Manager, Lateral Recruitment

About the Role WilmerHale is seeking the Manager, Lateral Recruitment to manage and execute all non-partner lateral attorney hiring across the firm’s US offices. This role will develop hiring strategies, manage searches, and deliver an exceptional candidate experience to support the firm’s growth goals.

What You'll Do

• Manage end-to-end recruitment process and lifecycle for lateral attorney recruitment across the firm’s US offices.
• Maintain recruitment records and metrics, track lateral submission sources and overall agency spending.
• Partner with the Director, Legal Recruitment to build excellent relationships and deliver quality hires under the direction of firm leadership, hiring partners, department leaders and sponsoring partners.
• Utilize databases to market map prospective recruits and coordinate direct outreach through LinkedIn, social media and job boards.
• Coordinate with search firms and communicate hiring needs as needed.
• Liaise with internal firm functions to ensure a seamless onboarding experience.
• Manage the lateral hiring process including reviewing candidate resumes, coordinating interview schedules (with local support), assessing evaluations, and negotiating offers.
• Collaborate with Legal Personnel, Professional Development department and other stakeholders to develop and manage orientation and onboarding and integration program for lateral hires.
• Serve as a resource to lawyers throughout their hiring and due diligence process (conflicts process, background checks etc.).
• Co-supervises members of the recruiting team to include objective setting, task delegation, coaching, mentoring and performance management.

What We're Looking For

• Experience working within all legal compliance requirements related to hiring, and experience executing inclusion and opportunity strategies.
• Working knowledge of applicant tracking systems, LawCruit preferred but other systems helpful.
• Strong communication skills, with a focus on attention to detail, client service and responsiveness.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, coordinating multiple projects/initiatives simultaneously while meeting deadlines and business objectives.
• High level of interpersonal skills to handle sensitive and confidential situations with poise, tact and diplomacy.
• Remains open to technological change as generative AI becomes more integrated into the firm’s practice, actively develop comfort with new tools, and adapt how work is performed to support efficiency and innovation.
• A minimum of five years of recruiting experience related law firms. Candidates without legal recruiting/talent management experience will be considered if they have a J.D. and at least 3 years of experience as a practicing lawyer at a large law firm.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree required.

Nice to Have

• LawCruit experience (preferred).
• Comfort with generative AI and other emerging tools.

Compensation & Benefits

• The hiring range for this position is $171,000 - $213,200 annually, with final compensation based on experience, qualifications and internal equity.
• This position is eligible for a Hybrid Schedule.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match and profit-sharing options; Paid time off and holidays.