A firm that feels like family
People are the backbone of any successful organization. Our people — from partners to students — are integral to the firm's success. When you're part of the McLeod Law team, you're part of a collegial, respectful, tightly knit community.
Discover why McLeod Law is consistently named one of Canadian HR Reporter's Best Places to Work:
- We work hard but play harder We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and as such, we provide new employees with three weeks vacation and new associates start with four weeks vacation.
- Pay it forward We believe in giving back. All employees get one paid day to volunteer in the community every year.
- Stay healthy in every way Your well-being matters to us. We offer RRSP matching and premium health benefits to ensure you and your family are well taken care of.
- Professional & Personal Development At McLeod Law, we support your professional development with in-house training, mentoring, and paid internships, helping you expand your skills and expertise.
- Celebrate together We believe in fostering a sense of community within our team, organizing fun social events, team-building activities, and celebrations.
Current Opportunities
We are always in the market for the right, talented individuals to join our team. You might share our values if you:
- believe the legal profession is, above all else, a service industry
- are forward-thinking, approachable, and collaborative
- are dedicated to the client and developing long-standing relationships
- believe in giving back to the community
Why McLeod Law?
- Ambitious Strategy: We are in an exciting growth stage with an ambitious strategy, providing the right support and infrastructure to build and maintain your practice.
- Dynamic Work Culture: Join a dynamic work culture that promotes teamwork, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning to foster personal and professional growth.
- Nimble Practice Approach: Enjoy the flexibility of a nimble practice approach without the bureaucracy of a large national or international firm.
Whether you come from a boutique environment or a larger firm, at McLeod Law, you will benefit from our full-service integrated approach to client service. This ensures seamless management of your clients' current and future needs, while also providing the flexibility to be more creative and cost-effective in delivering exceptional client service.
How to Apply
Submit a cover letter along with your resume to Jennifer Carter-Squire, and we’ll keep it on file for up to six months. You can also check back regularly for new postings.
Jennifer Carter-Squire, Director of Human Resources & Facilities
HumanResources@mcleod-law.com
McLeod Law is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity employment. We look forward to welcoming individuals who will contribute to our firm's continued success.
The McLeod Law Advantage
We recognize that law schools do an excellent job teaching students' legal analysis, research, and writing, but they do not provide intensive private practice fundamentals. In response, our firm created a student program aimed at having our students be the best version of lawyer they want to be. We teach students how to serve clients and the business of the law. If you summer and article with our firm, you will be equipped to handle the rigors of practice after your bar call.
The Program
Our firm only recruits first-year law students every other year and our next recruiting cycle will begin in 2026.We decided to dedicate our resources to helping our students not only through their first summer of legal work, but all the way through law school and into their articling year. It is important to us that we support our people throughout their journey through law school and beyond.
Your first summer with the firm will be spent developing relationships with members of our firm, working on client matters, and observing our lawyers in court, arbitration, mediation, and in meetings. It is our hope that at the conclusion of your first summer we will be able to offer you articles.
You will be invited to our firm events throughout the school year, and then you will return to the firm to work over the summer between second and third year of law school. During your second summer, you will deepen your relationships with members of our firm, gain more experience handling legal matters, and learn how our business works.
Upon graduation, our firm will help arrange for you to attend Accelerated PREP over the summer months. Upon completion of the licensing program, you will join the firm for the balance of your articles. By this point, you will understand how our business operates and have a network of lawyers within the firm that you can leverage to build on your foundation. Our intent is for you to be the best version of lawyer you want to be; not mold you into a certain type of lawyer.
We pay a competitive salary during your summers with the firm. We provide paid time off during your second summer with the firm, should you choose to travel or have downtime. We pay for Accelerated PREP and we pay your salary while you attend the program.
The Student Committee
The Student Committee is currently compromised of:
- Austin Paladeau, Committee Chair
- Kristy Williams
- Daniel MacAulay
- Amanpreet (Aman) Sran
Application Process
We require the following documentation to evaluate your application:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Cover Letter
- Undergraduate Transcripts
- Mid-term Law Transcripts
We would appreciate if your cover letter addresses why our unique approach to students interests you.
Apply to join the McLeod Law team today by submitting your curriculum vitae, cover letter, undergraduate and mid-term transcripts to us at humanresources@mcleod-law.com
Hiring Process
Our Student Committee will review application material in late January and reach out to candidates of interest. Our firm adheres to the Recruitment Protocols established by Alberta universities and all firms participating in first-year recruitment.
