Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. We are currently seeking an Attorney Recruiting & Development Manager reporting to the Director of Attorney Recruiting, and Office Hiring Partner.

The role will reside in the Washington, DC office and will be responsible for managing all aspects of the DC office’s attorney recruiting and development functions including lateral associate and Summer Associate hiring, overseeing the annual Summer Associate program, collaborating with the Human Resources department on attorney new hire orientations, participating in Hiring Committee meetings, implementing firm training programs, and supervising assigned department staff. The Attorney Recruiting & Development Manager is expected to serve as a positive role model and mentor, and to perform all responsibilities with a commitment to providing superior service to the firm’s attorneys, advisors and staff, efficient and effective departmental operations, and an atmosphere of teamwork and continuous improvement. 

Key responsibilities of this position include:

• Manage all aspects of the lateral associate recruitment program, ensuring appropriate communication and coordination with candidates, firm attorneys, administrative management, and any third-party recruiters.
• Meet with Practice Group Leaders and/or their designees to determine hiring requirements for lateral attorney openings. Secure approval of openings and offers from the Office Hiring Partner and Firmwide Hiring Partner.
• Establish, maintain and build relationships with third-party recruiters and execute standard search firm agreements.
• Prepare attorney position postings for the firm’s external website.
• Conduct due-diligence for attorney candidates (e.g., references, bar admission verifications, conflicts checks, etc.).
• Oversee student on-campus interviewing, as well as recruitment for the diversity scholarship and pro bono scholars program for the Washington, D.C. office.
• Identify and manage outreach and sponsorship activities with law schools throughout the year.
• Participate in office Hiring Committee meetings and hiring recommendations.
• Establish, maintain and build relationships with top-tier law schools.
• Prepare offer letters and relevant materials.
• Plan, organize and administer the Summer Associate Program. Duties include participating in all events, organizing the Washington, D.C. office Summer Associate orientation, planning training programs, managing events, coordinating Summer Associate evaluations, assisting in the work assignment process as needed, and other tasks.
• Participate in Diversity Committee and Women’s Initiative Committee meetings and assist with programming, projects and initiatives.
• Assist with programming, projects and initiatives associated with the office Associates Committee.
• Prepare relevant reports and presentations.
• Prepare and monitor office recruiting and retention statistics.
• Coordinate attorney arrivals/departures with the Human Resources department.
• Participate in new hire orientation for all incoming attorneys.
• Oversee implementation of firmwide training programs for Washington, D.C. attorneys.
• Provide guidance regarding state bar dues, bar admissions and continuing education requirements for Washington, D.C. attorneys.
• Serve as a resource for the Washington, D.C. attorneys regarding external training opportunities and available coaching resources.
• Participate in scheduled Attorney Recruiting & Development Department calls and meetings.
• Develop and maintain departmental budget in consultation with Hiring Partner, Director of Attorney Recruiting, and Director of Development.
• Supervise assigned department employees.

Qualifications (Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of seven years’ experience in legal recruiting in a law firm required, with at least three years in a managerial role desired
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook and Excel. Experience in working with attorney recruiting databases required.
• Strong service orientation and an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers; attorneys; office, firm and practice management; and outside business partners
• Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure
• Ability to manage multiple projects with specific deadlines and adjust to changing priorities in a professional manner
• Strong organizational and project management skills
• Ability to use initiative and judgment to accomplish results
• Ability to work independently and with a team
• Ability to delegate and manage resources effectively
• Ability to read, comprehend and follow instructions
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to use critique of work to improve performance
• Commitment to professional growth and development