Manager, Legal Talent Acquisition

DLA Piper is a global law firm built around bold, exceptional, collaborative, and supportive professionals. This role is an opportunity to engage in meaningful work and grow your career within a dynamic environment.

About the role

The Manager, Legal Talent Acquisition collaborates with firm leadership to create and implement effective processes for recruiting and hiring talented experienced client-facing time-keepers, aligning with the firm’s strategic initiatives.

Location

Preferred locations are Austin or Chicago, but the role can be based in any of our offices in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Boston, Miami, New York, Short Hills, Philadelphia, Minneapolis, Northern VA, Raleigh, Wilmington, Washington D.C., or Baltimore. A hybrid work schedule is available.

Responsibilities

• Partner with hiring managers to understand role requirements and deliver tailored sourcing strategies aligned with business and practice group needs.
• Lead lateral hiring efforts for partner and non-partner roles, ensuring a strategic and stakeholder-focused approach.
• Assess candidates using structured evaluation methods to maintain consistency and high-quality selection.
• Design and implement recruitment programs and initiatives with effective communication strategies.
• Conduct interviews and evaluate candidates with a commitment to fairness and a superior candidate experience.
• Lead offer management, including creation, negotiation, and finalization of offers.
• Oversee new hire/rehire screening processes, including background and reference checks, ensuring compliance and timely communication.
• Collaborate with the digital marketing team on recruitment-related social media outreach to enhance employer branding.
• Prepare and oversee communications related to legal hires, including interview coordination, relocation, bar exam assistance, and onboarding logistics.
• Work closely with hiring partners throughout the offer process and integration to ensure seamless transitions.
• Maintain strong stakeholder engagement through proactive updates, feedback gathering, and strategic advising.
• Collaborate with the Student Recruitment Manager to support summer programs, including budget, programming, assignments, and evaluations.
• Monitor market trends and provide insights on compensation, bonuses, and development to inform leadership decisions.
• Oversee recruitment administration, including systems tracking, data integrity, audits, and referral processes.
• Manage the full requisition lifecycle, from creation and approvals to postings and closure, ensuring transparency and high service standards.
• Plan and execute recruiting events and initiatives to strengthen the firm’s brand and enhance stakeholder experience.
• Provide reporting and insights to business and HR leadership with clear, actionable information.
• Manage recruiting budgets and resources to align with strategic goals and ensure efficient use of funds.
• Participate in staff meetings and cross-functional initiatives to contribute to operational excellence and continuous improvement.
• Develop and execute short- and long-term workforce planning strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Provide leadership and development to team members through coaching, mentoring, and continuous feedback.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED (Bachelor’s Degree preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years’ recruiting experience in a law firm or legal/professional services environment.

Skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage competing demands.
• General knowledge of US Visa processes and requirements.
• Creative, detail-oriented, and proficient in MS Word and Excel.
• Ability to handle difficult situations professionally and tactfully.
• Strong problem-solving and project management skills.
• Ability to treat confidential information with professionalism.
• Occasional travel may be required.

Essential Job Expectations

• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with clients, lawyers, business professionals, and third parties.
• Produce timely, accurate, and high-quality work product while meeting deadlines and expectations.
• Foster positive work relationships and comply with all firm policies and practices.
• Engage in both physical and sedentary activities, including working at a computer for extended periods, participating in virtual meetings, and attending in-person meetings as needed.
• Work under pressure and manage competing demands in a fast-paced environment.
• Perform all other duties, tasks, or projects as assigned.

Physical Demands

Sedentary work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently. Involves sitting most of the time, with occasional walking and standing.

Work Environment

This role may include a hybrid work arrangement, combining remote and in-office work, as determined in coordination with the hiring manager.

Pay

The expected hiring range for this position is $129,808 - $197,799 per year, depending on the candidate’s geographic market location, experience, skills, and qualifications.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan.