Talent Acquisition Manager – Partners & Counsel

McDermott Will & Emery

Talent Acquisition Manager driving global lateral partner recruitment strategies at McDermott Will & Schulte. Collaborating with leadership and leveraging technology for recruiting operations across multiple offices.

Posted 6/26/2026full-timeChicago • District of Columbia, Illinois, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $130,000 - $170,000 per yearWebsite

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

recruitingtalent acquisitiondata analyticslegal recruiting processeslaw firm partnership structurescandidate interviewsdue diligence processesproject management

Soft Skills

relationship buildingexecutive presencesound judgmentdiscretioninterpersonal skillswritten communicationverbal communicationpresentation skills

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Officeapplicant tracking systemsviDesktoptechnology platforms

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's degree

Industry Keywords

legal marketclient-service environmentprofessional services

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage the full lifecycle of lateral partner and counsel recruiting processes across multiple offices, departments, and administrative teams
Collaborate with the Director and recruiting team to maintain and strengthen relationships with legal search firms and external recruiting contacts
Oversee all aspects of candidate interviews
Support recruiting-related due diligence processes
Identify opportunities to enhance recruiting operations, reporting, workflows, and processes, including leveraging technology, data analytics, and emerging AI tools
Manage special projects, including oversite of other team members
Ability to quickly perform other related duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree required
Minimum of seven (7) years of progressive experience in recruiting or talent acquisition, preferably within a law firm, legal recruiting agency, or professional services environment
Strong understanding of legal recruiting processes, law firm partnership structures, and the broader legal market strongly preferred
Proven experience managing complex, fast-paced processes or operational functions within a client-service environment
Ability to build credibility and trusted relationships with firm leadership, displaying high executive presence, sound judgment, and absolute discretion with confidential matters
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and applicant tracking systems (e.g., viDesktop or similar database platforms)
Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, and presentation skills
Willingness and desire to work with innovative technology platforms

Benefits

Comp & perks

Wellness programs to support physical, emotional, mental, and financial health
Comprehensive benefits package
Discretionary bonus