Legal Recruiting Manager

Company Overview

Jenner & Block LLP is a law firm with a fearless reputation and global reach, high-level problem solvers in litigation, government controversies, investigations, regulatory challenges, and complex corporate transactions. With offices in Century City, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, DC, the firm represents a wide range of clients, counseling Fortune 100 companies, large privately held corporations, major nonprofits, top universities, private equity investors, and Native American tribes. Consistently recognized as a firm that stands up for its values with its commitment to justice and community service, Jenner has been named the No. 1 pro bono firm 13 times in the United States by The American Lawyer and was named in the top five of the AmLaw A-List in 2025.

ROLE SUMMARY

Jenner & Block is seeking a strategic and proactive leader to manage legal recruiting in our Washington, D.C. office, which has grown by almost 30% over the last 2 years. This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic Talent Team dedicated to attracting, hiring, and retaining top-tier legal talent while contributing to firmwide initiatives that shape the future of our workforce, and strengthen Jenner & Block’s market presence. The ideal candidate will lead efforts to attract top legal talent while driving initiatives that have a meaningful strategic and cultural impact. Strong leadership, relationship management, and project execution skills are essential, along with the ability to partner effectively with law firm leaders and hiring committees. As the D.C. office continues to grow, this leader will also have the opportunity to build and scale the local recruiting team, shaping its structure, talent, and culture. While a background in legal recruiting is highly valued, we welcome applicants with expertise in recruitment, talent acquisition, or related fields within professional services who bring proven management experience. If you’ve successfully led teams, navigated complex recruiting environments, and built strong relationships with stakeholders, we encourage you to apply.

This position is an exempt position based in Washington, D.C. and is responsible for the full recruiting lifecycle for lawyers, including summer associates, post-clerks, and lateral associates, while fostering strong partnerships with practice group leaders, senior management and our Professional Teams. This individual will support some key firmwide initiatives and will manage the Washington DC Legal Recruiting Specialist, also based in DC., with the expectation of building out a larger D.C. recruiting team over time. The Legal Recruiting Manager will report to the Firmwide Director of Legal Recruiting.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Drive Recruiting Strategy: Develop and implement innovative and data-driven recruiting strategies that position the D.C. office competitively in the legal market.
• Partner with Firm Leadership: Work closely with hiring partners, practice group leaders, and the hiring committee to understand evolving talent needs and shape recruiting initiatives accordingly.
• Strengthen Jenner & Block’s Market Presence: Establish and deepen relationships with law schools, judicial clerks, and key talent pools to enhance the firm’s recruiting pipeline.
• Shape the Summer Associate Program: Design and execute a dynamic summer associate program in the D.C. office, ensuring a meaningful and engaging experience.
• Enhance Attorney Integration: Develop and oversee onboarding processes that set new attorneys up for success within the firm’s culture and practice.
• Collaborate Firmwide: Work with Talent Team colleagues across offices to align recruiting efforts, share best practices, and support firmwide initiatives.
• Build and Develop a Team: Manage and mentor the D.C. Legal Recruiting Specialist while assessing future staffing needs, recruiting additional team members as the office grows, and building a high-performing D.C. recruiting function.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A four-year bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience and a minimum of 5 years in recruitment or related roles, preferably within a law firm, the legal industry, or professional services.
• Meaningful professional experience in the legal world, whether in recruiting, practice, or administration, with a strong understanding of law firm dynamics.
• Proven experience in developing and executing strategic recruiting initiatives.
• Strong ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with law firm partners and senior leaders.
• Exceptional communication and organizational skills, with the ability to drive multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A creative and proactive mindset, with a keen ability to identify opportunities for process improvement and innovation.
• Proven management experience with a strong ability to lead, coach, and develop team members, including experience hiring and building teams.
• Proficiency with applicant tracking systems (ViDesktop preferred), Microsoft Office, and a willingness to master new tools.

Disclaimer

Additional Duties

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the primary duties and responsibilities for the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all tasks or responsibilities that may be assigned. The role may include additional duties, specialized projects, and other tasks as required. The firm reserves the right to modify or adjust the responsibilities to meet business needs.

Physical Requirements

Candidates must be able to meet the physical demands of the position, including the ability to commute to the office as required on designated in-office days based on the position. The firm is committed to providing reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for qualified individuals with disabilities.

Eligibility Requirement

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Jenner will not sponsor applicants for work visas for this position.

Jenner & Block LLP is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment and employment decisions are not made on the basis of an individual’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability or medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity and/or expression, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions, arrest record, matriculation, personal appearance, political affiliation, marital, parental, veteran, military, or order of protection status, or any other protected status or that of their relatives, friends, or associates.

Jenner & Block is proud to offer a competitive total rewards package, including comprehensive health & well-being benefits and 401k profit sharing. The anticipated pay range for this role is $145,000 - $180,000 in Washington, D.C. The actual offered rate for this position will be determined based on several factors, including qualifications and experience, geographic location, education, external market data, and consideration of internal equity.