Assistant Director, Student Programs

• · Oversight and accountability for the entire life cycle of the law student experience for Summer and Articling Students, including recruitment, orientation, training, practice area rotations, performance management, evaluation and hire-back processes, etc.
• · Lead the law student recruitment efforts for the office, including:
• building and growing our Gowling WLG brand with law schools by being the law school liaison and acting as the key firm representative for law students interested in joining our firm;
• being accountable for leading and executing smooth and effective recruitment processes, including preparing job postings, performing applicant screening, organizing and conducting on-campus and in-firm interviews, coordinating the activities of the student recruitment committees/teams, planning and executing recruitment events, etc.;
• providing guidance on recruitment best practices and providing periodic reporting to help inform recruitment strategies;
• overseeing the management of law school sponsorships, open houses, and career fairs.
• · Implement and manage integration, engagement and career development initiatives by building relationships with students, initiating teambuilding and social events, monitoring workloads, overseeing the delivery of training programs, providing guidance and career coaching, delivering performance feedback, ensuring appropriate mentorship, etc. (working in collaboration with the Office Managing Partner, General Manager, Department Heads, work providers, mentors, and others as needed).
• · Provide input into and be accountable to student programs budgets.
• · Liaise with the Law Society of Ontario as needed to ensure compliance with regulatory and reporting requirements relating to law students.
• · Work closely with the National and the Local Toronto Legal Talent team and office Department Heads to provide support for the Toronto Law Clerks Program and/or the Toronto Associate Program, which may include lateral recruitment, performance management, learning and development, workload allocation, etc.
• · Work closely with the Learning and Development team to deliver internal education programs to students.
• · Work with our National People Leadership Team on implementing strategic people and talent management initiatives that are aligned to the Firm’s National Strategic Plan, and our core values.
• · Working with our DEI and Wellbeing centres of excellence.
• Any other duties as required.

• Bachelor’s degree in law
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience as a lawyer in a law firm
• Prior experience in or a desire to build a career in legal talent management with demonstrated interest in, or previous experience supporting recruitment and professional development.
• Exceptional people management and leadership skills with an ability to motivate others, work collaboratively, coach, counsel, train, and develop students.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including a comfort with public speaking.
• Relationship building with all levels of stakeholders.
• Strong project management, time management, administrative and organizational skills, with an ability to prioritize, plan, and implement numerous projects, programs, and special events.
• Results orientated with a sense of ownership and accountability for projects and tasks.
• Strong work ethic, with the ability to take initiative.
• Ability to be diplomatic and maintain confidentiality when faced with sensitive enquiries.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy of work.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical skills with proven problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work independently in a high-volume and deadline-driven environment.
• Flexibility with the ability to quickly adapt to change.

Gowling WLG