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Meet The Team

Our Team is Comprised of Genuinely Gifted Minds

Founder, Principal Recruiter

Jesse Plona

"As Founder of Plona Partners, I’m committed to revolutionizing legal recruiting through a quality-driven network, deep industry expertise, and a relentless focus on speed and precision. I connect exceptional legal talent with the nation’s top law firms, ensuring both immediate impact and long-term success—because, in this exclusive network, good people connect with good people."

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

Chief of Staff

Julia Merched Santana

"I’m passionate about building a culture where leadership and emotional intelligence come together to bring out the best in our team, helping us achieve real, impactful results for Plona Partners."

Meet Julia, a seasoned leader with a foundation in psychology, who brings a unique blend of emotional intelligence and strategic insight to Plona Partners. With experience in leading teams and driving organizational success, Julia excels at cultivating a collaborative environment that maximizes each team member's strengths.

As Chief of Staff, Julia is dedicated to building a culture that values both personal and professional growth, equipping the team to meet the dynamic challenges of legal recruitment. Her blend of leadership and empathy makes her an invaluable asset, driving impactful results and nurturing a positive workplace culture. Take a closer look at her professional journey on LinkedIn.

For any and all inquiries, please email or call:
julia@plonapartners.com
(929) 538-3470

Director of Operations

Flavio DaCosta

"I specialize in transforming progressive targets into strategic realities, ensuring a smooth integration of detail and direction. My mission is to guide our team in the pursuit of excellence, cultivating a diverse and dynamic environment where ingenuity meets extraordinary opportunity."

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

Legal Recruiter

Hugo Rodrigues

"Consider me your Career Agent, dedicated to representing your candidacy and negotiating on your behalf. Leveraging the strong relationships I cultivate with hiring managers, I aim to secure the best opportunities for your professional journey."

Meet Hugo, a talent acquisition professional who brings a calculated approach to his work at Plona Partners. Multilingual in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, Hugo specializes in Legal Billing, offering a niche focus on supporting non-practicing professionals. He excels at building out entire teams, connecting firms with skilled professionals like Trust Coordinators, Billing Coordinators, Paralegals, Pricing Analysts, and Legal Assistants.

With a proven track record in New York's bustling billing scene among the nation's top law firms, Hugo serves as a trusted source for professionals contemplating their career choices, promoting advancement, and aligning them with the right opportunities. Explore Hugo's LinkedIn for a view of his professional journey.

For any and all inquiries, please email or call:
hugo@plonapartners.com
(845) 605-4484

Senior Legal Recruiter

Filipe Rodrigues

"With a focus on providing valuable insights and collaborative support, I act as a trusted advisor to candidates, helping them navigate the path to securing their ideal roles. I also work closely with law firms as a strategic partner, helping them build strong teams with exceptional legal talent."

Meet Filipe, a recruiting expert with Plona Partners who brings diverse experience to every search. With trilingual fluency in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, Filipe focuses on supporting practicing and non-practicing professionals in Intellectual Property and Insurance Defense careers. He’s dedicated to aligning clients' expectations with an exclusive, quality talent network.

Filipe’s drive and commitment to building genuine relationships are at the heart of his approach. By truly understanding each client’s needs, he provides personalized support that transcends traditional boundaries, creating connections that empower growth within the nation’s top law firms. Take a closer look at his professional journey on LinkedIn.

For any and all inquiries, please email or call:
filipe@plonapartners.com
(929) 605-4991

Legal Recruiter

Pedro Fernandes

"My priority as a strategic partner to law firms is to translate deep insights into clients' needs and wants for candidates, and to ensure a smooth onboarding process for each by staying connected even after placements have been made."

Meet Pedro, an ambitious recruiter making waves in the nation's elite legal market. Proficient in both English and Portuguese, he’s skilled at helping his team place everything from essential support roles like Legal Assistants to key practicing roles like Conflicts Attorneys. Pedro’s leadership extends beyond recruitment—he spearheads business development initiatives both internally and externally, driving growth and success for clients and candidates alike.

With a strong foundation in banking management, operations, and sales consulting, Pedro navigates challenges with agility and insight, delivering exceptional results. Discover more about Pedro’s professional journey on his LinkedIn.

For any and all inquiries, email or call:
pedro@plonapartners.com
617-829-9883

Legal Recruiter

Laura Leao Candido

"At Plona Partners, I’m passionate about guiding new recruiters as they grow, building a supportive foundation that drives lasting success for our team, clients, and candidates alike. My goal is to connect great people with great opportunities."

Meet Laura, a recruiting specialist who brings a unique blend of legal insight and recruiting expertise to Plona Partners. Skilled in Portuguese, English, and Spanish, Laura excels in talent acquisition for both practicing and non-practicing roles, with a focus on Conflicts and Business Development roles within leading law firms. Her specialty is recruiting top talent for Conflicts positions at both junior and senior levels.

In addition to her recruiting work, Laura also takes on the role of Sourcer Manager, supporting new recruiters as they join the firm by guiding them through the industry’s learning curve and ensuring they develop the skills needed to succeed. With her background as a Brazilian attorney, Laura understands the nuances of legal roles, required expertise, and the cultural dynamics within law firms. Visit her LinkedIn to learn more about her professional journey and achievements.

