigating complex legal landscapes with ease. Building on this foundation, she has expanded her career into the U.S. market, helping legal support professionals land rewarding roles that align with their career goals.
Isa has a proven track record of placing top talent in Real Estate and Corporate Paralegal roles, guiding candidates to opportunities where they can thrive and build their professional brand equity. Connect with Isa on LinkedIn to see how she can help you find your ideal legal career opportunity.
For any and all inquiries, please email or call:
isadora@plonapartners.com
(929) 538-3470
Meet KatieRose, Plona Partners’ Director of Brand Strategy. With a career in clinical psychology and over a decade of experience in the field, KatieRose brings a deep understanding of people, culture, and organizational dynamics to her leadership role. She guides the team in market initiatives, operational training and development, and business development efforts, all while championing a culture of excellence across the organization.
KatieRose is passionate about building and sharing Plona Partners’ story—redefining cultural norms, amplifying our values, and creating meaningful experiences that resonate with clients, candidates, and colleagues. By nurturing a positive, wellness-focused environment, she ensures the brand is not just communicated but truly lived. Connect with her on LinkedIn to see how her leadership drives both personal growth and business success.
For any and all inquiries, email or call:
katierose@plonapartners.com
(845) 456-8720
Meet Pedro, Plona Partners’ Client Success Manager, where he blends business development expertise with a passion for building strong client relationships. With a background in banking management, operations, and sales consulting, Pedro approaches every partnership with strategy and precision—ensuring law firms receive tailored recruitment solutions that align with their growth goals.
Pedro has played a key role in helping firms build out their Billing departments and expand their teams with skilled Word Processing Operators, to name a few. His proven success extends across temporary, contract-to-hire, and permanent placements, consistently delivering results that strengthen firms from the inside out. Connect with Pedro on LinkedIn to see how he can help elevate your firm’s hiring strategy.
For any and all inquiries, email or call:
pedro@plonapartners.com
(617) 829-9883
Meet Hugo, Plona Partners’ Legal Recruiter. Known for his altruistic reputation and highly recommended by professionals, Hugo has been an integral part of Plona Partners’ growth and success since the beginning. He thrives on building authentic relationships with candidates, offering personalized guidance and career coaching to help professionals reach their full potential.
Specializing in Legal Billing, Hugo connects non-practicing professionals with highly sought-after opportunities—including remote roles—and builds entire teams with skilled professionals such as Trust Coordinators, Billing Coordinators, Pricing Analysts, and Docketing Specialists. His commitment to candidates ensures top-tier talent finds the right fit while supporting the firm’s continued success. Explore Hugo’s LinkedIn to see his professional journey and learn how he can help advance your career.
For any and all inquiries, please email or call:
hugo@plonapartners.com
(845) 605-4484
Meet Jessica, Plona Partners’ Legal Recruiter. A Brazilian Attorney with a strong foundation in legal research and writing, Jessica brings sharp analytical skills and a deep understanding of complex legal issues to her role.
Jessica has a proven track record of successfully placing Paralegals and Legal Assistants across a range of practice areas, especially Litigation, in top AmLaw 200 firms across the nation. Her expertise ensures law firms gain access to top-tier talent while supporting professionals in achieving meaningful career advancement. Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn to learn how she can help you take the next step in your legal journey.
For any and all inquiries, please email or call:
jessica@plonapartners.com
(646) 722-6756
Meet Maria Clara, Plona Partners’ Legal Recruiter. A Brazilian Attorney by training, Maria Clara brings a unique blend of curiosity, ambition, and a kind, approachable demeanor to her role. Having contributed to high-stakes M&A and Capital Markets projects at one of Brazil’s top law firms, she offers valuable insight into the complexities of the legal industry.
Excelling in Plona Partners’ Sourcer Academy, Maria Clara quickly advanced to Legal Recruiter, ready to make a meaningful impact in the industry. She is dedicated to connecting exceptional legal support professionals with life-changing opportunities across the nation’s top markets. Her passion for recruiting goes beyond placements—she sees it as a way to empower individuals, promote growth, and shape futures with lasting impact. Explore Maria Clara’s LinkedIn to follow her professional journey.
For any and all inquiries, email or call:
mariaclara@plonapartners.com
(929) 205-2719
Meet Gabriel, Plona Partners’ CRM Manager, combining technical expertise with strategic innovation. With a background in web development, data analysis, and CRM optimization, Gabriel brings deep experience in platforms like HubSpot, SQL, and WordPress—transforming complex systems into smart, scalable solutions.
