Specialist, Human Resources

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is looking for a Specialist, Human Resources

Job description

Position Summary

The Specialist, Human Resources will lead trainee, associate, lateral and business services recruitment, ensuring a strategic and high-quality hiring approach. The role will oversee onboarding to support effective integration and engagement. The role will also support the delivery of training and development initiatives for the London office and act as deputy to the Senior Manager, HR – Europe when required.


Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:


Trainee Associate Recruitment

Coordinate the trainee associate recruitment programme Including:

In collaboration with the UK Recruitment Partner, manage the recruitment and hiring of vacation scheme students and trainee solicitors.

Manage marketing and recruiting efforts (e.g., job fairs, recruitment talks, information sessions, website, print materials, directories, brochures, etc.).

Attend all law fairs and events.

Manage all aspects of vacation scheme(s) and summer rotation programmes.

Develop, maintain, and strengthen relationships with target universities.


Recruitment

Coordinate recruitment requirements for lateral lawyers and business services roles including managing the relationship with preferred recruitment agencies, conducting interviews and offer management.

Manage the onboarding and induction process to ensure all new employees are welcomed to the firm effectively.

Keep up to date on market trends on salary & benefits.


Associate Trainees

Manage all aspects of the associate trainee programme including but not limited to:

  • Coordinating the SQE process.
  • Pre-employment engagement for future associate trainees.
  • Training and induction in conjunction with the UK Recruitment Partner & London Office Head.
  • Coordinating the seat rotation, secondment, and NQ application process.
  • Coordinating the mid and end of seat review process.
  • Liaise with the compliance team on any regulatory requirements for the training programme.
  • Admission process with the SRA.


Training and Development

  • Assist the US Professional Development team with the coordination and delivery of training programmes for lawyers.
  • Work closely with senior stakeholders in the London office to support training initiatives and identify development opportunities as required.
  • Provide support in the planning and delivery of the Business Services training programme.


General

  • Deputise for the Senior Manager, HR – Europe when required.
  • Coordinate the US summer associate programme.
  • Ensure enquiries to the recruitment inbox are handled in a timely manner.
  • Coordinate work experience placements.
  • Ad hoc duties and projects as and when required.


Education and/or experience

  • Degree educated (ideally in HR, Business, Law or related discipline).
  • Experience in recruitment or early careers (professional services preferred).
  • Previous professional services experience, preferably within a law firm.
  • Knowledge of the legal training pathway (SQE / training contracts).

Extra information

Status
Open
Education Level
Secondary School
Location
Greater London
Type of Contract
Full-time jobs
Published at
08-03-2026
Full UK/EU driving license preferred
No
Car Preferred
No
Must be eligible to work in the EU
No
Cover Letter Required
No
Languages
English

Full-time jobs | Secondary School

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