NALP - National Association for Law Placement

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Recruiting Section

The Recruiting Section is for NALP members who are responsible for, or who have an interest in, issues related to recruiting and hiring law students, new graduates and lateral attorneys.

Join Section Group on NALPconnect

2023-24 Section Co-Chairs: Caitlyn Ryan, Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP and Olivia Schmit, Sidley Austin LLP

February 2024 Board Report (PDF)
November 2023 Board Report (PDF)
July 2023 Board Report (PDF)

Work Groups:

Annual Education Conference / Bulletin+ Article and Webinar Planning
Brainstorm with section members to develop ideas and identify speakers for the 2024 Annual Education Conference and topics for Bulletin+ articles. Assist members through the completion of the RFP processes for both. Brainstorm current topics and suggest at least 2 educational webinars to be produced in a timely manner throughout the year.

Lateral Hiring
Provide opportunities for those who specialize in lateral recruiting to communicate and network with one another through work group conference calls and NALPconnect. Continue to develop resources aimed at lateral recruiting specialists, (including Partner recruitment) including programming at the Annual Education Conference, Bulletin+ articles, results of environmental scanning efforts, and other resources to be made available on NALPconnect and the NALP website. Continue to collaborate with the JD Career Advisors Section on issues regarding employment background checks in the private sector and assess and distribute the results of their surveying and outreach. Review and update the lateral recruitment guide to account for new recruiting technology and add relevant information regarding partner level recruitment.

OCI Forms
Annually review and update the various forms/communications used for the OCI process and housed on the NALP website including Student Professionalism During the Interview Season; Travel Reimbursement Form and Instructions; Employer’s Interview Outcome Form; and Student Evaluation of OCI Employer.

Small/Mid-Sized Firms
Provide opportunities for those who work for small/mid-sized firms to communicate and network with one another through work group conference calls and NALPconnect. Identify common challenges related to entry-level/OCI recruitment for small/mid-sized firms and work to provide resources for other NALP members in similar situations.

2022-23 Section Co-Chairs: Kara Barnachea, Venable LLP and Jessica Hoffer, Chapman and Cutler LLP

April 2023 Board Report (PDF)
February 2023 Board Report (PDF)
November 2022 Board Report (PDF)

Work Groups:

Annual Education Conference / Bulletin+ Article and Webinar Planning
Brainstorm with section members to develop ideas and identify speakers for the 2023 Annual Education Conference and topics for Bulletin+ articles. Assist members through the completion of the RFP processes for both. Brainstorm current topics and suggest at least 2 educational webinars to be produced in a timely manner throughout the year.

OCI Forms
Annually review and update the various forms/communications used for the OCI process and housed on the NALP website including the Open Letter to Law Students; Student Professionalism During the Interview Season; Travel Reimbursement Form and Instructions; Employer’s Interview Outcome Form; and Student Evaluation of OCI Employer.

Recruitment Tools Evaluation
Continue collaborating with the JD Career Advisors and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Sections using the responses to the spring Assessment Tools Survey (circulated through NALPconnect) and the assessment tools questions included in the Survey of Legal Employers on 2020-21 Recruiting are reviewed. Develop and distribute an education guide about the use of assessment tools considering inclusion issues such as implicit bias, ADA, privacy concerns, and data ownership, and create a corresponding distribution plan.

Recruiting Director Forum
Provide opportunities for those in charge of recruiting efforts (usually recruiting directors) to communicate and network with one another through work group video calls and NALPconnect. Identify common challenges related to entry-level/OCI/lateral recruitment and managing a team nationally or locally and work to provide resources for other NALP members in similar situations.

Federal Law Clerk Hiring Plan
In collaboration with the Judicial Clerkship Section, gather information on the impact of the extended pilot hiring plan.

Member Relations
Reach out to new members on a regular basis to welcome them to the section. Educate new and continuing members about ways to get involved. Consider contacting members from other sections and groups to encourage them to join.

