Lateral Recruitment Manager

WilmerHale; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 163,000 - 203,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with company match and profit-sharing options

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

WilmerHale, a leading law firm, is seeking a Lateral Recruitment Manager to oversee recruitment for non-partner attorneys across its US offices. The role requires a strategic approach to hiring, ensuring an exceptional candidate experience while collaborating closely with internal stakeholders.

Candidates should have at least five years of recruitment experience in law, knowledge of compliance, and strong interpersonal skills. This position offers a hybrid schedule, a salary range from $163,000 to $203,000, and various health benefits.

Qualifications

• A minimum of five years of recruiting experience related to law firms.
• Experience executing inclusion and opportunity strategies.
• Experience as a practicing lawyer can substitute legal recruiting experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end recruitment process for lateral attorney hiring.
• Track recruitment records and metrics.
• Collaborate with the Director of Legal Recruitment.

Skills

Legal compliance knowledge

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Ability to adapt to technology

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Applicant Tracking Systems

LawCruit

Job description

WilmerHale is a leading, full-service international law firm with 1,000 lawyers located throughout 12 offices in the United States and Europe. Our lawyers work at the intersection of government, technology and business, and we remain committed to our guiding principles of providing quality, excellent legal and client services; developing diversity among our lawyers and staff and cultivating an environment that promotes an ambitious spirit, collaboration and collegiality by drawing on the extraordinary talents and dynamic experience of our lawyers. Our goal is to reflect the diversity of our clients and the communities in which we practice.

About the Role

Responsible for the management and execution of all non‑partner lateral attorney hiring across the firm’s US offices. This role will develop hiring strategies and manage searches in support of the Firm’s strategic growth goals, all while delivering an exceptional candidate experience. The Manager, Lateral Recruitment should work collaboratively in achieving the firm's and Legal Personnel and Development Department’s goals and objectives, with primary responsibility of domestic non‑partner attorney hiring.

Professionalism and Service

Demonstrates a strong commitment to professionalism by setting clear expectations and ensuring the delivery of high‑quality service. Fosters and reinforces a positive, solution‑oriented (‘can‑do’) approach across the team. Ensures effective support of internal departments, external clients, and vendors by modeling and requiring clear, courteous communication through electronic correspondence, telephone, and in‑person interactions.

What You Will Be Doing

• Manage and drive the start‑to‑end recruitment process and recruitment lifecycle for lateral attorney recruitment
• Maintain, monitor and track recruitment records and metrics, including tracking 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‑supervise members of the recruiting team to include objective setting, task delegation, coaching, mentoring and performance management

Required Skills

• 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.

Required Experience

• A minimum of five years of recruiting experience related to 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.

Why Join Us?

• A values‑driven firm that fosters collaboration and respect
• The hiring range for this position is $163,000 - $203,000 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

Our Commitment

Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP (WilmerHale) is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to compliance with all applicable laws prohibiting employment discrimination. It is our policy to take all employment actions and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, citizenship status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, disability, military status, status as a disabled or other protected veteran, or any other protected status under applicable law. WilmerHale will make reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and otherwise as required by applicable law.

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by employees in the position. It is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills for positions. The firm reserves the right at all times, in its sole discretion, to add or subtract duties and responsibilities, as it deems necessary.