Director of Associate Recruiting

Seyfarth Shaw LLP•New York, New York

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Associate Recruiting will oversee the execution of the firm’s entry-level recruiting program and manage the firm’s on-campus presence at law schools. This role involves developing and advancing key initiatives for recruiting and hiring law students as summer and entry-level associates. Additionally, the Director will spearhead all lateral associate recruiting for the firm. This position reports to and works closely with the Senior Director of Legal Recruiting to provide strategic direction for all associate and law student recruiting, including lateral associate and entry-level hiring processes, strategic sourcing, direction and planning, day-to-day management and professional development of the associate recruiting team, relationship building with candidates, search firms, and vendors, budget planning, and industry research.

Requirements

Minimum of 8+ years of legal recruiting/talent management experience in a law firm or other professional services setting required.
Bachelor’s Degree Required; J.D. Preferred.
A strong knowledge of the legal market and professional relationships in legal professional groups and other organizations related to the legal industry.
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 prioritize and multi-task effectively.
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, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint, as well as strong attention to detail and organization.
Ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule that will occasionally require travel and extended hours.
Ability to exercise good judgment and to recognize and treat confidential information in a professional manner.
Proficiency in the use of recruiting databases/applicant tracking systems (e.g., iCIMS, LawCruit, viDesktop, FloRecruit, Firm Prospects, etc.).

Nice To Haves

J.D. Preferred

Responsibilities

Design, manage, and attend year-round campus outreach initiatives to raise the profile of Seyfarth at key law schools.
Partner with Senior Director of Legal Recruiting to analyze recruitment data and trends and make recommendations on which law schools to include in on-campus outreach.
Cultivate and maintain relationships with law school career services and student groups.
Identify organizations for sponsorship and partnerships.
Develop innovative recruiting programming (student receptions, speaking engagements, etc.).
Facilitate firm participation in mock interview programs, career fairs, and other opportunities to interact with law students throughout the academic year.
Oversee the design and execution of the firm-wide summer associate program, including coordinating with HR and other Business Services departments to onboard summer associate hires, planning and conducting orientation, designing and attending social events, liaising with the Talent Development team for training, preparing evaluation materials, and tracking/reviewing assignments and evaluations to assist with offer decisions.
Drive the Firm-wide lateral associate recruiting strategy to attract, hire and retain top candidates in relation to the hiring directives and growth initiatives set by firm leadership.
Oversee the lateral associate hiring process including drafting job descriptions, proactive candidate sourcing, reviewing candidate resumes, coordinating interview schedules, assessing evaluations, negotiating offers, and managing candidate communications.
Collaborate with Senior Director of Legal Recruiting, Department Chairs, Office Managing Partners, and other stakeholders on associate and entry-level hiring needs assessments and search tactics.
Collaborate with Communications team to maintain social media and other marketing materials related to law student and associate recruitment.
Cultivate relationships with search firm recruiters and regularly communicate the firm’s lateral associate hiring needs.
Assist in the preparation and management of budget categories that are directly relevant to summer program, student recruiting, entry-level, and lateral associate recruitment initiatives.
Represent the firm in local and national legal recruiting organizations.
Keep abreast of key market issues and trends. Track information and analyze competitive data, best practices and trends to provide strategic recommendations to recruiting team, department and firm leadership in alignment with the firm’s strategic recruitment goals.
Partner with the Senior Director of Legal Recruiting and collaborate with the firm’s Inclusion & Diversity Office to develop relationships with a wide range of legal talent, including managing the firm’s relationships with law school affinity groups and facilitating firm sponsorship and participation in inclusive recruitment programs and activities.
Supervise and contribute to professional development of junior members of the Associate Recruiting team.