Director of Partner Recruiting

About the role

Ballard Spahr is a nationally recognized law firm with more than 750 lawyers across 19 offices in the United States. A career at Ballard Spahr means joining a team of talented mentors, colleagues, and friends, supported by strong leadership that actively encourages professional growth. The Firm is seeking a Director of Partner Recruiting to lead and advance our lateral partner and group growth strategy. This is a highly visible, firmwide leadership role for a sophisticated recruiting professional who thrives at the intersection of strategy, relationship‑building, and execution. The Director of Partner Recruiting plays a critical role in driving the Firm's strategic growth through lateral partner recruitment, small‑group acquisitions, and potential law firm mergers. Reporting directly to the Chief Talent Officer, this role collaborates extensively with the Chair, partners leading lateral growth and attorney career advancement, Department Chairs, Practice Group Leaders, Office Managing Partners, the Executive Committee, and senior administrative leadership. This hybrid role is based in one of our Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., or Seattle offices. Why Join Us? Innovative Work Environment: Become part of a forward-thinking firm that enjoys substantial support and visibility from the firm's executive leadership. Professional Development: Take advantage of continuous learning opportunities and avenues for career growth. Inclusion: Join a Business Resource Group and share cultural, experiential, or job-related interests, experiences, and/or backgrounds. Impactful Contributions: Play a pivotal role in developing industry-leading solutions that make a significant difference in legal practice and client service. Your Role: As a Director of Partner Recruiting within our Talent team you will: Partner with firm leadership to drive lateral partner recruiting, practice acquisitions, mergers, and succession planning aligned with the firm's strategic growth priorities. Assess potential combinations based on cultural fit, geographic strategy, market opportunity, and practice synergies. Define hiring priorities and execute recruiting strategies in close collaboration with Department Chairs and Practice Group Leaders. Lead the full lateral partner recruiting lifecycle-from sourcing and evaluation through interviews, offers, and closing. Position and market the firm to lateral candidates, partner groups, and search firms in collaboration with Marketing and Business Development. Develop business cases, compensation structures, and pro forma financial analyses for leadership and Board review. Manage rigorous due diligence processes, including conflicts, risk analysis, and regulatory/insurance notifications. Serve as the primary point of contact for candidates, search firms, and internal stakeholders, ensuring high-touch experience. Support onboarding and integration of lateral partners and groups, including client transitions and cross‑practice synergies. Track and report on recruiting metrics, market trends, and budget performance for firm leadership.