The Senior Recruiting Manager is a strategic leadership role responsible for managing the recruitment for the assigned office(s) focusing on summer associates and lateral attorney hires. This role works closely with the firm's hiring partners, office leaders, and reports to the Director of Recruiting and Professional Development to ensure an efficient, and effective recruitment process that aligns with the firm's goals and strategy. The Senior Recruiting Manager will manage the full lifecycle of the recruiting process to facilitate the hire of qualified summer associates as well as lateral attorney hires. This role requires a seasoned professional with experience in professional services recruiting, a strategic mindset, and a strong focus on results.
Primary Responsibilities - Lead the development and execution of recruiting strategies for summer associate programs and lateral attorney hiring, ensuring alignment with the firm's long-term goals. Analyze hiring needs, project future hiring trends, and recommend process improvements to meet staffing objectives.
- Oversee all aspects of the Summer Associate Program, including planning, onboarding, offboarding, work assignments, mentor programs, practice area rotations, evaluations, budget tracking, and event planning. Ensure a seamless experience for all summer associates, from recruitment to full-time transition.
- Manage the strategy, planning, and execution of on-campus interview, 1L hiring programs, and other campus outreach initiatives. Collaborate with law school career services and student groups to maintain strong relationships.
- Lead lateral attorney recruitment efforts, collaborating with department heads, section leaders, and the Director of Recruiting and Professional Development to identify, attract, and hire top talent. Oversee the coordination of callback interviews, offer processes, and new hire orientations.
- Maintain and optimize the recruiting database and applicant tracking system, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information. Generate regular statistical reports and provide insights to senior leadership on recruiting trends and metrics.
- Work closely with the Communications team to create and update recruiting marketing materials. Ensure consistent and compelling messaging across all recruiting channels and external communications.
- Maintain regular contact with external vendors, law schools, and other relevant organizations to strengthen the firm's recruitment pipeline. Represent the firm at recruiting events and establish a strong presence at targeted schools.
- Perform other duties as assigned including but not limited to updating careers pages of Bracewell.com, maintaining Searcy, working with Communications Team on recruiting marketing materials, etc.
- Manage, mentor, and develop junior recruiters, ensuring consistent training and high performance. Provide guidance and support in day-to-day activities and in achieving individual and team recruitment goals.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for all candidates including summer associates, lateral attorney candidates, and new hires, ensuring an exceptional experience throughout the recruiting process and beyond.
Skills / Abilities - Strong communication and interpersonal skills, both oral and written, with the ability to influence and engage key stakeholders.
- Proven ability to manage multiple complex recruiting processes in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a high level of attention to detail.
- Demonstrated leadership ability, with experience managing teams and collaborating across functions.
- Highly organized, strategic, and results-driven with a focus on improving processes and driving efficiencies.
- Strong problem-solving skills, resourcefulness, and ability to handle competing priorities.
- Professional demeanor with exceptional customer service skills, ensuring a positive candidate and hiring manager experience.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; experience with ViRecruit or similar recruiting software strongly preferred.
- Ability to travel and work evenings or weekends as needed.
- Ability to build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, external vendors, and candidates.
- Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree or certifications in Human Resources or related fields preferred.
- Minimum of 8 - 10 years of professional services recruiting experience, with a focus on law firm or legal industry recruitment.
