Director of Associate & Student Programs

ABOUT GOWLING WLG

At Gowling WLG, our dedication to excellence and quality service begins with our people.
As a global law firm with offices across Canada, the U.K., Europe, the Middle East and Asia, we pride ourselves on sourcing and retaining top talent who bring energy, passion and commitment to the delivery of outstanding client service.

Employee satisfaction is important to us.
We work hard to ensure that our people are motivated, engaged and empowered.
We are guided by our firm's Core Values - The Power of Teamwork, Always Striving to be Better, We all Bring Something Different - in all that we do.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are an integral part of our firm's core values.
We are always striving to build a more equitable, engaging and rewarding workplace by attracting and retaining talented people from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences.
Our aim is to help everyone reach their full potential and achieve their personal and professional goals.

Our diverse group of legal professionals, law students, law clerks, paralegals, legal administrative assistants and business services team members work together, and are respected and valued for their individual contributions.

PROFILE

The Calgary office of Gowling WLG (Canada) is currently seeking a Director, Associate & Student Programs to join our fast-paced Legal Talent team.
The successful candidate will report to the office's General Manager and the National Director of Legal Talent and will play a key role in directing the associate and articling & summer student programs for the Calgary office.

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Director of Associate & Student Programs responsibilities will include and are not limited to the following:

Implement and manage integration, engagement, retention and career advancement initiatives, including by building relationships with associates and students, 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 Management Committee, work providers, mentors, and others as needed).
Implement and administer career development programs for Associates and assist in goal setting and follow up for accountability.
Implement and administer the Firm's mentorship program for associates.
Manage and administer the associate evaluation and compensation review processes, in conjunction with the Office Management Committee.
Support associate recruitment initiatives by working with Practice Group Leaders and the Office Managing Partner to determine lateral hiring requirements, manage the recruitment process, prepare business cases for associate hires, etc.
Work with Office Managing Partner and Practice Group Leaders as appropriate to help ensure that associates are on track for success and are meeting or exceeding billable targets.
Assist as needed with associate meetings, professional secondments, and reporting requirements.
Maintain oversight and accountability for the entire life cycle of the law student experience for summer and articling Students, including recruitment, orientation, training, 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 relationships, incl.
sponsorships and career fairs.
Provide input into and be accountable to associate and student programs budgets.
Liaise with the Law Society of Alberta as needed to ensure compliance with regulatory and reporting requirements relating to law students.
Work closely with the Learning and Development team to deliver internal education programs to associates and students.
Work closely with the National People Leadership Team and the National Legal Talent Team to implement strategic people and talent management initiatives that are aligned to the Firm's Strategic Plan, and our core values.
Working with our DEI and Wellbeing centres of excellence.
Other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in law
A minimum of five (5) 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 others
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 matters.
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 adapt to change.
Gowling WLG employees benefit from a hybrid work environment.

Not sure if you meet all the requirements? If you are excited about this opportunity but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway.
You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Gowling WLG is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.
If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation at any time during the recruitment process, please let us know.

While we appreciate all applications received, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
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