Gabriel has a proven track record in systems management, ensuring data integrity, and streamlining workflows across teams. He builds dynamic, integrated platforms at Plona Partners that align sales, marketing, and service, using data to enhance the customer journey and create revenue-driven systems that enable smarter decisions and measurable outcomes. Connect with Gabriel on LinkedIn to explore his professional journey and insights.
For any and all inquiries, please email or call:
gabriel@plonapartners.com
(929) 470-1126
Meet Ryan, Plona Partners’ Legal Recruiter. A lead team-player and former transactional and litigation paralegal, Ryan brings an insider’s view of the legal world to recruitment. His hands-on experience in law firms, combined with a warm and approachable personality, allows him to build strong relationships and guide candidates and firms with clarity and insight.
Ryan has a proven track record of connecting top-tier talent with meaningful opportunities—placing Senior Corporate Paralegals, Conflicts & Risk Analysts, and professionals in the Billing sector at leading law firms. His expertise and personable approach ensure candidates find roles where they can thrive while supporting firms in building exceptional teams. Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn to see how he can help advance your legal career or strengthen your firm’s operational teams.
For any and all inquiries, please email or call:
ryan@plonapartners.com
(929) 209-4197
Meet Matt, Plona Partners’ legal recruitment strategist. Matt brings a unique blend of startup experience, operational know-how, and interpersonal skills to Plona Partners. Early in his career, he gained experience scaling teams and building processes in fast-growing companies, giving him a strong foundation in talent growth and client relationship management.
As a Legal Recruiter, Matt connects top legal talent with prestigious firms, strengthens client partnerships, and leverages his New York experience to contribute to Plona Partners’ market impact. His entrepreneurial mindset and adaptability make him a valued member of Team Plona.
Fluent in English and conversational in Spanish—and currently learning Portuguese—Matt approaches every challenge with curiosity, dedication, and a commitment to growth. Connect with Matt on LinkedIn to learn more about his role and contributions at Plona Partners.
For any and all inquiries, email or call:
matt@plonapartners.com
(929) 801-3236
Meet Amanda, Plona Partners’ financial cornerstone.
With 14 years of experience spanning Accounting Planning, Managerial Accounting, and Internal Controls, Amanda brings a wealth of financial expertise shaped by her work with industry leaders such as Wabtec Corporation, Grupo Bamaq, and JCM Consulting in Brazil.
With 14 years of experience spanning Accounting Planning, Managerial Accounting, and Internal Controls, Amanda brings a wealth of financial expertise shaped by her work with industry leaders such as Wabtec Corporation, Grupo Bamaq, and JCM Consulting in Brazil.
Amanda combines analytical rigor with strategic foresight to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and alignment across all financial operations. Her ability to translate data into clear direction helps guide smart decisions, foster trust, and keep the firm operating at its best. Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn to learn more about her role and contributions at Plona Partners.
For any and all inquiries, email or call:
amanda@plonapartners.com
(929) 356-7483
Meet Lueli, Plona Partners’ Legal Recruiter. A Brazilian lawyer with over a decade of experience across labor, civil, and compliance law, Lueli brings deep legal insight to her role connecting top-tier talent with leading firms. Before joining Plona Partners, she led key compliance projects under Brazil’s General Data Protection Law (LGPD), managed strategic labor litigation, and advised on complex contracts—experience that informs her thoughtful approach to recruitment.
Upon completing Plona Partners' Sourcer Academy training, Lueli gained a proven track record of placing Legal Secretaries and Legal Assistants in top AmLaw 200 firms across the nation’s leading markets. Known for her calm presence, intentional listening, and empathetic professionalism, she helps candidates find meaningful opportunities while supporting firms in securing exceptional talent. Connect with Lueli on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and impact.
For any and all inquiries, please email or call:
lueli@plonapartners.com
(929) 242 5783
Meet Caio Junio, Plona Partners’ Office Coordinator. Caio ensures that the office runs seamlessly for the entire team—from Monday morning "misto quentes" and fresh coffee on tap to keeping the afternoon energy high with music and the vibrant spirit of Team Plona alive. His attention to detail and dedication to creating a welcoming, productive environment make every day at Plona Partners smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
Beyond his in-office influence, Caio curates and manages Plona Partners’ Instagram presence, bringing the company’s culture to life online. Through behind-the-scenes glimpses, employee stories, and everyday moments, he showcases how our team truly works for you while you work. Connect with Caio on LinkedIn to follow his ongoing contributions and creative vision.
For any and all inquiries, email or call:
caio@plonapartners.com
(929) 493-4928
Experience our culture, join us on Instagram! @plonapartners