Director, Legal Talent

Singleton Urquhart Vogel Reynolds LLP
Published
May 8, 2023
Location
1200-925 West Georgia, Vancouver, Canada
Job Type

Description

Singleton Reynolds is nationally-recognized law firm serving the construction and infrastructure, insurance, commercial litigation, real estate and corporate needs of Canada's business community from our offices in Toronto and Vancouver.

Purpose of the Role

The Director, Legal Talent is responsible for managing and leading student and lateral associate recruiting, the Firm’s Student Program, and overseeing Associate professional development and performance management for its offices in Vancouver and Toronto. As Director, Legal Talent you will Co-Chair the Firm’s Professional Services Committee, collaborate closely with the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Director, Research & Knowledge Management, and serve as a member of the Firm’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Committee.

Success is delivering market-leading Student and Associate programs and helping develop Singleton's junior professionals into leading lawyers and businesspeople. The Director, Legal Talent provides strategic business advice to the Firm's management on all talent issues, including talent planning, capacity management, and compensation. 

This position requires a strong in-office presence and is based in Vancouver.

Responsibilities include:

Student Program

  • In collaboration with the Professional Services Committee (PSC) members and the Director, Research & Knowledge Management, manages all aspects of student recruitment in Toronto and Vancouver offices to ensure the Firm’s student recruitment is in line with the Firm’s strategy, needs, and capacity
  • Deliver a market-leading Student Program that prepares students to be effective lawyers and educates them on the business of law.
  • Identifies and implements strategies and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Student Program
  • Works closely with the Firm's Director, Research & Knowledge Management on student on-boarding and training along with other departments such as HR and Accounting.
  • Provides coaching to students, principals, and mentors to ensure delivery of high-quality training and professional development.
  • Liaises with relevant Law Societies, PLTC, and law school career development officers.

Professional Services

  • In collaboration with the COO and Management Committee, oversees Associate performance, including capacity management and financial performance.
  • Manages associate lateral recruiting in collaboration with Firm management and practice groups.
  • In collaboration with the PSC and Director, Research & Knowledge Management, develops, facilitates and leads professional development programming for Associates and students.
  • Identifies and implements strategies and policies to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Associate program.
  • Provides recommendations for policies and practices regarding Associate financial performance, workplace conduct, business development, equity, diversity and inclusion, and other Firm issues to the appropriate committees, executives, or practice groups as needed.
  • Develops/implements strategies to promote retention and positive Firm culture.
  • Delivers a market-leading performance review process.
  • Analyzes trends in Associate evaluation feedback and attrition data as a driver for development of future programs and Associate retention.
  • Works closely with the Firm's Director, Research & Knowledge Management on Associate on-boarding and training and with other departments (i.e. HR, Accounting).
  • Manages the Firm's mentorship programs.
  • Reports to the COO on the preparation, tracking and management of the annual budget for the student and professional services program.
  • Manages communications with students and Associates.

Education & Experience:

  • Former practicing Legal Professional or Talent Professional with extensive experience in market-leading professional services or consulting firms
  • 8+ years of progressive Professional Development or Talent Management experience, preferably in a management role
  • Demonstrated DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) interest and education considered an asset
  • Strong understanding of the business and financial needs of professional services firms and the legal industry considered strong asset

Skills & Abilities:

  • Results-driven, resourceful, adaptable, and possessing a high level of critical and logical thinking
  • Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational and time management skills
  • Management, delegation, and supervisory skills
  • Strong analytical and problem solving skills
  • Positive attitude, strong client-service orientation, and excellent relationship-building skills; demonstrated ability to provide outstanding service to internal clients and external stakeholders
  • The ability to exercise sound judgment, handle stringent deadlines and work with a large volume of tasks, with interruptions and changing priorities
  • Collaborative approach and strong team player
  • Oral and written communications ability with people at all levels of an organization

Compensation:
Singleton Reynolds offers not only a competitive salary but also comprehensive Extended Health and Dental coverage benefits along with Short and Long Term Disability Plan which includes Dependent and Personal Life Insurance. In an effort to invest in our people, we also offer a Fitness Reimbursement plan, Education/tuition Reimbursement and a matching RRSP program for our people.

Why Singleton Reynolds:

  • Our unique culture lays the foundation for a working environment that is friendly and supportive of each other
  • We have a warm and welcoming climate with regular social events to build relationships
  • An opportunity to work with recognized leaders in their fields, including respected arbitrators and mediators
  • We encourage and seek to enable ongoing skills training and personal development
  • We have a dedicated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee
  • A developed health, safety and wellness program to help balance personal wellbeing with your career
  • We encourage development-related coaching, including revenue generation strategies and action plans
  • The opportunity to involve yourself and others in a variety of community-oriented organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, British Columbia Childhood Cancer Parents’ Association and Athletics for Kids

Singleton Reynolds is committed to developing, implementing, and maintaining best practices and strategies to enhance equality, diversity and inclusion. We make this commitment at all stages of the employment life cycle, through recruitment, retention and advancement.

 

In order to apply, please go to:
https://singleton.bamboohr.com/careers/62?source=aWQ9Ng%3D%3D