Legal Recruiting Manager

About the Role

Jenner & Block is seeking a strategic and proactive leader to manage legal recruiting in our Washington, D.C. office, which has grown by almost 30% over the last 2 years. This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic Talent Team dedicated to attracting, hiring, and retaining top-tier legal talent while contributing to firmwide initiatives that shape the future of our workforce, and strengthen Jenner & Block's market presence. The ideal candidate will lead efforts to attract top legal talent while driving initiatives that have a meaningful strategic and cultural impact. Strong leadership, relationship management, and project execution skills are essential, along with the ability to partner effectively with law firm leaders and hiring committees. As the D.C. office continues to grow, this leader will also have the opportunity to build and scale the local recruiting team, shaping its structure, talent, and culture. While a background in legal recruiting is highly valued, we welcome applicants with expertise in recruitment, talent acquisition, or related fields within professional services who bring proven management experience. If you've successfully led teams, navigated complex recruiting environments, and built strong relationships with stakeholders, we encourage you to apply.

This position is an exempt position based in Washington, D.C. and is responsible for the full recruiting lifecycle for lawyers, including summer associates, post-clerks, and lateral associates, while fostering strong partnerships with practice group leaders, senior management and our Professional Teams. This individual will support some key firmwide initiatives and will manage the Washington DC Legal Recruiting Coordinator, also based in D.C., with the expectation of building out a larger D.C. recruiting team over time. The Legal Recruiting Manager will report to the Firmwide Director of Legal Recruiting.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative and data-driven recruiting strategies that position the D.C. office competitively in the legal market.
• Work closely with hiring partners, practice group leaders, and the hiring committee to understand evolving talent needs and shape recruiting initiatives accordingly.
• Establish and deepen relationships with law schools, judicial clerks, and key talent pools to enhance the firm's recruiting pipeline.
• Design and execute a dynamic summer associate program in the D.C. office, ensuring a meaningful and engaging experience.
• Develop and oversee onboarding processes that set new attorneys up for success within the firm's culture and practice.
• Work with Talent Team colleagues across offices to align recruiting efforts, share best practices, and support firmwide initiatives.
• Manage and mentor the D.C. Legal Recruiting Coordinator while assessing future staffing needs, recruiting additional team members as the office grows, and building a high-performing D.C. recruiting function.

Qualifications

• A four-year bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and a minimum of 5 years in recruitment or related roles, preferably within a law firm, the legal industry, or professional services.
• Meaningful professional experience in the legal world, whether in recruiting, practice, or administration, with a strong understanding of law firm dynamics.
• Proven experience in developing and executing strategic recruiting initiatives.
• Strong ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with law firm partners and senior leaders.
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills, with the ability to drive multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A creative and proactive mindset, with a keen ability to identify opportunities for process improvement and innovation.
• Proven management experience with a strong ability to lead, coach, and develop team members, including experience hiring and building teams.
• Proficiency with applicant tracking systems (ViDesktop preferred), Microsoft Office, and a willingness to master new tools.