Director of Associate Recruiting

About the Role

As the Director of Associate Recruiting, you will oversee the firm’s entry-level recruiting program and manage the firm’s on-campus presence at law schools, including developing and advancing key initiatives for recruiting and hiring law students as summer and entry-level associates. You will also lead all lateral associate recruiting for the firm.

Reporting to and collaborating with the Senior Director of Legal Recruiting, you will provide strategic direction for associate and law student recruiting, including lateral and entry-level hiring processes, strategic sourcing, team management, relationship-building with candidates and vendors, budget planning, and industry research.

Responsibilities

• Design, manage, and attend year-round campus outreach initiatives to raise the firm’s profile at key law schools, including:
  • Partnering with the Senior Director of Legal Recruiting to analyze recruitment data and trends and recommend law schools for outreach.
  • Cultivating and maintaining relationships with law school career services and student groups.
  • Identifying organizations for sponsorship and partnerships.
  • Developing innovative recruiting programming (e.g., student receptions, speaking engagements).
  • Facilitating firm participation in mock interview programs, career fairs, and other student interactions.
• Oversee the design and execution of the firm-wide summer associate program, including:
  • Coordinating with HR and other departments to onboard summer associates.
  • Planning and conducting orientation for summer associates.
  • Designing and attending social events.
  • Liaising with the Talent Development team to develop and execute substantive trainings.
  • Preparing evaluation materials for summer associate reviews.
  • Tracking and reviewing assignments and evaluations, and assisting with offer decisions.
• Drive the firm-wide lateral associate recruiting strategy to attract, hire, and retain top candidates in alignment with firm leadership’s hiring directives and growth initiatives.
• Oversee the lateral associate hiring process, including drafting job descriptions, proactive candidate sourcing, reviewing resumes, coordinating interviews, assessing evaluations, negotiating offers, and managing candidate communications.
• Collaborate with the Senior Director of Legal Recruiting, Department Chairs, Office Managing Partners, and other stakeholders on hiring needs assessments and search tactics.
• Collaborate with the Communications team to maintain social media and marketing materials related to law student and associate recruitment.
• Cultivate relationships with search firm recruiters and communicate the firm’s lateral hiring needs.
• Assist in preparing and managing budgets for summer programs, student recruiting, and lateral associate recruitment initiatives.
• Represent the firm in local and national legal recruiting organizations.
• Track market trends, competitive data, and best practices to provide strategic recommendations to the recruiting team and firm leadership.
• Partner with the Senior Director of Legal Recruiting and the firm’s Inclusion & Diversity Office to develop relationships with diverse legal talent, manage law school affinity group relationships, and facilitate inclusive recruitment programs.
• Supervise and contribute to the professional development of junior members of the Associate Recruiting team.

Requirements

• Minimum of 8+ years of legal recruiting or talent management experience in a law firm or professional services setting.
• Bachelor’s degree required; J.D. preferred.
• Strong knowledge of the legal market and professional relationships in legal industry groups.
• Sophisticated strategic and analytical thinking, drive, initiative, and problem-solving skills.
• Effective client service skills, with proven organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to prioritize and multitask.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with personnel at all levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule, including occasional travel and extended hours.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency in recruiting databases/applicant tracking systems (e.g., iCIMS, LawCruit, viDesktop, FloRecruit, Firm Prospects).

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits at all levels.
• Paid time off.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.
• Annual merit increase and bonus pay.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $250,000 to $300,000 annually, based on a 40-hour work week. This range applies to jobs performed in New York City. An employee’s pay within this range will be based on factors including education, qualifications, experience, skills, and business needs.

Location

This position is based in New York, NY.