Executive Team
Peter Smith, Executive Director (B.A. San Jose State; J.D. University of San Francisco). Pete is responsible for all operations of On Call Counsel’s San Francisco Bay Area office. He began his legal career practicing as a litigator and trial attorney at Nixon Peabody LLP (formerly Lillick & Charles) for eight years, primarily in commercial litigation. Peter next took his litigator’s twin passions for oral advocacy and creating practical solutions to complex issues to the recruiting industry. He enjoyed immediate success in direct hire recruiting, fast becoming San Francisco Managing Director for one of the largest recruiting companies in the nation. Pete now brings his considerable experience in the legal industry and understanding of the practice of law to On Call Counsel, serving corporate and law firm clients in meeting their contract and direct hire legal needs. In addition, Pete writes prolifically and speaks nationally on issues confronting attorneys and the practice of law.
Kathryn Lyon, Managing Director Kathryn is responsible for overseeing the growth and development of On Call Counsel in the New York City area. She also holds a law degree from Seattle University Law School and practiced litigation for over 10 years in Washington State. She has worked for The TemPositions Group of Companies for four years as Executive Director of the School Professionals division. In addition to her J.D., she holds a B.A. in Education from the University of Washington. Kathryn has received several legal and journalistic awards for her legal, professional writing and humanitarian work including President's Award, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 1998; Civil Libertarian of the Year, American Civil Liberties Union of Washington, 1998; Alumnae Honored Speaker, Seattle University Law School, 1998; Excellence in Journalism Award, Washington Society of Professional Journalists, 1998.
David Petti, Director of Recruiting David spent 14 years in practice as an attorney and has five years of document review experience. He has been a contract attorney himself with several agencies at the largest law firms and companies in the New York City area. David has served as a document review attorney on cases including large litigations involving multi-national corps, pharmaceutical companies, entertainment companies, banks and chemical companies, among others. He has worked on all phases of the discovery process including electronic review, 1st review, 2nd review, privilege review and witness preparation, and has also participated in foreign language reviews (Spanish and Italian). David holds a B.A. from Wesleyan University and a J.D. from Boston University School of Law.
James Essey, President/CEO (B.A. Trinity, M.B.A. Harvard), of TemPositions, Inc., parent company of On Call Counsel. James is a former Chair of the 1500 member American Staffing Association (ASA). He previously served as Chair of the National Chapter Presidents' Council and, for five years, as President of the New York Staffing Association (NYSA) where he was a recipient of the NYSA's New Yorker Award for outstanding service to the industry. He currently serves as Chairman of the ASA Legal/Legislative Committee. A noted speaker on staffing issues, Jim is frequently called upon to comment on labor matters by publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times and Newsweek. He also is an active community volunteer, serving on the Board of the NY Young Presidents' Organization as their Chairman of Community Participation.
Richard Essey, Chairman (B.S. & M.B.A. New York University) founded The TemPositions Group of Companies in 1962 and opened the San Francisco office in 1965. He is a past president of both the American Staffing Association (ASA) and the New York Staffing Association (NYSA). He was the first recipient of the ASA Leadership Award, in recognition of his outstanding service to the industry, and was chosen as "Entrepreneur of the Year" by Inc. magazine, in recognition of his contributions to the field of human resources. The TemPositions Group of Companies received the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Business Award (Ebbie). The California Staffing Professionals Organization gave Dick their top award for lifetime achievement. He is a member of the City Club Board of Governors and was elected to their Wall of Fame. Among his not-for-profit activities he founded the Bay Area chapter of the ALS Association, is a trustee emeritus of the Fine Arts Museum, a trustee of the American Academy of Neurology Foundation, and, a national Board member of the ALS Association. Under his leadership, TemPositions has maintained a policy of donating 10% of its profits to charity each year.
