Director of Partner Recruiting

Ballard Spahr LLP•Washington, DC

39d•Hybrid

About The Position

Ballard Spahr is a nationally recognized law firm with more than 750 lawyers across 19 offices in the United States. A career at Ballard Spahr means joining a team of talented mentors, colleagues, and friends, supported by strong leadership that actively encourages professional growth. The Firm is seeking a Director of Partner Recruiting to lead and advance our lateral partner and group growth strategy. This is a highly visible, firmwide leadership role for a sophisticated recruiting professional who thrives at the intersection of strategy, relationship‑building, and execution. The Director of Partner Recruiting plays a critical role in driving 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. This hybrid role is based in one of our Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., or Seattle offices.

Requirements

Initiative to research and learn new areas of law, industries and regions as needed for recruiting objectives.
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.
Keen attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.
Sound judgment, discretion, and strategic problem‑solving skills; ability to manage complex matters under pressure.
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.

Responsibilities

Partner with firm leadership to drive lateral partner recruiting, practice acquisitions, mergers, and succession planning aligned with the firm’s strategic growth priorities.
Assess 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 and market 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.