Graduate Recruitment and Development Assistant

Gibson Dunn is a leading global law firm, advising clients on significant transactions and disputes. Our exceptional teams craft and deploy creative legal strategies that are meticulously tailored to every matter, however complex or high-stakes. The firm’s work is distinguished by a unique combination of precision and vision.

Based in London, the Graduate Recruitment and Development Assistant supports the end-to-end international graduate recruitment and development programmes of the Firm, primarily across London, Brussels, the Middle East and Hong Kong.

Working closely with all members of the Graduate Recruitment team, the role plays a key part in delivering excellent candidate and trainee experience. The position contributes across both recruitment and development activities, acting as a steward of the Firm’s culture and values and helping to attract, develop and retain high calibre future talent. During busy periods, the role flexes between recruitment and development support as required.

This role reports to the Assistant Manager, Graduate Recruitment and the Graduate Recruiter Coordinator.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensure an excellent candidate and trainee experience through effective communication, engagement and relationship‑building from initial enquiry through programme completion.
• Support the day‑to‑day organisation and scheduling of graduate programmes across jurisdictions, including Spring and Summer Vacation Schemes / Internships, Open Days, Assessment Days.
• Pre‑screen applications and coordinate online testing, pre‑selection and interview processes.
• Maintain and update application tracking systems, ensuring data accuracy, timely updates and reporting.
• Deliver candidate feedback and record outcomes in relevant systems.
• Coordinate inductions and onboarding activity for vacation scheme participants, trainees, interns and secondees (where applicable).
• Liaise closely with Human Resources, the Business Office, Office Administrators and other internal stakeholders to ensure a smooth and consistent onboarding and programme experience.
• Support the organisation and delivery of assessment centres, interviews, events and training sessions, including logistics, materials and attendance.
• Collate and track performance and appraisal data for vacation scheme and trainee programmes, including coordinating mid‑seat and end‑of‑seat appraisals.
• Assist with the organisation and delivery of training programmes from law school registration through to the training programme.
• Support attraction activity by assisting with advertising and marketing materials, merchandise and initiatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with target universities and support profile‑raising activities, including campus events, presentations, workshops and attendance at law fairs.
• Take ownership of organising, delivering and attending outreach and university events as required.
• Coordinate recruitment and development activity for local diversity pipeline programmes.
• Prepare and manage the timely processing of invoicing and programme or candidate expenses.
• Provide broader administrative support to the graduate recruitment and development team and contribute to wider student recruitment initiatives and projects as required.

Qualifications:

• Excellent written and verbal communication and strong interpersonal and team skills;
• First class prioritisation and organisational skills;
• Proactivity and detail-oriented;
• Strong IT skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.

Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent or higher qualification;
• Previous experience in recruitment, HR, or a professional services environment desirable.
• Interest in the legal sector and building a career in early careers…