At McLeod Law, we have built a culture of collaboration and teamwork and offer a dynamic, challenging, and rewarding career for our staff. We provide the tools and opportunities to help our people develop to their full potential while providing a competitive compensation and benefit package.
We are a mid-sized law firm of more than 60 lawyers with legal services in over 40 different areas. For 45 years we have been in the business of helping people and take a team approach to provide the most creative, effective, and satisfying legal solutions for our clients. With an office located in the south of Calgary and one in the downtown core, we are conveniently located to serve our diverse clients across a broad range of legal services.
Director of Legal Talent
McLeod Law LLP is seeking an experienced Director, Legal Talent to lead and oversee the full lifecycle of lawyer talent management across the firm. This role is responsible for recruitment, onboarding, development, performance management, advancement, and retention of our legal professionals, working closely with firm leadership, practice group leaders (PGLs), and the HR team.
The successful candidate will bring a strong understanding of law firm environments, legal career progression, and professional development best practices, combined with sound judgment, discretion, and a collaborative leadership style.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Performance Management & Career Development
- Develop, implement, and administer career development programs for associates and assist in goal setting and follow up for accountability
- Working with PGLs, conduct needs analyses, provide guidance on learning design and competency frameworks, create curriculums for learning and development initiatives, and develop training programs
- Develop, implement, and administer the firm’s mentorship program for associates and students
- Work with the COO and PGLs as appropriate to help ensure that associates are on track for success and are meeting or exceeding billable targets
- Manage lawyer performance review processes, including timelines, tools, and reporting
- Support partners and PGLs in delivering effective feedback
Retention, Engagement & Culture
- Partner with leadership to support lawyer engagement, retention, and succession planning
- Monitor trends, feedback, and metrics related to lawyer satisfaction and turnover
- Assist as needed with associates’ meetings
Policy, Compliance & Best Practices
- Ensure lawyer talent processes align with firm policies, Law Society requirements, and employment standards
- Maintain accurate and confidential records related to lawyer employment and progression
- Contribute to the development and refinement of legal talent policies and programs
Legal Recruitment & Hiring
- Working with PGLs, support the recruitment and hiring of lawyers at all levels, including associates, counsel, and lateral partners, and assist with the preparation of business cases
- Coordinate interview processes, candidate evaluations, and offer approvals
- Support strategic workforce planning with firm leadership
- Oversee the articling and summer student recruitment processes
- Support the student hire back process, including gathering feedback from relevant professionals, carrying out needs assessment, and making hire back recommendations
Onboarding & Integration
- Oversee onboarding and integration of new lawyers to ensure a smooth transition into the firm
- Work closely with HR to coordinate orientation, practice group integration, and early‑stage performance check‑ins
- Act as a primary point of contact for new legal hires during their initial months
Collaboration & Leadership Support
- Prepare reports, recommendations, and materials for leadership review
- Develop and maintain awareness of the legal marketplace
- Serve as a trusted advisor on legal talent matters
- Other duties as required
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum 3-5 years of experience in legal talent management, HR leadership, or professional development within a law firm or professional services environment
- Law degree is an asset
- Strong understanding of law firm structures, associate development models, and partnership pathways
- Demonstrated industry knowledge and a track record of providing proactive and responsive solutions to business needs
- Demonstrated experience managing complex, confidential matters with discretion
- Excellent relationship‑building, communication, and stakeholder management skills
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and lead firm‑wide initiatives
OFFICE LOCATION
This role is based out of either one of our two office locations with an expectation of being in both offices on a regular basis.
HOW TO APPLY
If this sounds like a good fit, then consider joining us by applying by email to:
Human Resources
We thank all applicants for their interest in McLeod Law; however, only chosen applicants will be contacted.
McLeod Law is an equal opportunity employer that fosters an inclusive, equitable, and accessible environment. Please notify us if you require accommodation at any time during the recruitment process.
As part of our hiring process, candidates may be subject to a review of publicly available social media content. This review is conducted to assess alignment with our company values and ensure compliance with our professional conduct standards. Please note that only publicly accessible content will be reviewed, and the process will be conducted in a manner which respects individual privacy and applicable legal standards