Director of Talent

Overview

Stockwoods LLP is recognized as one of Canada’s leading litigation boutiques. We are seeking an experienced and strategically minded Director of Talent to play a key role in the development of Stockwoods’ associate and student programs at a time of exciting growth for our firm. The Director of Talent will lead our growing team of associates and students, drive professional development, and strengthen our market positioning in a contemporary legal environment.

This is a high‑impact, dynamic and creative leadership role at the heart of our people strategy, combining hands‑on program management with strategic advisory responsibilities to the Partnership.

Reporting to the Partnership in consultation with the Managing Partner, the Director of Talent will design, manage and continuously improve the full spectrum of associate and student experience, from recruitment and onboarding through performance review, career and profile development and well‑being. The role will also involve stewarding our brand presence in the talent market. The Director will ensure our talent strategy is aligned to the firm’s strategic objectives, business priorities and culture.

Working closely with HR leadership and the Partnership, and acting as a strategic adviser, the Director will report on performance trends and succession planning, identify and develop high‑potential associates, while fostering a healthy, high‑performing workforce that meets the needs of the Partners and accounts for their varied practice profiles.

The Director will oversee all aspects of the student and associate experience including recruitment and screening, onboarding, time and workload management, professional development, mentoring and wellbeing. They will manage the full summer and articling programs from intake to hireback, ensure compliance with Law Society of Ontario requirements, and build visibility and a strong recruiting pipeline through engagement with law schools.

The Director will design and maintain litigation‑focused training and competency frameworks that are embedded across the firm’s approach to onboarding, development, assessment and promotion. They will run a development‑oriented performance review process for students and associates, with actionable feedback and robust progress monitoring. Review insights and observed needs will translate into program‑level training and individualized coaching, alongside a structured mentoring program designed and overseen by the Director in collaboration with the Partnership.

To enhance market position and practice growth, the Director will manage rankings and trade publication submissions; advise on affiliations and networks; monitor brand perception across key audiences; guide sponsor ships, advertising themes and external communications in a legal context. They will also drive coherent external profile-raising opportunities at associate and, where relevant, partner level; maintain current market intelligence on compensation and related issues;

and sustain familiarity with each lawyer’s business lines and relationship pools to inform staffing and development.

The successful candidate will bring substantial experience (minimum of 5-8 years experience) in lawyer talent management within a law firm or professional services partnership, with demonstrated success in talent development and performance management. They will be a confident leader with excellent judgement, able to translate strategy into operational programs, and the strong communication skills necessary to secure stakeholder buy‑in and partner confidence effectively across the firm.

They will demonstrate impeccable organization and attention to detail, outstanding communication and relationship skills, and appreciation of wellbeing in high‑performance environments. Experience advising partners on compensation trends and market positioning, a sophisticated understanding of opportunities and risks in AI‑enabled legal practice, and experience with marketing and communications are strongly preferred. A relevant degree or professional qualification is advantageous.