Job Description

of the Function

Freshfields US LLP is a major international law firm, providing business law advice of the highest quality. We want to be the law firm that clients turn to for legal advice where it matters most, wherever in the world that may be. We deliver seamless service across borders, cultures and languages.

Our people make our firm – we are a people business and want to create a welcoming and supportive environment where all can flourish. We see diversity as a strength which creates fresh perspectives and generates new ideas. We enjoy our work and are determined to do an outstanding job. We deliver best when working in teams.

We think and work globally – we don’t just say we are one firm; we act like one firm right across the world. We work wherever our clients need us. This is how we define ourselves, not by reference to where we have offices. Cross-border work isn’t just what we do, it is what we excel at. We understand what it really takes to work across different legal systems and commercial environments and to bridge language and cultural gaps.

We aim to add value in everything we do – we are passionate about helping our clients succeed. We use our experience and creativity to help clients make judgements and achieve their goals. In everything we do, we seek to make a real difference to the communities in which we operate.

The Legal Recruiting team focuses on recruiting law students and lateral attorneys.

/purpose of job

The Lateral Recruiting Assistant Manager will be responsible for the full cycle recruitment and sourcing of talented lateral associates, counsel, and partners for our offices in the US.

The ideal Assistant Manager will have at least three years of attorney recruiting experience in a national or international law firm. Working closely with the Lateral Recruiting Senior Manager and the Head of US Recruiting, the Assistant Manager will support the execution of the firm’s lateral recruiting processes and help maintain a consistent, high quality experience for candidates and internal stakeholders.

In collaboration with junior team members, the Assistant Manager will help coordinate a proactive recruitment approach and ensure the delivery of outstanding client service. The successful candidate will serve as a strong Firm ambassador, demonstrating exceptional communication skills, excellent organizational abilities in a face-paced environment, and rigorous attention to detail.

This role plays a key part in implementing established recruiting procedures, supporting process improvements, and facilitating collaboration across the firm’s global offices. The primary responsibilities, qualifications, and capabilities for this role include the following:

Key responsibilities and deliverables

Lateral Recruiting – Partner, Counsel, and Associate

• Support the Senior Manager in managing the full lifecycle of lateral recruiting across all levels: Partner, Counsel, and Associate.
• Serve as a point of contact for search firms, candidates, Practice Group Leaders, and internal stakeholders.
• Execute and oversee lateral candidate pipelines, ensuring timely communication, smooth interview processes, and consistent candidate experience.
• Lead interview logistics, including scheduling, coordination, gathering feedback, and ensuring timely follow-up.
• Review incoming resumes, maintain accurate recruiting data, and monitor pipeline reports and market intelligence.
• Assist with developing proactive sourcing strategies in partnership with the Senior Manager.
• Maintain strong relationships with external recruiters and internal business partners.
• Provide guidance and oversight to Recruiting Assistants and Coordinators working on lateral processes.

Project Management & Operational Excellence

• Take ownership of specific lateral recruiting projects or practice area hiring initiatives.
• Participate in cross-office recruiting initiatives and collaborate globally with recruiting counterparts as needed.
• Contribute to reporting, data analysis, and the refinement of recruiting processes.
• Help prepare materials for leadership, including hiring updates and market insights.
• Maintain internal recruiting systems and ensure data accuracy.

Candidate Experience & Team Collaboration

• Ensure a high-touch, professional, and welcoming experience for all candidates.
• Help facilitate the integration and onboarding of lateral hires in partnership with the larger People Team.
• Collaborate closely across the Legal Recruiting team to ensure consistency in communication, process execution, and documentation.
• Model professionalism and strong judgment; serve as a resource to junior team members.

Key requirements (Communication/skills/experience)

• This is a hybrid role requiring in office presence three days a week in our Freshfields New York office.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
• 3+ years of recruiting experience, preferably in a law firm or professional services environment.
• Ability to work independently while knowing when to escalate or seek guidance.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills—written, verbal, and client service–oriented.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Discrete, professional, and able to maintain confidentiality at all times.
• High energy, polished presence, and ability to stay calm under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail along with the flexibility to adapt to shifting priorities.
• Willingness to work outside of standard business hours on occasion to support time-sensitive recruiting needs
• Experience working in applicant tracking systems a plus.
• Knowledge of pre-employment background processes a plus.

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in New York and California, Freshfields is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range is specific to the States of New York and California and takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $120,000 to $145,000.

EEO Statement
Freshfields US LLP is proud to be an equal employment employer. Our policies and practices will be free from unlawful discrimination based upon race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship, immigration status, ancestry, age, marital status, protected veteran status, military service, disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law. We strive to promote an atmosphere that encourages equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices, including sexual harassment.

Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Freshfields US LLP
Freshfields US LLP is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use the alternative email address below to contact us about your interest in employment at BusinessServicesRecruitment@Freshfields.com , or you can send your resume to BusinessServicesRecruitment@Freshfields.com , or you can call us at +1-212-277-4000.