Knowledge Management and Resource Implementation
Identify top resources relevant to the section and collaborate with the NALP staff to explore location options for the compilation to provide easy access.

DEI Liaison
The DEI Liaison will identify and address issues related to DEI that are specific to the section and work with the VP of DEI and the DEI Standing Committee to address these issues.

Well-Being Champion
Identify specific well-being issues faced by the section and propose and institute well-being initiatives to address these issues. Participate as a member of the Well-Being Steering Committee.

Communications, Social Media & Marketing
Develop at least four (quarterly) social media posts to share with the NALP staff and conduct monthly member outreach on NALP Connect to update the membership about the work of the group.

2021-22 Section Co-Chairs: Alexandra (Alex) Gharghoury, Brown Rudnick LLP and Melissa Meyer, Venable LLP

April 2022 Board Report (PDF)
February 2021 Board Report (PDF)
November 2021 Board Report (PDF)
July 2021 Board Report (PDF)

Work Groups:

Annual Education Conference / Bulletin+ Article and Webinar Planning
Brainstorm with section members to develop ideas and identify speakers for the 2022 Annual Education Conference and topics for Bulletin+ articles. Assist members through the completion of the RFP processes for both. Consider the production of educational webinars throughout the year.

Environmental Scanning:
Conduct environmental scanning and compile relevant information regarding effects of the pandemic. Some topics include information about hosting remote or hybrid summer associate programs, conducting in-person or remote OCI in Summer 2021 and the unfolding re-entry process.

Lateral Hiring
Provide opportunities for those who specialize in lateral recruiting to communicate and network with one another through work group conference calls and NALPconnect. Continue to develop resources aimed at lateral recruiting specialists, (including Partner recruitment) including programming at the Annual Education Conference, Bulletin+ articles, results of environmental scanning efforts, and other resources to be made available on NALPconnect and the NALP website. Collaborate with the JD Career Advisors Section on issues regarding employment background checks in the private sector. Review and update the lateral recruitment guide to account for new recruiting technology and add relevant information regarding partner level recruitment.

Recruitment Tools Evaluation
Continue collaborating with the JD Career Advisors and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Sections after the responses to the spring Assessment Tools Survey (circulated through NALPconnect) and the assessment tools questions included in the Survey of Legal Employers on 2020-21 Recruiting are reviewed. Develop an education guide about the use of assessment tools considering inclusion issues such as implicit bias, ADA, privacy concerns, and data ownership, and create a corresponding distribution plan.

Recruiting Director Forum
Provide opportunities for those in charge of recruiting efforts (usually recruiting directors) to communicate and network with one another through work group conference calls and NALPconnect. Identify common challenges related to entry-level/OCI/lateral recruitment and managing a team nationally or locally and work to provide resources for other NALP members in similar situations.

Federal Law Clerk Hiring Plan
In collaboration with the Judicial Clerkship Section, gather information on the impact of the extended pilot hiring plan.

Knowledge Management and Resource Implementation
Identify top resources relevant to the section and collaborate with the KM/RI Advisory Group to explore location options for the compilation to provide easy access. Ensure NALPconnect is used for section communications.

2020-21 Section Chair: Lindsae Badgerow, Fox Rothschild LLP

April 2021 Board Report (PDF)
February 2021 Board Report (PDF)
November 2020 Board Report (PDF)
July 2020 Board Report (PDF)

Work Groups:

Annual Education Conference / Bulletin Article and Webinar Planning
Brainstorm with Section membership to develop ideas and identify speakers for the 2021 Annual Education Conference and topics for Bulletin articles. Assist members through the completion of the RFP processes for both. Consider the production of educational webinars throughout the year.

Environmental Scanning:
Conduct environmental scanning and compile relevant information regarding any fallout and opportunities that may arise due to the pandemic. Some topics include information about onboarding and hosting remote summer associate programs, conducting in-person or remote OCI in early 2021, the impact of delayed Bar Exams or other assessments, and possible partnerships with public service or clients.

