SQB introduces first-ever global director of talent acquisition

Squire Patton Boggs (SQB) has introduced Steven Clarke as its first-ever global director of talent acquisition.

In the newly created role, Clarke will be responsible for putting together an international team that collaborates with the firm’s management in order to “address ongoing strategic recruitment priorities,” the firm said.

“Our people are our greatest asset and this move signals our commitment to hiring the best and most diverse legal talent in order to solve our clients’ evolving challenges and grow our business,” SQB chair and global CEO Mark Ruehlmann said.

After receiving his degree in international law from the University of Cambridge, Clarke went on to practice as a lawyer at UK law firm Burges Salmon. Before making the jump to SQB, he had become a senior client partner at international consulting firm Korn Ferry, where he focused on international law firms.

He has worked with top-level management, facilitating the appointment of senior staff in global firms and in FTSE 100 companies. Moreover, he has guided law firm boards on expanding overseas across Australia, EMEA, the Americas, the Middle East and the Far East. 

“Mr. Clarke and his team will be central to identifying high-calibre candidates aligned with strategic hiring needs and ensuring a clear, unambiguous representation of the firm’s brand, values and expectations of the firm with candidates,” SQB said. “He will also work in close coordination with firm-wide leadership on integration and business planning to assure the success of partner candidates.”

The firm’s managing partners in Australia and EMEA praised Clarke’s appointment to the new position.

“We are delighted to welcome Steve to the firm. His strong network of global contacts across many of the sectors in which we operate, including across the Asia-Pacific, will be a boost to our global recruiting efforts,” said Campbell Davidson, the firm’s Australia managing partner.

EMEA managing partner Jonathan Jones highlighted the alignment of Clarke’s vision with the firm’s ongoing diversity efforts.

“[Clarke] is also aware of the value the firm places on continuing the process of improving the diversity amongst our ranks and will make it a pillar of his recruitment plans,” Jones said.

Clarke will be based in SQB’s London office.