Director of Lateral Partner Recruitment and Integration

Director of Lateral Partner Recruitment and Integration Boston MA

Job ID: 20668

The Director of Lateral Partner Recruitment and Integration plays a pivotal role in advancing our clients’ strategic growth by identifying, attracting, and successfully integrating high-performing lateral partners and groups who align with the firm’s values, client service standards, and long-term business goals. This individual partners closely with the firm’s leadership, practice group chairs, and business professionals to drive a best-in-class recruitment and integration experience that strengthens the firm’s culture of collaboration, innovation, and inclusion.

This role requires a deep understanding of the legal markets in Boston, New York and Washington, D.C., and a demonstrated ability to execute senior-level lateral hiring in a manner that reinforces the firm’s commitment to practical solutions, inclusive culture and strong relationship building.

Working as a peer to the Director of Associate Recruitment and Integration, the Director of Lateral Partner Legal Recruitment and Integration will work collaboratively across the Legal Talent, Business Development, and Practice Group teams to ensure a well-coordinated, professional and seamless candidate experience, reflecting the firm’s emphasis on teamwork, thoughtful decision making and the development of long-term, successful professional relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Recruitment

• Execute on a proactive strategy for lateral partner and group recruitment that supports the firm’s growth priorities and practice strengths, including real estate, corporate, litigation, private client and trust, and other core areas.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with legal search professionals, prospective partners, and other market influencers to enhance the firm’s visibility and reputation as an employer of choice.
• Partner with firm leadership to assess and report on market trends, identify talent gaps, and assess strategic opportunities for expansion.
• Manage the full lifecycle of lateral hiring, including candidate sourcing, evaluation, due diligence, offer development and socialization, and onboarding and integration coordination.

Evaluation & Due Diligence

• Conduct rigorous candidate assessments, analyzing business plans, financial data, client relationships, and cultural fit in collaboration with firm management.
• Oversee the due diligence process, ensuring confidentiality and accuracy in all communications and documentation.
• Prepare and present comprehensive candidate profiles and recommendations to the Managing Directors, Executive Committee, practice group co-chairs and other stakeholders.

Integration & Retention

• Lead the firm’s lateral partner integration program, ensuring new partners are welcomed, supported, and positioned for long-term success.
• Collaborate across departments — including Business Development, Client Value, Finance, Marketing, IT, and HR — to coordinate seamless onboarding and client transition support.
• Design individualized integration plans, track key milestones, and measure outcomes related to client engagement, collaboration, and financial performance.
• Continuously evaluate and refine integration processes to promote engagement, retention, and productivity.

Data & Reporting

• Maintain accurate recruitment and integration metrics, reports, and analytics to inform decision-making and track progress toward firm goals.
• Monitor legal industry hiring trends, compensation data, and competitor activity to keep the firm’s strategies aligned with market conditions.
• Provide leadership with actionable insights and recommendations for continuous improvement.

Operations

• Negotiate search firm agreements and manage search firm relationships in collaboration with Director of Associate Recruitment and Integration.
• Collaborate with Director of Associate Recruitment and Integration to develop and manage Legal Recruitment budget.
• Contribute to a team culture that focuses on positive collaboration, continuous improvement and innovation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; JD or advanced degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in lateral partner recruiting or executive search within a law firm or legal industry setting.
• Demonstrated success leading partner-level recruiting and integration initiatives at an AmLaw 200 or comparably sophisticated firm.
• Deep understanding of recruiting best practices, law firm economics, practice management, industry trends and client development dynamics.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, analytical and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence and build trust across all levels.
• Strategic mindset combined with a hands-on, collegial approach consistent with the firm’s culture.
• Proactive, outgoing and client-service oriented personality with growth mindset, professional, positive demeanor and work style.
• Commitment to professionalism, confidentiality, and the firm’s values of collaboration, inclusion, and excellence.