Lateral Hiring
Provide opportunities for those who specialize in lateral recruiting to communicate and network with one another through work group conference calls and NALPconnect. Continue to develop resources aimed at lateral recruiting specialists, (including Partner recruitment) including programming at the annual education conference, Bulletin articles, results of environmental scanning efforts, and other resources to be made available on NALPconnect and the NALP website. Review and update lateral recruitment guide to account for new recruiting technology; add relevant information regarding partner level recruitment.

OCI Forms
Annually review and update the various forms/communications used for the OCI process and housed on the NALP website. Revise as needed given a shift in timing of many OCI programs. (Open Letter to Law Students; Student Professionalism During the Interview Season; Travel Reimbursement Form and Instructions; Employer's Interview Outcome Form; and Student Evaluation of OCI Employer).

Recruitment Tools Evaluation
In collaboration with the JD Career Advisors and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Sections, identify and review emerging recruiting tools (i.e. personality assessments, psychometrics, Thine, Pymetrics). Consider creating an educational guide regarding such tools and spotting issues to be aware of, including implicit bias, ADA issues, privacy concerns, and data ownership.

Recruiting Director Forum
Provide opportunities for those in charge of recruiting efforts (usually recruiting directors) to communicate and network with one another through work group conference calls and NALPconnect. Identify common challenges related to entry-level/OCI/lateral recruitment and managing a team nationally or locally and work to provide resources for other NALP members in similar situations.

Federal Law Clerk Hiring Plan
In collaboration with the Judicial Clerkship Section, gather information on the impact of the revised hiring plan.

Member Relations
Reach out to new and/or continuing members on a periodic basis to welcome them to the section and educate them about ways to get involved. Consider reaching out to additional members encouraging them to join the section.

Knowledge Management
Collaborate with the KM Advisory Group in helping to identify, review, and classify NALP information relevant to recruiting to assist in more effective data searches.

2019-20 Section Chair: Michelle Le Biavant, Perkins Coie LLP

April 2020 Board Report (PDF)
February 2020 Board Report (PDF)
November 2019 Board Report (PDF)
July 2019 Board Report (PDF)

Work Groups:

Strategic Planning
Collect feedback and prepare a memorandum to the Board of Directors highlighting strategic goals for the Section and its subject matter and/or area of interest.

Annual Education Conference / Bulletin Article and Webinar Planning
Brainstorm with Section membership to develop ideas and identify speakers for the 2020 Annual Education Conference and topics for Bulletin articles. Assist members through the completion of the RFP processes for both. Consider the production of educational webinars throughout the year.

Lateral Hiring
Provide opportunities for those who specialize in lateral recruiting to communicate and network with one another through work group conference calls and NALPconnect. Develop resources aimed at lateral recruiting specialists, (including Partner recruitment) including programming at the annual education conference, Bulletin articles, results of environmental scanning efforts, and other resources to be made available on NALPconnect and the NALP website. Review and update lateral recruitment guide to account for new recruiting technology; add relevant information regarding partner level recruitment.

OCI Forms
Annually review and update the various forms/communications used for the OCI process and housed on the NALP website (Open Letter to Law Students; Student Professionalism During the Interview Season; Travel Reimbursement Form and Instructions; Employer’s Interview Outcome Form; and Student Evaluation of OCI Employer).

Small/Mid-Sized Firm
Provide opportunities for those who work for small/mid-sized firms to communicate and network with one another through work group conference calls and NALPconnect. Identify common challenges related to entry-level/OCI recruitment for small/mid-sized firms and work to provide resources for other NALP members in similar situations.

