Lateral Integration Specialist

Spencer Fane LLP; Dallas (TX); Hybrid; USD 88,648,560 - 102,080,160; Full time

Job summary

Spencer Fane LLP seeks a Lateral Integration Specialist to support the acquisition and integration of lateral partners, attorneys, and staff across offices. You will coordinate onboarding, due diligence, and cross-functional alignment among Operations, HR, and leadership.

Responsibilities include planning integration, documenting processes, and supporting talent onboarding. The role requires collaboration with Talent Acquisition and HR teams in a fast-paced firm environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• 3+ years in recruiting, HR operations, talent acquisition, or professional services integration.

Responsibilities

• Oversee lateral acquisitions and partner integration including onboarding planning.
• Coordinate due diligence, information gathering, and stakeholder follow-up.
• Travel to offices being acquired to support transition and integration.
• Coordinate cross-functional conversations with Operations, HR, and leadership.
• Support integration of acquired teams by aligning roles and processes.

Skills

Recruiting

HR operations

Talent acquisition

Mergers/Acquisitions

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field

Tools

Excel

Power BI

Tableau

Job description

JOB TITLE

Lateral Integration Specialist

FLSA STATUS

Non-exempt

SCHEDULE

M-F, 37.5 hrs./week

LOCATION

Any Spencer Fane Office Location with a preference for Kansas City, MO; Dallas, TX; Phoenix, AZ; and Denver, CO (hybrid work environment)

REPORTS TO

Director of Operations Integrations

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision, the Lateral Integration Specialist plays a critical role in supporting the acquisition and integration of lateral Partner candidates, including attorneys and staff. This individual oversees the operational and recruiting components of lateral Partner acquisitions, facilitates due diligence, and ensures seamless coordination between Operations, HR, and firm leadership. Between lateral Partner and acquisitions, the Specialist supports attorney and staff integration and onboarding efforts in coordination with the Human Resources and Talent Acquisition teams.

COMPENSATION

At Spencer Fane, we carefully consider a wide range of factors when determining compensation, including but not limited to location, skillset, experience, training, licenses, certifications and other business or organizational needs. Compensation will be determined based on the above factors along with the requirements of the position. We expect the hourly rate for this position to be between $33.00 and $38.00.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Lateral Acquisitions & Partner Integration

• Oversee the acquisition process for lateral attorneys and Partners, including operational coordination and onboarding planning.
• Facilitate the lateral due diligence process, including information gathering, documentation tracking, and stakeholder follow-up.
• Travel to offices being acquired to support transition planning, onboarding, and integration efforts.
• Coordinate cross-functional conversations between Operations, HR, and relevant people leaders to ensure alignment and readiness.
• Support integration of acquired teams by aligning roles, reporting structures, and operational processes.

Talent Assessment & Offer Management

• Partner with people leaders to assess job responsibilities and determine appropriate titles and roles.
• Collaborate with HR and Talent Acquisition to prepare and extend employment offers.
• Ensure consistent documentation and compliance throughout the hiring and acquisition process.

Onboarding, Orientation & Training

• Partner with HR Coordinators and Operations Trainers to design and schedule orientation programs for lateral hires and acquired teams.
• Ensure training plans are customized based on role, office, and operational needs.
• Support post-integration follow-up to ensure successful transition and engagement.
• Support ad hoc recruiting, as directed by the Talent Acquisition Manager.
• Assist with interview coordination, offer preparation, and onboarding transition.
• Maintain database of preferred search firms and staffing agencies, noting regions, specialties, and updated contracts.
• Maintain record of lateral partner direct outreach.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field preferred.
• Experience: Minimum 3+ years of experience in recruiting, HR operations, talent acquisition, or professional services integration, supporting lateral hiring, partner-level recruiting, or mergers/acquisitions strongly preferred.
• Analytical & Technical Skills: Strong analytical abilities, leveraging tools such as Excel, Power BI, Tableau, or similar platforms to produce insights, track performance, and drive process improvements.
• Project Management & Execution: Proven capability to manage operational projects, ensuring timely delivery of results while balancing competing priorities.
• Judgment, Initiative & Problem-Solving: Demonstrates initiative and analytical thinking in coordinating integration activities, organizing onboarding efforts, and addressing operational and people-related matters throughout transitions.
• Communication & Collaboration: Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly share data, recommendations, and project updates with leadership, partners and cross-functional teams.
• Confidentiality & Professionalism: Maintains confidentiality when working with employee information, or records, financial data, and firm processes.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• None

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Primarily office environment; may require occasional travel or after-hours work depending on business needs. Fast-paced, collaborative environment requiring flexibility and adaptability.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Regularly required to sit, stand, or walk for extended periods while conducting interviews, meetings, and administrative case work.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 lbs as necessary for transporting files, materials, or office equipment.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions, including typing, note-taking, and document review.
• Occasional bending, reaching, or handling.
• Adequate visual and auditory ability to review documents, participate in interviews, utilize computer systems, and communicate effectively in person and via video or phone.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.