Director of Attorney Recruitment and Development

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP, a leading national law firm, seeks a Director of Attorney Recruitment and Development.

This national position is open to candidates in our Chicago, Milwaukee, New York, Minneapolis, and Florida (Tampa, Miami, and Ft. Lauderdale) offices. Working closely with the Chairman, Managing Partner, Chief People Officer, and the heads of the Strategic Growth, Attorney Hiring, Attorney Development, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committees, this role is crucial.

The Director will oversee all aspects of the Firm's attorney recruitment and development, managing a team of three. Responsibilities include lateral hiring (partners and associates), lateral group recruitment, and lateral partner integration, all aligned with the Firm's strategic growth plan. Additionally, the Director will handle associate evaluations, compensation, and bonus programs.

Essential Job Duties:

Attorney Recruitment:

• Oversee Recruiting Staff: Lead and mentor a team of three recruitment professionals, ensuring effective management of all aspects of lateral partner, associate, and summer associate hiring. Provide guidance and support to enhance their performance and professional growth.
• Strategic Recruitment Planning: Design and implement comprehensive, firmwide lateral (partner and associates) recruitment strategies. Identify key growth practices and offices, engage with preferred recruiters, and target candidates to align with the firm’s strategic growth objectives.
• Candidate Engagement: Initiate and maintain proactive engagement with prospective candidates, representing the firm’s values and culture. Develop and nurture relationships to build a robust pipeline of talent.
• Market Analysis: Conduct thorough market analysis to identify and target premier candidates for lateral partner roles. Utilize data-driven insights to inform recruitment strategies and ensure alignment with market trends.
• Leadership Collaboration: Work closely with the firm’s leadership to identify and evaluate potential growth sectors currently unrepresented within the firm. Present these opportunities for strategic consideration and integration into the firm’s long-term plans.
• Recruitment Campaigns: Orchestrate and support the comprehensive lateral recruitment process, including the development and execution of strategic search campaigns. Ensure a seamless and efficient recruitment experience for candidates.
• Value Proposition: Champion the firm’s value proposition to lateral candidates, articulating compelling reasons for their integration into the firm. Highlight the firm’s strengths, culture, and opportunities.
• Practice Group and Partner in Charge Engagement: Engage with Practice Group Leaders and Partners in Charge to thoroughly understand and address lateral hiring requirements. Assist in the formulation and implementation of strategic initiatives aimed at firm expansion through lateral partner acquisitions.
• Marketing and Recruitment Materials: Contribute to the development of sophisticated brochures and pitch materials for various practice groups and offices. Ensure these documents effectively support marketing and recruitment endeavors, showcasing the firm’s unique attributes.
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Collaborate closely with the DEI Office to build a diverse attorney pipeline and support Mansfield Rule efforts. Promote diversity and inclusion in all recruitment activities.
• Administrative Oversight: Oversee all administrative aspects of lateral partner hiring firmwide, including due diligence completion, conflicts check, compensation package design, and pipeline updates. Ensure compliance with firm policies and procedures.
• Onboarding: Facilitate attorney orientation and oversee the onboarding of new joiners firmwide. Facilitate a smooth transition and integration into the firm’s culture and operations.
• Recruiting Administration: Manage general recruiting administration, including applicant tracking, maintaining statistics on new hires, managing hiring trends, and continually improving processes and procedures. Utilize technology and data analytics to enhance recruitment efficiency.
• Regular Updates: Meet regularly with the recruiting staff for updates on lateral associate and summer associate hiring firmwide. Provide strategic direction and support to ensure successful recruitment outcomes.
• Compensation and Bonus Programs: Direct the firmwide associate compensation and bonus programs. Ensure competitive and equitable compensation practices that attract and retain top talent.

Development Efforts:

• Integration Planning: Support the design and implementation of partner integration plans. Ensure new partners are effectively integrated into the firm’s culture, operations, and client relationships.
• Evaluation Process: Oversee the Attorney Recruitment & Development team in administering the associate evaluation process. Ensure fair and consistent evaluations that support professional growth and development.
• Professional Development Programs: Work with the Attorney Recruitment & Development team, Professional Development Partner, and the Planning Committee to support Hinshaw U (firmwide CLE programming), Basic Skills (new hire annual training), and Dispute Resolution Programs. Develop and implement innovative training programs that address the evolving needs of attorneys.
• Training Needs: Work with the Attorney Recruitment & Development team to design and implement training programs based on partner and associate needs. Ensure training initiatives are aligned with the firm’s strategic goals and support career development.
• Responsive Development: Proactively respond to changing training and development needs both internally and externally. Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices to continuously enhance the firm’s professional development offerings.

Qualifications:

• Over 10 years of professional attorney recruitment experience including lateral associates and partners
• Minimum four years of professional development experience organizing training for attorneys
• Minimum five years in a supervisory role with the ability to grow and manage a team
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with a high degree of responsibility
• Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport and trust with attorneys and staff at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent analytical and creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines while handling multiple priorities; ability to work well under pressure and maintain a positive attitude.
• Technology skills including knowledge of applicant tracking systems, viDesktop, and CLE tracking software; proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• A demonstrated ability and strong desire to work as part of a team in a demanding, collegial, client-centered legal services environment.
• A College degree in a relevant field of study is required, Juris Doctor, a plus.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a team that affords a high level of responsibility in a growing firm.

We value work-life balance and offer hybrid work arrangements, allowing you to work from both the office and remotely.

Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

About Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP:

Founded in 1934, Hinshaw is a national, multi-practice law firm with over 20 offices across the U.S. We foster a supportive, inclusive culture and are committed to work-life balance and professional growth. Our wellness-first approach and national reach make Hinshaw an excellent place for attorneys and business professionals seeking meaningful career development.

Hinshaw & Culbertson LLP is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE/AA). It does not discriminate in employment practices based on age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Kindly note: Direct applicants only. This position is not accepting recruiter candidates.