Legal Recruiting Specialist
K&L Gates
This job at a glance
- Who can apply
- 5 years+ of experience · Bachelor's degree
- Must know
- MarketingOnboardingBusiness analysisExcelTax
- Nice to have
- RecruitingStakeholder managementProject management
- Work
- On-site in Washington
- Pay
- $75K–$141K a year
- Listed
- Nov 10, 2026 · still open
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About the Role
The Legal Recruiting Specialist, Entry-Level Recruiting, independently manages and advances assigned components of the firm's U.S. entry-level recruiting programs, including law student recruiting, first-year associate hiring, recruiting events, and the Summer Associate Program. The Specialist serves as a central resource for entry-level recruiting processes, timelines, communications, systems, and program materials and provides cross-functional coverage as business needs require.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage assigned entry-level recruiting programs and processes within established strategies, timelines, and approval frameworks.
- Support U.S. entry-level hiring across law student, summer associate, first-year, third-year, judicial clerk, and other approved pipelines.
- Coordinate annual cycles, calendars, communications, and deliverables across participating offices.
- Coordinate on-campus interviews, job fairs, resume collections, direct applications, sponsorships, and targeted outreach.
- Serve as a primary contact for assigned law schools, candidates, student organizations, and participating lawyers.
- Coordinate interviewer preparation, candidate communications, events, and follow-up.
- Coordinate firmwide and multi-office program components, including planning, communications, training, evaluations, and end-of-program activities.
- Partner with office recruiting teams, Hiring Committees, Professional Development, Human Resources, Payroll, Technology, and Marketing Communications.
- Gather feedback and recommend program enhancements.
- Coordinate first-year hiring and pre-arrival activities.
- Maintain accepted-offer and transition information and facilitate handoff to onboarding, Integration, and Professional Development teams.
- Maintain accurate recruiting-system data, trackers, templates, guides, and process documentation.
- Serve as a subject-matter resource and share practical guidance with colleagues.
- Provide cross-functional coverage and recommend process improvements.
Requirements & Tech Stack
- Proficiency with applicant tracking systems, recruiting platforms, spreadsheets, presentation software, and standard business applications.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree or commensurate experience preferred; advanced degree a plus.
- Minimum of five years of recruiting, talent acquisition, program management, or related experience, preferably within a law firm, law school, or professional services environment.
- Demonstrated ability to independently manage defined recruiting programs, searches, projects, and stakeholder relationships within established priorities and approval frameworks, with limited supervision.
- Strong project management, organizational, written and verbal communication, relationship-building, and client-service skills.
- Sound judgment and the ability to identify issues, recommend solutions, and determine when escalation is appropriate.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, confidentiality, responsiveness, and timely follow-through.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a matrixed and geographically dispersed team.
- Ability to work outside regular business hours and travel periodically when business needs require.
- Must be able to manage the demands of a fast-paced work environment, including multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Must be able to exercise sound judgment, adapt to changing priorities, and communicate effectively with individuals at all organizational levels.
- Must be able to accommodate a flexible work schedule that may require extended hours and occasional weekend work.
Compensation
- Salary: $75,000 - $141,000 / year
- Compensation 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.
Benefits
- Medical/Prescription Drug Coverage (including a Health Savings Account feature)
- Back-up Child/Elder Care and access to a caregiving concierge
- Dental Insurance
- Wellness Program
- Vision Insurance
- 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 (25-30 days per year)
- 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
- Paid Holidays (12)
- Addiction Resources
- Family Building Benefits
- Breast Milk Delivery and Lactation Support Services
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Employees also may be eligible to receive bonuses and certain expense reimbursements
- Employee Assistance Program
- Professional Development and CLE Credit Opportunities
- 529 Deductions
- Relocation
- Accident Insurance
- Employee Referral Program
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Hybrid/Remote Work Opportunities
- Hospital Indemnity Insurance
- Perks including: Technology, Entertainment, and Travel Discount Programs
- Bereavement Leave
- All other benefits (such as leaves of absence) required by law