Senior Manager Graduate Recruitment - Europe

The Legal Talent team are seeking a Senior Manager Graduate Recruitment Europe to join the team.

Position Summary: This role is primarily responsible for managing the Graduate Recruitment & Development function. Working in partnership with the Training Principal London office Managing Partners Attorney Recruiting Director Professional Development team and other key stakeholders the role will be responsible for the delivery of a comprehensive programme to recruit integrate develop manage and retain trainee solicitors along with the delivery of the annual vacation scheme and the Diversity Fellowship programmes. They will also be responsible for the trainee/junior level recruitment for the firms patent practice and its Brussels office. Specific duties include but are not limited to the following:

Position Responsibilities:

Trainee Recruitment Attraction & Selection

• Lead and implement the graduate recruitment strategy to ensure the firm attracts and recruits the best talent staying informed on market trends and best practice in relation to selection criteria methods of assessment and DEI best practice.
• Initiate develop and manage all aspects of employer branding including collaboration with internal creative and media teams on promotional and marketing materials graduate recruitment website brochure content and other forms of content to including writing persuasive copy for campaigns across various mediums and platforms.
• Build and develop the firms brand on campus/among student and graduate demographics via a variety of channels manage and develop relationships with employer engagement teams at relevant academic institutions.
• Manage relationships with external legal publications to increase brand visibility aid candidate attraction and ensure the firms profile is represented effectively.
• Lead on the strategy and implementation of the annual campus milkround season attending events both virtually and in person.
• Be the effective main external and internal point of contact for all trainee recruitment matters responding to applicant enquires in a timely professional and accurate way in addition to encouraging internal buyin and participation in all activities undertaken.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with key diversity organisations and initiatives the firm partners with attend events and networking sessions.
• Oversee the management of the firms online application system and relationship with external vendors for this and any other assessment and selection platforms or services.
• Lead and manage the recruitment and selection process including candidate attraction and experience screening applications designing arranging and participating in assessment processes and interviews. Overseeing all offerrelated administration and feedback to candidates.
• Oversee candidate tracking interview scheduling travel/accommodation coordination and the collection and assessment of evaluations.
• Ensure the accurate and timely tracking and payment of expenses related to the recruitment process.
• Oversee organise and manage all aspects of the vacation schemes (spring and summer) and insight days to include content stakeholder participation and reviewing feedback for continual development.
• Serve as a member and coordinate the London Spring & Summer Programme Committee.
• Liaise with the programme committee and collate feedback from various sources to assess and review candidate performance in order to make hiring recommendations to the partners and to the Chief Legal Talent Officer.
• Working with firm management relevant practice heads and agencies and/or direct sourcing candidates for London patent technical advisor roles and any Brussels Legal Trainee roles following the hiring approval process.

Trainee Training & Development

• Serve as a first point of contact for all London Trainees London Patent Technical Advisors and Brussels Legal Trainees.
• Oversee all aspects of trainee onboarding orientation and development while working with Professional Development Professional Support Lawyers and all relevant internal stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive programme and experience that meets business and trainee needs.
• Coordinate focus groups analyse and report on key themes and outcomes to relevant individuals/working with teams to make improvements/changes as necessary.
• Initiate and oversee probationary processes where relevant and coordinate outcomes with practice teams/team leaders.
• Collaborate with Senior Legal Talent Manager on all trainee and associate integration.
• Coordinate the London office integration and/or mentor program for trainees.
• Conduct regular welfare and career development meetings with trainees monitoring morale performance and satisfaction tackling issues proactively and reporting upwards to senior leaders or outwards to Professional Development/HR as necessary and serving as a resource on same.

• Meet regularly with practice group leaders to identify high performing trainees who may be having specific challenges so that appropriate mentoring training and other actions can be taken to address specific circumstances in a timely manner.
• Collaborate with Professional Development team members regarding London trainee skills/development training programmes and professional development initiatives.

• Collaborate with Professional Development to arrange Trainee Supervisor Training and work with senior leaders to appoint and induct new supervisors.
• Monitor productivity metrics and liaise with Trainee Supervisors on same and to ensure trainee solicitors receive thorough and varied training that meets firm and regulatory requirements.
• Manage the trainee performance evaluation process and ensure effective and timely delivery maintaining appropriate records for mid seat and end of seat evaluations and communicating key development/training needs to relevant teams and individuals.
• Manage the seat rotation process and liaise with group heads trainee supervisors and all relevant internal teams to make sure seat changeovers take place effectively and smoothly.
• Manage any relevant trainee secondment opportunities (both inward and outward) to include client interaction and dealing with agreements and all induction/onboarding arrangements
• Work with the Training Principal Practice Group and Department Heads and Chief of Legal Talent to ensure the qualification process is handled effectively balancing both business needs and trainee aspirations and supporting outplacement as necessary.
• Oversee the patent attorney exam and qualification route working with Professional Development on course booking and study leave arrangements.
• Oversee Brussels Legal Trainee qualification/bar registration process.
• Oversee all SRA / IP Regulations / Other relevant legal professional regulatory body paperwork and processes in relation to admission/qualification of London Trainees London Patent Technical Advisors and Brussels Legal Trainees. Keeping up to date on SRA/other relevant regulations and processes.
• Manage all aspects of the diversity fellowship from the initial marketing of the programme to interview coordination and hiring decisions.
• Arrange and monitor ongoing effective mentoring/liaison programme for selected fellows and identify opportunities for further interaction and support.
• Promote diversity and inclusion principles and good practice throughout the trainee solicitor process.