Summit Conference Planning
The liaison will serve as an ex officio member of the 2020 Recruiting Summit Planning team. Prior to the Planning Team Conference Call (June 27 2-4 pm Eastern) the liaison will survey the Section to compile a written list of possible sessions for the Summit and a list of possible speakers, which will be submitted to the Planning Committee well in advance of the Planning Meeting. These lists should include suggestions for Hot Topic Sessions. The liaison will also solicit proposals from Section members for the Summit and report back to the Section on the results of the Planning meeting.

Sexual Harassment & Recruiting Conduct
With the JD Career Advisors Section, continue to find ways to educate membership on best practices related to preventing sexual harassment and bias in recruiting process. Develop model best practices and provide member education on preventing sexual harassment through webinars, Bulletin articles, and conference programming.

Federal Law Clerk Hiring Plan
In collaboration with the Judicial Clerkship Section, gather information on the impact of the revised hiring plan.

2018-19 Section Chair: Jenny Li, Arnold & Porter

April 2019 Board Report (PDF)
February 2019 Board Report (PDF)
July 2018 Board Report (PDF)
November 2018 Board Report (PDF)

Work Groups:

Annual Education Conference / Bulletin Article and Webinar Planning
Brainstorm with Section membership to develop ideas and identify speakers for the 2019 Annual Education Conference and topics for Bulletin articles. Assist members through the completion of the RFP processes for both. Consider the production of educational webinars throughout the year.

Lateral Hiring
Provide opportunities for those who specialize in lateral recruiting to communicate and network with one another through work group conference calls and NALPconnect. Develop resources aimed at lateral recruiting specialists, (including Partner recruitment) including programming at the annual education conference, Bulletin articles, results of environmental scanning efforts, and other resources to be made available on NALPconnect and the NALP website. Review and update lateral recruitment guide to account for new recruiting technology; add relevant information regarding partner level recruitment.

Summit Conference Planning
The liaison will serve as an ex officio member of the 2019 Recruiting Summit Planning team. Prior to the Planning Team Conference Call (June 27 2-4 pm Eastern) the liaison will survey the Section to compile a written list of possible sessions for the Summit and a list of possible speakers, which will be submitted to the Planning Committee well in advance of the Planning Meeting. These lists should include suggestions for Hot Topic Sessions. The liaison will also solicit proposals from Section members for the Summit and report back to the Section on the results of the Planning meeting.

Sexual Harassment & Recruiting Conduct
Collaborate with the JD Career Advisors Section to engage in environmental scanning about employer anti-harassment policies and school recruiting conduct policies in connection with the NALP Open Letter to Members Seeking Engagement on Renewing Our Commitment To Prevent Sexual Harassment in the Hiring Process, November 14, 2017. Develop model best practices and provide member education on preventing sexual harassment through webinars, Bulletin articles, and conference programming.

Professionalism & Recruiting Training Videos
Continue three section collaboration (JD Career Advisors, Law Student Professional Development and Recruiting) on the production of 1-3 minutes training videos on various aspects of the recruiting process with an emphasis on professional interactions and quality decision-making.

2017-18 Section Chair: Jacki Herzog, Clark Hill PLC

April 2018 Board Report (PDF)
February 2018 Board Report (PDF)
November 2017 Board Report (PDF)
July 2017 Board Report (PDF)

2016-17 Section Chair: Nicole Oddo Smith, Dechert LLP

April 2017 Board Report (PDF)
February 2017 Board Report (PDF)
November 2016 Board Report (PDF)
July 2016 Board Report (PDF)

2015-16 Section Chair: Lynn Herron, Hogan Lovells US LLP

April 2016 Board Report (PDF)
February 2016 Board Report (PDF)
November 2015 Board Report (PDF)
July 2015 Board Report (PDF)

2014-15 Section Chair: Lauren Marsh, Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP

February 2015 Board Report (PDF)

November 2014 Board Report (PDF)

July 2014 Board Report (PDF)

2013-14 Section Chair: Dyana Pinkerton Barninger, K&L Gates LLP

April 2014 Board Report (PDF)