Director of Partner Recruiting

About the role

The Director of Partner Recruiting leads and advances the Firm's strategic growth through lateral partner recruitment, small-group acquisitions, and potential law firm mergers. Reporting directly to the Chief Talent Officer, this role collaborates extensively with the Chair, partners leading lateral growth and attorney career advancement, Department Chairs, Practice Group Leaders, Office Managing Partners, the Executive Committee, and senior administrative leadership.

Responsibilities

• Partner with firm leadership to drive lateral partner recruiting, practice acquisitions, mergers, and succession planning aligned with the firm's strategic growth priorities.
• Audit potential combinations based on cultural fit, geographic strategy, market opportunity, and practice synergies.
• Define hiring priorities and execute recruiting strategies in close collaboration with Department Chairs and Practice Group Leaders.
• Lead the full lateral partner recruiting lifecycle—from sourcing and evaluation through interviews, offers, and closing.
• Position the firm to lateral candidates, partner groups, and search firms in collaboration with Marketing and Business Development.
• Develop business cases, compensation structures, and pro forma financial analyses for leadership and Board review.
• Manage rigorous due diligence processes, including conflicts, risk analysis, and regulatory/insurance notifications.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for candidates, search firms, and internal stakeholders, ensuring high-touch experience.
• Support onboarding and integration of lateral partners and groups, including client transitions and cross-practice synergies.
• Track and report on recruiting metrics, market trends, and budget performance for firm leadership.

Requirements

• 10+ years of law firm recruiting experience with a focus on lateral partner and group placements.
• Bachelor's degree required; JD preferred.
• Demonstrated success influencing and aligning with firm leadership in lateral recruiting efforts.
• Strong leadership, relationship-building, and communication skills.
• Experience managing confidential matters with integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Ability to work extended hours as required to support strategic recruiting initiatives.
• Proficiency with legal recruiting systems, document management platforms, and core business technology, including but not limited to MS Office (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), Adobe Acrobat, NetDocuments, Elite, and other practice/functional area databases, as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Initiative to research and learn new areas of law, industries and regions as needed for recruiting objectives.
• Communication: Demonstrate the ability to listen, understand information and ideas presented, and communicate effectively both orally and in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
• Detail-Oriented: Keen attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.
• Judgment and Problem Solving: Sound judgment, discretion, and strategic problem-solving skills; ability to manage complex matters under pressure.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and execution.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage confidential matters with integrity, discretion, and professionalism.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Knowledge of legal recruiting systems and practices.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• Health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts.
• Short and long-term disability.
• 401(k)-retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off, sick leave, paid holidays.
• Employee assistance program.

Pay

The salary range for this position is from $180,000 - $225,000, which reflects the Firm's good faith and reasonable estimate of possible compensation at the time of posting. Actual pay will depend on several factors such as the candidate's experience, qualifications, and location.

Schedule

This hybrid role is based in one of our Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., or Seattle offices.