Future Trainee Solicitors

• Oversee the welfare and development of future trainee solicitors post offer including monitoring law school performance course guidance and selection and overall engagement and support. Dealing with any issues arising and cascading updates to relevant internal stakeholders.
• Manage and maintain preferred provider law school relationship keeping up to date with course changes assessment changes and market developments raising these with the Training Principal/Director of Attorney Recruiting/other senior leaders as necessary.
• Regular review of the SQE Plus course in partnership with University of Law to ensure course meets the needs of the business.
• Manage the payment of course fees assessment fees and maintenance stipends keeping up to date on market data/trends and making recommendations for changes if necessary.
• Arrange and attend social events for future trainees.

Other Duties

• Delegate supervise and develop the Legal Talent Coordinator work closely with the Senior Legal Talent Manager to monitor capacity and evaluate performance.
• Ensure accurate and current data entry and reporting in all relevant Recruiting Development and HR systems.
• Ensure Trainee files are kept up to date.
• Provide reports and statistical analysis on recruiting and DEI activities at least annually or as required.
• Manage London and Brussels offices Trainee and Associate Relations budget to include preparing administering and auditing monthly variance analyses of office recruiting budget.

• Establish and maintain strong and constructive relationships with other firm departments including Diversity Equity & Inclusion Professional Development Human Resources Marketing and IS.
• Maintain communication and update wider HR team on trainee updates or development issues as relevant.
• Provide input into and propose changes to current trainee policies and practices as appropriate.
• Work in collaboration with Senior Legal Talent Manager and HR team on annual compensation review with regard to London Trainee London Patent Technical Advisor and Brussels Legal Trainees.
• Undertake projects and ad hoc responsibilities as required.
• Participate in London legal talent professional association(s) as appropriate.
• Attend training education and development programs to enhance performance professional development and advancement.
• Provide lateral partner recruiting support to Director of Lateral Recruitment and Strategic Growth on an office specific basis as needed.
• Provide relevant training on the firms recruiting policies and procedures interviewing processes and best practices including hosting a Spring/Summer Programme kickoff event.
• Maintain safe and healthful working conditions within the department and exercise care in the course of work to prevent injuries to self and coworkers.
• Perform additional duties as assigned or required.

Skills & Experience:

:

• Prior managerial experience gained while working in a Graduate Recruitment function in a law firm with a full understanding of the processes involved in graduate recruitment management and development is essential
• Previous experience managing a budget.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Word Excel and PowerPoint or other presentation software.
• Previous experience with HR/recruiting software.
• After orientation at Cooley LLP exhibit proficiency in Microsoft Word Outlook iManage IntApp Time Adobe Acrobat and other firm applications
• Ability to work extended hours including weekends as needed.
• Ability to travel to other offices and offsite locations as needed.

Preferred:

• University degree strongly preferred.

Competencies:

• Detailoriented organised and process driven with the desire to take ownership of projects and responsibilities but to also work collaboratively in a teamoriented environment.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritise multiple tasks quickly and efficiently.
• Excellent interpersonal verbal (both listening and talking) and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of all records files documents and department information.
• Professional demeanor and the ability to use initiative diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to make independent judgments/decisions based up on a set of principles rather than rules.
• Ability to build relationships across all levels and communicate effectively and appropriately with multiple constituencies.
• Proven supervisory and leadership skills.

Cooley offers an excellent benefits package and competitive compensation including:

• Enhanced family leave
• Health and dental insurance
• Group income protection
• Life assurance
• Pension
• Fertility benefits
• Wellness programs
• Employee discounts including a fitness and nutrition allowance
• And more!

A comprehensive benefits brochure will be provided to all candidates during the interview process.

Hybrid Working

As part of the Cooley culture we recognise and appreciate the value of being together in person to build comradery with others in the office and to be a contributing member of the Cooley office. However we also appreciate the benefits and flexibility that come from remote working. This role follows our hybrid working approach which supports our business professional staff to work in a hybrid way with the expectation that you are required to have some inoffice presence and some work from home days. The office presence requirement is very much dependant on the department needs and the business needs which are subject to change at any time.

Our Values

We are the counselors strategists and advocates for today and tomorrows leaders of the business economy. We seek to meet the evolving needs of our clients by building a community of professionals of the highest caliber who share our vision and embrace our values.

• We do not compromise on quality;
• We are one firm;
• We are ethical fair and honest;
• We take pride in the firm and its reputation;
• We value diversity;
• We give to our communities;
• We strive for balance in our lives.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion

We strive to create an inclusive and rewarding environment that allows our people to thrive both professionally and order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals employment decisions at the Firm will be based on merit qualifications and abilities. The Firm does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of age disability gender reassignment marriage and civil partnership pregnancy and maternity race religion or belief sex sexual orientation. This policy governs all aspects of employment including but not limited to recruitment selection job assignment compensation discipline promotion termination and access to benefits and training.

Cooley (UK) LLP is committed to ensuring that our recruitment practices and candidate interviews are inclusive and accessible for everyone. If you have a medical condition disability and/or are neurodivergent and would benefit from reasonable accommodations adjustments or support during your interview process please contact . All requests will be handled with sensitivity and strict confidence and will not influence your potential employment with Cooley (UK) LLP.

Affinity Groups

We have a variety of Affinity Groups which are open to our lawyers and business professionals. To find out more about Cooleys culture please click Here.