For any and all inquiries, please email or call:
laura@plonapartners.com
(929) 296-7094

Legal Recruiter

Jessica Tarabal Simao

"Leveraging my legal research skills, I’m dedicated to helping legal professionals across the nation unlock career growth opportunities, ensuring they find roles that align with their skills and aspirations."

Meet Jessica, a passionate and precise professional who brings a fresh perspective to the Plona Partners team. As a legal recruiter, Jessica specializes in supporting Paralegals across the nation, helping them identify career advancement opportunities and connect with top law firms.

Well-versed in both Portuguese and English, Jessica leverages her bilingual skills to communicate effectively and bridge diverse legal cultures. With a strong background in legal research and writing, she has developed sharp analytical skills and a deep understanding of complex legal issues. Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn to discover how she can help you take the next step in your legal career.

For any and all inquiries, please email or call:
jessica@plonapartners.com
(646) 722-6756

Brand Manager

KatieRose Charron

"I'm at the heart of where creativity and strategy beat together, shaping our brand's essence and identity. I strive to authentically deliver our narrative, highlighting a team robust with intellect, diversity, charm and the utmost quality to truly connect with our audience."

Meet KatieRose, Plona Partners' mindset maven. KatieRose brings with her a career in clinical psychology with over a decade of rich experience in the field, positioning her perfectly as our Brand Manager.

With a steadfast belief in nurturing a team environment that prioritizes positivity and wellness, KatieRose understands the profound impact of internal dynamics on the brand’s public image and reputation. Under KatieRose's influence, our brand's story is not just told but is deeply felt, leaving a memorable impact on all who engage with Plona Partners. Connect with her on LinkedIn to see how her contributions support both personal growth and business success.

For any and all inquiries, email or call:
katierose@plonapartners.com
(845) 456-8720

Legal Recruiter

Aldo Morin Amblodegui

"Leveraging my background in education, I bring a blend of relationship-building skills and a collaborative approach to legal recruiting. By combining my passion for learning with insights into current market trends, my goal is to build meaningful connections between top talent and the best law firms out there."

Meet Aldo, a dynamic legal recruiter with a unique background as a bilingual educator. Originally from Peru, Aldo combines his passion for lifelong learning and cultural insight to stay ahead of industry trends, making him a valuable resource for both candidates and law firms. Specializing in Intellectual Property Patent Prosecution and Litigation Paralegals, he helps candidates navigate the evolving legal landscape with opportunities that align with their career goals.

Aldo’s ability to build trust-based relationships and offer valuable market knowledge ensures law firms are connected with top-tier talent. His commitment to continuous learning drives impactful results. Connect with Aldo on LinkedIn to discover how he can help you stay competitive in the legal market.

For any and all inquiries, email or call:
aldo@plonapartners.com
929-262-3956

Legal Recruiter

Ryan McLaughlin

"I know what skillsets are desired and needed to hack it in the legal field. I bring a paralegal's organization and eye for detail to Plona Partners, ensuring we connect top talent with the right opportunities."

Meet Ryan, a dynamic legal recruiter with a strong foundation as a transactional and litigation paralegal. He brings a unique perspective to legal recruitment, helping place top-tier talent in roles ranging from essential support positions to key practicing attorney roles.

Beyond recruitment, Ryan thoroughly enjoys all things legal and has assisted with getting new law firms off the ground with their technology, branding and infrastructure. When he is not connecting the best and brightest legal minds to new roles, you can find Ryan whipping something up in the kitchen, traveling to far off locales, and spending time with his wife and his dog. Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn to see what he’s working on and get to know him better!

For any and all inquiries, please email or call:
ryan@plonapartners.com
(929) 209-4197

Legal Recruiter

Isadora Silva

"With my legal background as a foundation, I aim to bridge the gap between extraordinary talent and transformative opportunities. For me, it’s about crafting connections that extend beyond filling positions—it's about unlocking potential and promoting growth, both personally and professionally."

Isadora, affectionately known as Isa, brings a vibrant perspective to the team at Plona Partners. As a Brazilian attorney, Isa has honed a deep understanding of legal intricacies and developed strong analytical skills, 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 lucrative and rewarding roles that align with their career goals.

Isa’s bilingual skills in Portuguese and English allow her to connect top talent with opportunities across the legal sector. As a legal recruiter, she leverages her expertise to match the best candidates with law firms, ensuring a perfect fit. Connect with Isa on LinkedIn to discover 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

Office Coordinator

Caio Junio Neres Ulisses

"Working closely with the Executive team, I take care of all the important details in operations. My goal is to create a positive and balanced work environment, always being there to support each team member."

Meet Caio Junio, the friendliest Office Coordinator in the western hemisphere. Coming from a non-English-speaking background, Caio has flourished during his time with Plona Partners—growing from limited English proficiency to conversational fluency, showcasing the agency’s commitment to unique growth opportunities.

Beyond his professional role, Caio brings a rich blend of musicality and organizational finesse to our team. As a seasoned musician, he understands the delicate balance between creativity and structure. Connect with him on LinkedIn to follow his journey and contributions.

For any and all inquiries, email or call:
caio@plonapartners.com
(929) 493-4928