Manager, Lateral Associate Recruiting

K&L Gates is seeking a Manager, Lateral Associate Recruiting to oversee lateral associate searches across the firm’s U.S. practices. This role leads end-to-end search execution, manages sourcing and search firm engagement, and acts as the primary recruiting contact for hiring partners on assigned matters.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end lateral associate searches for assigned roles, including sourcing, screening, interview management, offer development, and transition to onboarding.
• Run searches aligned to hiring priorities set by practice Senior Managers and allocated by the Senior Manager, Associate and Entry-Level Recruiting.
• Maintain momentum and timeline discipline across a concurrent portfolio of searches across multiple practices and offices by establishing priorities and ensuring commitments are met.
• Adapt across practice groups as demand shifts, including cross-training and support for equitable workload distribution.
• Lead direct-outreach sourcing and build candidate pipelines ahead of externally posted roles.
• Identify and engage lateral associate talent using recruiting platforms, market research, referrals, and networking.
• Monitor competitor activity, associate talent movement, and market conditions relevant to assigned searches.
• Represent the firm and its practices professionally and credibly to prospective lateral associate candidates.
• Serve as the primary recruiting point of contact for hiring partners, delivering status updates, market context, and hiring recommendations.
• Partner with practice Senior Managers to confirm role requirements, candidate profiles, and evaluation criteria.
• Manage search firm engagement for assigned roles, including scoping, submissions, feedback, and performance assessment.
• Facilitate candidate evaluation and selection discussions with hiring partners and practice stakeholders.
• Provide a responsive, high-touch candidate experience throughout the search.
• Coordinate timely communication among candidates, search firms, and internal stakeholders.
• Partner with Human Resources and Integration to support smooth transitions following offer acceptance.
• Support compliance requirements, including conflicts checks, due diligence, and completion of recruitment file documentation.
• Maintain accurate, real-time data in applicant tracking systems, recruiting platforms, and trackers, and produce pipeline and hiring metrics to support decision-making.
• Act as a subject-matter resource for recruiting colleagues by sharing market intelligence and practical guidance.
• Provide day-to-day direction and mentorship to specialists and coordinators supporting lateral associate recruiting.
• Identify and implement process improvements to strengthen consistency, efficiency, and quality across lateral associate recruiting.
• Contribute analysis and recommendations to long-term lateral capacity planning, including hiring trends, time-to-fill, and market conditions.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years of legal recruiting, talent acquisition, or related experience, preferably within a law firm or professional services environment, including direct experience managing lateral associate or comparable professional-level searches.
• Bachelor’s degree or commensurate experience preferred; advanced degree is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent searches and stakeholder relationships across multiple practice areas and offices.
• Experience managing search firm relationships, including scoping, submissions, and performance feedback.
• Direct-sourcing capability, including pipeline development through market research, networking, and targeted outreach.
• Strong understanding of legal talent markets, recruiting trends, and competitive landscape for associate talent.
• Ability to use recruiting data, market intelligence, and candidate feedback to inform search strategy and stakeholder recommendations.
• Proven ability to build credibility and trusted relationships with partners, candidates, search consultants, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong project management, organization, and written and verbal communication skills, including relationship-building and client-service capabilities.
• Sound judgment and a solutions-oriented approach to resolving complex recruiting and operational issues.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating within a matrixed, geographically dispersed team.
• Proficiency with applicant tracking systems, recruiting platforms, spreadsheets, presentation software, and standard business applications.
• Ability to work outside regular business hours and travel periodically as business needs require.
• Capability to manage a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to exercise judgment, adapt to changing priorities, and communicate effectively across organizational levels.
• Ability to accommodate a flexible work schedule, including extended hours and occasional weekend work.
• Desk-type position requiring a combination of sedentary and standing activities.
• Daily use of a personal computer and associated software systems.
• Some travel and in-office work required.

Technologies

• Applicant tracking systems
• Recruiting platforms
• Spreadsheets
• Presentation software
• Standard business applications

Compensation and Location

• Location: Dallas, TX (onsite)
• Salary: USD 97,000 - 182,500 per year
• Compensation note: The compensation salary for this position will be determined during the interview process and will vary based on prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors.

Benefits

• Medical/Prescription Drug Coverage (including a Health Savings Account feature)
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Wellness Program
• Back-up Child/Elder Care and access to a caregiving concierge
• Pre-tax Commuting Benefits
• 401(k) Retirement Plan and Profit Sharing
• Business Travel Accident Insurance
• Short- and Long-term Disability Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Life Insurance (including Basic, Supplemental, Spouse, Child, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment)
• Health Advocacy Services
• Paid Time Off (20 days/year through first 4 years of employment; 25 days/year after 5 years of employment)
• Paid Holidays (12)
• Identity Protection/Restoration and Fraud Insurance
• Parental Leave (18 weeks of which 12 are paid; short-term disability may provide additional paid time off)
• Student loan refinancing options and access to a student loan concierge service
• Addiction Resources
• Family Building Benefits
• Breast Milk Delivery and Lactation Support Services
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development and CLE Credit Opportunities
• 529 Deductions
• Relocation
• Accident Insurance
• Employee Referral Program
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Hybrid/Remote Work Opportunities
• Perks including: Technology, Entertainment, and Travel Discount Programs
• Bereavement Leave
• All other benefits (such as leaves of absence) required by law
• Employees also may be eligible to receive bonuses and certain expense reimbursements

Additional Information

• E-Verify: We participate in E-Verify in certain Firm locations for purposes of verifying employment eligibility.
• Background Check: This position requires successful completion of a background check.