Sr. Director, Legal Recruitment & Growth (Law Firm)

Company: livingHR
Location: Chicago
Posted on: May 1, 2025

Job Description:

Join our client, a AM100 firm, as the Sr. Director, Growth, responsible for driving the firm's strategic growth strategy, including identifying and capitalizing on combinations/mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships. This role requires a forward-thinking leader with expertise in growth strategy and market expansion and partners with firm stakeholders to ensure seamless integration processes. The Sr. Director will report to the Chief Operating Officer, work closely with the firm's legal and senior leadership teams, and industry groups to expand geographic reach, enhance industry and practice depth, achieve economies of scale, meet new emerging and existing client demands, and gain competitive advantage. This role will provide exceptional service and strategic support to Strategic Business Unit (SBU) Industry Leaders and teams. This position requires a strong blend of strategic, operational, and relationship-building skills.ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Lead the identification and evaluation of potential M&A/combination targets, joint ventures, and strategic alliances that align with the firm's long-term objectives.
• Manage due diligence processes, negotiate terms, and collaborate with industry group strategic business leaders and legal and business operations teams to execute successful integrations.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with potential merger partners, lateral candidates, and industry intermediaries.
• Act as a firm ambassador in the legal market, attending conferences and events to enhance the firm's brand and visibility.
• Build and maintain a robust pipeline of lateral partner and group candidates.
• Conduct market research to identify high-value candidates and practice groups that align with the firm's strategic goals.
• Oversee the end-to-end recruiting process, including due diligence, candidate evaluation, and offer negotiations.
• Partner with integration team to ensure the successful integration of new combinations and group laterals.
• Provide data insights to report on the effectiveness of combinations and laterals towards market penetration, and adjust strategies to ensure the firm's goals are met.
• Partner with the Director of Integration to develop integration plans to maximize synergies and operational efficiency post-merger or acquisition.
• Develop and track Objectives Key Results (OKRs) and key performance indicators (KPIs) aligned to company strategic plan related to growth and integration efforts, reporting regularly to the firm's leadership team.
• Stay ahead of industry trends and innovations, ensuring the firm remains competitive and capitalizes on emerging opportunities.
• Work with leadership to refine the firm's value proposition, positioning it effectively in the marketplace.
• Negotiate and develop cost-containment strategies to partner with external partners for highly specialized firm combination and lateral targets.SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Collaborate with various department leaders to ensure smooth integration of acquired firms, practices, and resources.
  • Supervise and mentor team members, ensuring alignment with growth objectives, offering feedback, and fostering professional development.
  • Work closely with other senior leaders to integrate growth-related activities into overall firm operations.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
    • The employee may be required to be stationary for prolonged periods, open filing cabinets and bend or stand as necessary, be able to inspect and observe information on a computer screen at least 80% of the time, and, on occasion, have the ability to lift and carry 25-35 pounds.
    • The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements. The Firm will provide reasonable accommodations as necessary to allow an individual with a disability to apply for and/or perform the essential functions of a position. If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, please contact HR.CORE REQUIREMENTS
      • Ability to deliver superior service to all internal and external customers and communicate effectively.
      • Ability to interact in a professional and courteous manner with clients and employees at all times; professional appearance required.
      • Ability to successfully perform position requirements with excellent organizational, time-management and prioritization skills required.
      • Ability to work collaboratively within a team; ability and willingness to adapt to changing business demands.
      • Ability to produce acceptable amount of work efficiently and accurately; ability to produce quality final work product.
      • Ability to exercise good judgment at all times by making sound and practical decisions; ability to assume responsibility for decisions and act decisively under deadlines.
      • High level of professional integrity required; ability to maintain confidentiality and build trust.
      • Ability to lead and motivate the work of others; when applicable, ability to successfully manage direct report(s), including performance evaluation, goal setting, employee development and problem-solving.POSITION REQUIREMENTS
        • 4-year degree in Business Administration, Finance, Law, or a related field required.
        • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school required.
        • Professional certifications in project management, mergers & acquisitions, or business development are a plus.
        • 10 years' progressive expertise in growth strategy, business development, mergers & acquisitions, or strategic leadership roles at an AM100 firm or comparable enterprise professional services organization.
        • Expertise recruiting groups of attorneys for larger AM100 firms.
        • Proven track record of successfully leading acquisitions and integrations, particularly in the legal or professional services sector.
        • Strong experience in market research, competitive analysis, and strategic planning.
        • Experience with relationship building and partnering with Equity Partners and Senior Leaders.
        • Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and drive firm-wide initiatives.
        • Proficiency with financial modeling, project management tools, and integration software.
        • Advanced knowledge of M&A processes, contract negotiations, and post-acquisition integration.
        • Highly strategic thinker with a visionary approach to growth and market positioning.
        • Excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage clients, partners, and internal teams.
        • Adaptable, resilient, and capable of managing complex projects in a dynamic environment.
        • Demonstrated openness to adopting new technologies, embracing innovative solutions, and leveraging automation to drive efficiency and continuous improvement.
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Keywords: livingHR, Elkhart , Sr. Director, Legal Recruitment & Growth (Law Firm), Human Resources , Chicago, Indiana