Director of Associate Recruitment

The Director of Associate Recruitment is a key member of the recruiting leadership team and is charged with directing recruiting strategy and creating and implementing programs and policies to attract, recruit, and retain associates and associate-level specialists in the U.S. Offices of Hogan Lovells Cadwalader.

The Director reports to the Global Head of Recruitment and Chief Legal Talent Officer - Americas.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

National Law School Engagement & Recruitment

• Work closely with firm leadership to determine and implement a strategic approach to law school recruitment, including recruiting initiatives and sponsorships at law schools, and developing a strategy to broaden the firm’s network of law school sources for talent.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with law schools and colleagues in the legal community to understand trends and the firm’s position in the marketplace.
• Direct Hogan Lovells Cadwalader U.S. campus law student recruitment programs and liaise with firm colleagues on multi-office law school programs.
• With the U.S. Office Summer Associate Committee chairs/attorneys and recruiting staff, periodically review and maintain effective and efficient procedures for summer associates' work assignments and evaluations.

Lateral Associate and Law Clerk Recruiting

• Work with practice groups and recruitment leadership to establish an effective lateral hiring program that meets the needs of the U.S. offices.
• Direct the implementation of the global lateral associate approval process and ensure effective and standardized processes.
• Maintain and create positive and effective relationships with outside recruiters to ensure smooth lateral associate searches that yield a strong pipeline of candidates.
• Periodically assess the judicial clerk recruitment program to ensure a cohesive and strategically integrated approach across Hogan Lovells Cadwalader U.S. offices.

National Summer Associate Program & Operations

• Direct and maintain U.S. associate recruiting policies, operational procedures, and practices consistent with the goals and objectives of the firm.
• Develop and implement U.S. office support and information-sharing systems.
• Stay updated on new technology and resources in the recruiting space.
• Direct the development and management of the U.S. recruiting brand, including social media presence and other opportunities to promote the recruiting brand.
• Direct the development and management of annual experienced associate and law school recruitment, onboarding, and summer program budgets.
• Direct the ongoing development of the National Summer Program for Hogan Lovells Cadwalader.
• Negotiate, review, and approve search firm agreements with outside vendors.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with other Hogan Lovells Cadwalader administrative departments.
• Design, prepare, and maintain statistical metrics and reports regarding recruiting and retention.
• Work with the Global Head of Recruitment and Chief Legal Talent Officer – Americas and employment counsel to ensure recruiting processes and offer letters follow firm policies and local laws and regulations.
• Address hiring-related queries promptly, maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Provide work direction and professional development for recruitment team members in U.S. offices.
• Conduct periodic performance evaluations and annual reviews for recruitment team members.
• Along with the Global Head of Recruitment and Chief Legal Talent Officer - Americas, responsible for hiring and training members of the team.

Qualifications

• Highly networked and exceptionally knowledgeable about the law firm recruiting industry.
• Demonstrated ability to be innovative and curious about recent changes in the industry.
• Proven ability to juggle, direct, and implement detailed and complex projects and be detail-focused.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively work with all levels of Hogan Lovells Cadwalader decision-makers and personnel.
• Proficient in recruitment software, candidate databases, and other legal technology.
• Sound judgment and reasoning, using data-driven insights to evaluate alternatives and drive effective, strategic solutions.
• Demonstrated independent work ethic and ability to work well under pressure.
• Expertise in coaching and motivating a team and creating a productive and professional department atmosphere.

Education & Experience

• Ten (10)+ years of experience in large law firm legal recruitment or related industry, with progressively more senior roles and responsibilities.
• Experience managing a team of at least two (2) direct reports and providing mentorship, coaching, and professional development.
• Bachelor’s degree required; Advanced degree advantageous.

Hours

• Core hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Must have a willingness to work additional hours as needed.

In Washington, D.C., the expected base salary range for this role is $254,000 to $358,000 per year. In New York, the expected base salary range for this role is $272,000 to $384,000 per year.