Legal Recruiting Manager

Legal Recruiting Manager | AMLAW 200 | Chicago, IL Our prestigious global AMLAW 200 law firm client has an exciting opening for an experienced Recruiting Manager in their Chicago corporate HQ office. They are seeking a strategic and proactive leader to manage legal recruiting offering the opportunity to shape the office’s recruiting strategy, collaborate with firm leadership, and strengthen the firm's market presence. The ideal candidate will lead efforts to attract top legal talent both lateral and summer associates while driving initiatives that have a meaningful strategic and cultural impact. Strong leadership, relationship management, and project execution skills are essential, along with the ability to partner effectively with law firm leaders and hiring committees. Our client firm welcomes candidates with a background in legal recruiting, they are open to seeing candidates with expertise in recruitment, talent acquisition, or related fields within professional services who bring proven management experience. If you’ve successfully led teams, navigated complex recruiting environments, and built strong relationships with stakeholders, this is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic Talent Team dedicated to attracting, hiring, and retaining top-tier legal talent while contributing to firmwide initiatives that shape the future of their workforce. This role is responsible for the full recruiting lifecycle for lawyers, including summer associates, post-clerks, and lateral associates, while fostering strong partnerships with practice group leaders, senior management and their Professional Teams. This individual will support some key firmwide recruiting initiatives and will manage the Chicago Legal Recruiting team. The Legal Recruiting Manager will report to the Firmwide Director of Legal Recruiting. Our client is offering a highly competitive base compensation, bonus and benefits package.

Please send your resume to Amy Altman, President: amy@esquire-recruiting.com

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Drive Recruiting Excellence: Lead all aspects of Chicago attorney recruiting, including candidate sourcing, on-campus recruiting, interviews, communications, and onboarding.
• Build Partnerships: Collaborate with hiring partners, recruiting committees, and practice group leaders to develop and implement innovative hiring strategies.
• Shape the Summer Program: Oversee the Chicago summer associate program, including training, assignments, evaluations, and events.
• Lead and Inspire: Manage and mentor the Chicago Legal Recruiting Coordinator, fostering their growth and development.
• Enhance Integration: Ensure a smooth onboarding experience for new associates, setting them up for success within the firm.
• Collaborate Firmwide: Partner with Talent Team and senior leaders to share best practices and deliver a seamless candidate experience.

REQUIREMENTS:

• A four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and a minimum of 5 years in recruitment or related roles, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment.
• Proven management experience with a strong ability to lead, coach, and develop team members.
• Exceptional organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships across all levels.
• A creative, detail-oriented, and proactive mindset to solve challenges in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with applicant tracking systems (ViDesktop preferred), Microsoft Office, and a willingness to master new tools.

FEATURED BENEFITS:

• Medical insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k)
• Child care support
• Paid maternity leave
• Paid paternity leave
• Disability insurance
• Commuter benefits