Associate Recruiting Manager - Lateral Associates

About Latham & Watkins Latham & Watkins is one of the world’s leading global law firms advising the businesses and institutions that drive the global economy. We are the market leaders in major financial and business centers around the world. Our investment in people, commitment to innovation, and focus on the future empower you to build an incredible career and thrive as an exceptional professional in a supportive culture. If you aspire to be the best, and work with the best, this is where you belong. About the Role The Associate Recruiting Manager - Lateral Associates is an integral part of Latham’s Associate Recruiting team. This role offers an opportunity to shape how the firm attracts and hires exceptional lateral associate talent while working closely with practice, department, and office leaders across the firm. As a trusted advisor to key stakeholders, you will provide market intelligence, develop tailored recruiting strategies, and lead searches from initial planning through successful hire. You will also manage and develop members of the recruiting team, strengthen relationships with external search firms, and identify opportunities to make our recruiting approach more effective, informed, and responsive to the needs of the business. This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced legal recruiting professional who enjoys combining strategy with execution, building strong relationships, and helping a talented team succeed. This role will be located in either our New York, Chicago, or Washington D.C. office. Please note that this role may be eligible for a flexible working schedule that allows for a hybrid and in-office presence. Responsibilities & Qualifications Other key responsibilities include:Partnering with practice, department, and office leaders to understand hiring needs and develop thoughtful, tailored lateral associate recruiting strategiesServing as a trusted advisor by providing market intelligence, candidate insights, and practical guidance throughout the recruiting processLeading lateral associate searches from initial strategy and candidate identification through interviews, offers, and successful hiringIdentifying and capitalizing on opportunities to recruit qualified lateral associate candidates through direct sourcing, attorney referrals, search firms, and other recruiting channelsBuilding and managing productive relationships with external search firms and vendors, including evaluating performance, negotiating fees, and improving processesPreparing and communicating comprehensive recruiting statistics, market updates, and progress reports, ensuring alignment with practice group needsOrganizing, delegating, and coordinating staff work, managing workflow and conducting performance evaluations, ensuring experienced leadership Protecting and maintaining any highly sensitive, confidential, privileged, financial, and/or proprietary information that Latham & Watkins retains We’d love to hear from you if you:Possess excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, including organizing, planning, problem-solving, decision-making, and effective interaction with all organizational levelsEnjoy advising senior stakeholders and translating business needs into practical recruiting strategiesDisplay proficiency in PC applications, including MS Office, database management, and applicant tracking systems, with the ability to conduct thorough analyses and reportsDemonstrate the handling of confidential and sensitive information with appropriate discretionAnd have:A bachelor’s degree or an equivalentA minimum of seven (7) years of experience in legal recruitment, preferably with ownership over lateral associate recruitingA minimum of two (2) years of experience leading, supervising, or developing others, whether through direct management or project leadershipExperience using data and market information to identify trends, assess progress, and support decisions Benefits & Additional Information Successful candidates will not only be provided with an outstanding career opportunity and welcoming environment, but will also be provided with a generous total compensation package with bonuses awarded in recognition of both individual and firm performance. Eligible employees can participate in Latham’s comprehensive benefit program which includes:Healthcare, life and disability insuranceA generous 401k planAt least 11 paid holidays per year, and a PTO program that accrues 23 days during the first year of employment and grows with tenureWell-being programs (e.g. mental health services, mindfulness and resiliency, medical resources, well-being events, and more)Professional development programsEmployee discountsAffinity groups, networks, and coalitions for lawyers and staffLatham & Watkins is an equal opportunity employer. The Firm prohibits discrimination against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status (including veterans of the Vietnam era), gender expression, marital status, or any other characteristic or condition protected by applicable statute.Please click here to view the full job description for this role.Pleaseclick hereto review your rights under U.S. employment laws. #MidSenior #LI-OI1 Pay Range USD $150,000.00 - USD $180,000.00 /Yr. Job SummaryLocation : Location: US-NY-New YorkAdditional Location(s): US-DC-Washington, D.C. | US-IL-ChicagoDepartment: RecruitingWork Arrangement: HybridPosted Min Pay Rate: USD $150,000.00/Yr.Posted Max Pay Rate: USD $180,000.00/Yr.Position Type: Full-TimeJob ID: 2026-10834