Entry-Level Legal Recruiting Manager

Job Description At K&L Gates, we are looking for smart, imaginative and hard‑working people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and ideas to join us. Perhaps our search for talented visionaries and your search for important and impactful work lead to the same place. We are seeking a Manager, Entry‑Level Legal Recruiting to join the firm.

The Manager, Entry‑Level Legal Recruiting is responsible for managing all aspects of the firm's entry‑level recruiting initiatives, including summer associate programs, on‑campus student recruitment, law school outreach, and judicial clerkship hiring for our U.S. offices. This role works closely with the Senior Manager, Associate Recruiting, practice group leaders, Professional Development, and Opportunity and Inclusion teams to create a targeted entry‑level recruiting approach and align recruiting efforts with the firm's goals and values. This role builds relationships with key law schools and internal stakeholders.

Key Relationships Practice Area Leaders Practice Group Coordinators Directors of Practice Operations Managing Partners Legal Search Firms HR Leaders Universities, including career services Essential Duties Under the direction of the Senior Manager, Associate Recruiting, develop and implement an entry‑level recruiting plan that supports the firm's talent pipeline and practice needs. Continuously refine process through data analytics and market intel. Evaluate and refine recruiting strategies based on feedback, data, and changing market conditions to stay competitive within the student recruiting space.

Oversee the summer associate program, including design, mentorship, training, social events, and evaluations ensuring a high‑quality experience, leveraging Legal Recruiting Coordinators and local office support to handle operational support. Manage the student recruitment cycle, from on‑campus interviews and resume reviews to offer extension, onboarding and integration. Create best practices to coordinate interview schedules, organize callback processes, and maintain a smooth and efficient recruiting process for both candidates and firm stakeholders.

Act as the primary contact for law schools, fostering strong relationships with career services and student organizations to enhance the firm’s visibility and reputation. Maintain a consistent presence within target top tier law schools, ensuring the firm’s brand is well represented and that students view the firm as a top destination. Track and report on recruiting metrics, including acceptance rates, diversity stats, etc. to assess the effectiveness of recruiting initiatives and make data informed recommendations.

Manage and supervise 3L recruitment cycle and judicial clerkship hiring efforts. Develop and implement strategies for candidate engagement to maintain interest and excitement among candidates, including communication strategies, pre‑arrival materials and touchpoints for accepted students. Work with Professional Development to develop development programs and content for the summer program and beyond.

Manage and mentor direct reports to ensure best practices are followed and a seamless and positive employee experience is provided. Work with Client Growth to leverage social networking platforms to reach student candidates and maintain connections. Experience & Skills Required Bachelor’s degree preferred A minimum of 5 years of recruiting experience (required) preferably in a law firm or law school environment.

Experience with special event planning (required). Highly organized with a proactive approach. Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills, with a client service orientation and the ability to represent the firm’s brand on campus.

Strong analytical skills and the ability to use data to inform decisions and report on recruiting metrics. Must be highly motivated, creative, flexible, results‑oriented and possess the ability to work independently under pressure with demanding deadlines. Must work well with all levels of firm personnel and must be able to establish effective working relationships throughout the firm.

Must possess strong organizational, administrative and word processing skills. Must have proven working knowledge of MS Office, Excel and Outlook. Must be proficient with applicant data tracking software, preferably PeopleSoft Additional Abilities Required Must be able to deal with stress associated with a fast‑paced work environment, including handling multiple tasks on a daily basis.

Must be able to make judgment decisions and handle daily, routine responsibilities. Must be able to adapt to changing work situations and grasp and apply new ideas. Must be able to communicate with various personalities at all levels of management and staff.

Must be able to accommodate a flexible work schedule that will frequently require long hours and periodically weekend work. Desk type position which requires a combination of sedentary and standing activities. Daily use of personal computer and associated software systems.

Some travel required. Some in‑office work required. Compensation: $97,000 - $182,000 The compensation salary for this position will be determined during the interview process and will vary based on multiple factors, including but not limited to prior experience, relevant expertise, current business needs, and market factors. #J-18808-Ljbffr