The legal recruiting market is shifting rapidly, with earlier outreach, evolving student expectations, and new talent models reshaping how firms attract and retain future lawyers. NextGen Recruiting: What Hiring Partners Need to Know Now is a three‑hour virtual program designed to help Hiring Partners understand what’s changing, what’s resonating, and how to adapt effectively. The program features four 30‑minute panel presentations followed by facilitated breakout discussions by firm size. 
 
We will also share a short, anonymous pre-program survey to gather your input. The Foundation will report the results at the onset of the program.
 
Student Connectivity in the Brave New World of Recruiting
Perspectives from law school career services leaders
This session explores how law schools are preparing students earlier – and how firms can engage meaningfully amid compressed timelines and limited traditional signals. Panelists will discuss effective 1L outreach, what information and skills students develop before grades are available, and how firms can build lasting relationships with students who may re‑enter the market later, with a focus on sustaining visibility and trust across an increasingly fluid recruiting cycle.
 
Market Differentiation: What Really Matters (and Gets Through) to Law Students
Direct insights from current law students
Law students share candid perspectives on how they experience and interpret early firm outreach. This panel examines which recruiting strategies stand out, what messaging feels authentic versus performative, and how students actually gather and validate information about firms. The discussion also explores the evolving role of headhunters as advisors and information conduits.
 
What Worked and What Didn’t
Hiring Partner and recruiting leader perspectives
Recruiting leaders reflect on recent cycles, sharing lessons learned about firm messaging, candidate engagement, and offer dynamics. Topics include articulating a compelling employer value proposition, designing impactful summer programs, navigating jumbo offers, and effectively leveraging virtual presence and partner involvement. The emphasis is on practical takeaways that translate into better outcomes.
 
Shifts and Alternative Models for the Talent Pipeline
Innovators and alternative talent leaders
This forward‑looking session examines emerging alternatives to traditional recruiting models. Panelists will discuss new approaches to timing, career entry points, and workforce planning, drawing comparisons to other industries – particularly around technology and AI. Participants will gain insight into how these shifts may reshape long‑term talent strategies.
 
Deep Dive Discussions (by Firm Size)
The program concludes with small‑group discussions organized by firm size, allowing participants to compare challenges, share strategies, and workshop ideas with peer firms facing similar pressures.
 
Note: Participation is limited to Hiring Partners; however, in limited circumstances, firms may register one additional attendee, provided that individual serves as the firm’s Chief Talent Officer or holds an equivalent senior leadership role.
 
The registration fee of $500 covers the full three-hour virtual program, scheduled for Tuesday, May 12 from 1-4pm ET.