McDermott Will & Emery

Talent Acquisition Specialist, Law Students

McDermott Will & Emery$120K — $145K *
Legal & Accounting
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree required
  • 4+ years in law firm recruiting with emphasis on law students
  • Proficient with applicant tracking systems
  • Advanced in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word)
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Able to work in fast-paced environments and prioritize tasks effectively

Responsibilities

  • Develop relationships with law school career services and student organizations
  • Coordinate firm participation in outreach activities throughout the year
  • Manage full-cycle recruiting for 1L and 2L students, including logistics and feedback
  • Provide updates on recruiting progress to key internal stakeholders
  • Plan and execute a 10-week summer associate program
  • Collaborate on budgeting for summer program events and recruiting activities
  • Maintain ATS and ensure data integrity for all applicants

Benefits

  • Opportunity for professional development and career advancement
  • Competitive total rewards package, including performance-based bonuses
  • Comprehensive benefits package
  • Flexible work hours during peak seasons
  • Hybrid work environment with 4 days in-office during summer program
Full Job Description
Job Description:

Summary:

The Law Student Recruiting Specialist executes the law school student recruiting process and summer associate program for one or more assigned offices, under the supervision of the Talent Acquisition Manager, Law Students. This position coordinates with Talent Acquisition leadership, hiring partners, and recruiting committee members to develop and implement recruiting strategies, administer recruiting and summer program logistics, and attract top-tier talent.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

- Develop and maintain relationships with law school career services offices and student organizations at assigned key feeder schools.
- Coordinate the Firm's participation in, and sponsorship of, outreach activities throughout the calendar year.
- Manage the full-cycle 1L and 2L law student recruiting process for assigned office(s), including coordinating with the law school, on campus interview logistics, creating interview schedules, gathering interviewer feedback, and facilitating the callback interview and offer process.
- Provide regular updates to internal stakeholders regarding recruiting progress and candidate pipelines.
- Plan and execute the full 10-week summer associate program for assigned office(s), including the work assignment and evaluation processes, events and other day-to-day logistics.
- Coordinate with Talent Acquisition leadership on budgeting for summer program events and recruiting activities.
- Maintain the applicant tracking system (ATS), generate reports, and ensure data integrity for all applicants and recruiting activities.
- Compile and analyze post-season recruiting reports and survey results; identify opportunities to enhance recruiting workflows.
- Contribute to firm-wide recruiting initiatives by leading special projects and supporting process improvements for the team.
- Keep apprised of market trends, NALP rules, and individual school recruiting policies.

Job Specifications:

- Bachelor's degree
- At least four (4) years of experience in law firm recruiting with a focus on law student recruiting and summer associate programs or four (4) to five (5) years of recruiting experience in a professional services organization
- Knowledge of applicant tracking systems
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Word)
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines and ability to prioritize responsibilities effectively
- Ability to work efficiently both independently and collaboratively as a proactive and reliable team member
- Ability to exercise discretion and sound judgment, and handle and maintain confidential information
- Ability to provide professional, responsive, and high-quality client service to both internal and external stakeholders
- Receptive to feedback and dedicated to ongoing professional development.
- Ability to travel and work flexible and/or fluctuating work hours during peak seasons, particularly May-August
- Ability to work in the office 4 days per week throughout the 10-week Summer Program (typically May - July)

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 $120,000 - $145,000

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 #LegalRecruiting #LLP #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.

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