McDermott Will & Emery

Talent Acquisition Manager, Partners & Counsel

McDermott Will & Emery$130K — $170K *
Legal & Accounting
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • At least seven years of experience in recruiting or talent acquisition, preferably in a legal environment.
  • Strong understanding of legal recruiting processes and law firm structures.
  • Proven experience in managing complex recruitment processes in a client-service setting.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

  • Manage full lifecycle of lateral partner and counsel recruitment.
  • Collaborate with the Director and recruiting team on relationships with search firms.
  • Oversee all candidate interviews and recruitment processes.
  • Support recruiting-related due diligence activities.
  • Identify enhancements for recruiting operations using technology and data analytics.
  • Manage special projects and provide oversight for team members.
  • Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Benefits

  • Competitive total rewards package with performance-based bonuses.
  • Eligible for comprehensive benefits package.
  • Outstanding career advancement opportunities.
Full Job Description
Job Description:

Position Summary:

The Talent Acquisition Manager, Partners & Counsel works closely with Firm leadership to identify and execute upon global lateral partner recruitment strategies. This position utilizes best in class intelligence and market research to ensure McDermott attracts and secures top partner level talent. The Talent Acquisition Manager, Partners & Counsel relies on experience and judgment, along with a deep understanding of Firm objectives, to achieve lateral partner hiring and performance goals.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

- Manage the full lifecycle of lateral partner and counsel recruiting processes across multiple offices, departments, and administrative teams.
- Collaborate with the Director and recruiting team to maintain and strengthen relationships with legal search firms and external recruiting contacts.
- Oversee all aspects of candidate interviews
- Support recruiting-related due diligence processes
- Identify opportunities to enhance recruiting operations, reporting, workflows, and processes, including leveraging technology, data analytics, and emerging AI tools.
- Manage special projects, including oversite of other team members
- Ability to quickly perform other related duties as assigned

Job Specifications:

- Bachelor's degree required.
- Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in recruiting or talent acquisition, preferably within a law firm, legal recruiting agency, or professional services environment; or background practicing law with significant involvement in firm recruiting initiatives.
- Strong understanding of legal recruiting processes, law firm partnership structures, and the broader legal market strongly preferred.
- Proven experience managing complex, fast-paced processes or operational functions within a client-service environment.
- Ability to build credibility and trusted relationships with firm leadership, displaying high executive presence, sound judgment, and absolute discretion with confidential matters.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and applicant tracking systems (e.g., viDesktop or similar database platforms); experience leveraging data, reporting tools, or emerging AI capabilities is preferred.
- Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
- Willingness and desire to work with innovative technology platforms
- Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities

Successful candidates will be provided with outstanding career opportunities and will receive a competitive total rewards package with the opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses.

Target Hiring Range $130,000 - $170,000

Please note that quoted salary ranges are not guarantees of what final salary offers may be. Base pay is based on market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and geographic location. Base pay is only one part of the Total Rewards that MWS provides to compensate and recognize our staff professionals for their work. Full time positions are eligible for a discretionary bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.

#LI-JL1 #LI-Hybrid #PartnerRecruiting #LegalRecruiting #AmLaw100

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, use hands, reach with hands and arms, stoop, talk and hear
  • Employee must occasionally lift up to twenty (20) pounds


Work Environment:

Typical indoor office environment

Disclaimer:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people within this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of employees assigned to this job.

About McDermott Will & Emery

McDermott Will & Emery is a premier international law firm with a diversified business practice. Our lawyers represent a wide range of commercial, industrial and financial enterprises, both publically and privately held. McDermott has more than 1,100 lawyers located in 18 offices across the United States, Europe and Asia. Further extending our reach in Asia, we have a strategic alliance with MWE China Law Offices in Shanghai. McDermott partners with clients to accomplish their business objectives by providing superior counsel and service. The expansion of our international platform has supported numerous cross-border transactions and litigation matters, while providing the experience necessary to offer corporate, tax, labor and benefits, competition, intellectual property and regulatory counsel to clients across all industries. In the years to come, we will continue to expand geographically and enhance our existing practices and industry-focused strengths, and are committed to building from these strengths in order to best serve our clients and communities. McDermott has a long history of social responsibility and supporting the communities in which our people live and work. We believe it is our obligation to embrace our communities and promote their well being through pro bono work, community service, charitable giving, environmental stewardship and promoting diversity.

McDermott Will & Emery Careers

Joining McDermott Will & Emery presents an unparalleled opportunity to advance a career at a global leader in legal services. The firm is renowned for fostering professional growth and embracing innovation through a culture that values diversity and leadership.

Explore Job Opportunities

McDermott Will & Emery offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and professional interests. The firm seeks passionate, curious, and solution-driven team players ready to contribute to a dynamic team. From seasoned attorneys to support staff, McDermott Will & Emery is continuously hiring to enhance their service capabilities.

Internship Programs

Internships at McDermott Will & Emery provide a robust platform for early-career individuals to gain significant, hands-on experience in a highly professional environment. Interns are immersed in the culture of excellence, working closely with experienced professionals while engaging in real-world legal challenges.

Career Growth and Development

McDermott Will & Emery is committed to the professional development of its team members. The firm offers unmatched training, development programs, and leadership workshops to ensure career trajectories are not only met but exceeded. Employees are encouraged to leverage these opportunities for career advancement and personal growth.

Diversity and Inclusion

The firm holds a strong commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. McDermott Will & Emery believes in empowering all employees through diversity training that enriches the professional environment and fosters a deeper understanding and respect among colleagues.

Benefits and Culture

McDermott Will & Emery prides itself on offering competitive benefits that reflect the firm’s appreciation for its team members. Benefits are designed to support the health, well-being, and financial security of all employees and their families. The firm's culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and collaboration, making it a prime environment for professional fulfillment.

Networking and Innovation

Networking within McDermott Will & Emery is supported through various events, seminars, and collaborative projects that encourage connections and foster innovative thinking. Employees are encouraged to build networks that can support personal and professional growth.

Applying for a Position

To apply for a position at McDermott Will & Emery, candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter through the firm’s Careers page. The hiring process may include multiple stages of interviews to ensure a mutual fit both for the candidate and the company.

Stay Connected with McDermott Will & Emery Careers

Interested professionals can stay informed about new openings and company news by subscribing to job alert emails. These updates provide valuable insights into the firm and the legal industry, helping potential candidates find the right opportunities.

Join the Team

Search open positions that match your skills and interests at McDermott Will & Emery. Explore what it means to be part of a global leader in legal services and discover how your contributions can make a direct impact.

SEARCH MCDERMOTT WILL & EMERY JOBS

Read Careers Blog

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the professionals who work at McDermott Will & Emery.

READ CAREERS BLOG

Job Alert Emails

Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. See what exciting and rewarding opportunities await at McDermott Will & Emery.
Learn more about McDermott Will & Emery

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at McDermott Will & Emery

More Legal & Accounting Jobs

Find similar Talent Acquisition Manager, Partners & Counsel jobs: