Job Information

Date Opened 10/01/2026
Job Type Full time
Industry Legal
Salary $48-$52,000
Work Experience 0-1 year
City Chicago
State/Province Illinois
Country United States
Zip/Postal Code 60606

About Us

We are a boutique firm located in the heart of Chicago, specializing in United States and foreign patent prosecution and patent counseling. Our team of practitioners includes many individuals having years of industry experience as engineers and inventors prior to becoming patent attorneys. A combination of significant real world engineering experience and legal experience results in a highly focused and skilled team of practitioners who provide services to numerous Fortune 500 technology companies.

Job Description

Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman, LLC (HFZ), a Chicago patent law firm, is seeking an entry-level Recruiter to help identify, engage, screen, and support candidates for patent engineer, patent agent, patent attorney, and professional staff roles. The Recruiter will represent HFZ professionally, provide an organized and responsive candidate experience, coordinate hiring activity, and assist with onboarding. This role offers direct experience in specialized legal recruiting and stakeholder communication while working with HFZ’s Recruitment Manager and Management Committee.

What You’ll Do

Assist the Recruitment Manager with sourcing, outreach, screening, scheduling, and day-to-day recruiting activity for patent engineer, patent agent, patent attorney, and professional staff roles.
Maintain accurate recruiting and candidate-pipeline records, coordinate interview logistics, track follow-up items and deadlines, and keep candidates and internal stakeholders informed at each stage of the hiring process.
Conduct initial resume reviews and candidate screens, assessing each applicant’s technical or legal background, communication skills, interest in HFZ, and alignment with the requirements of the applicable patent engineer, patent agent, patent attorney, or professional staff role.
Conduct initial resume reviews and candidate screens, assessing each applicant’s technical or legal background, communication skills, and alignment with the requirements of the applicable patent engineer, patent agent, patent attorney, or professional staff role.
Conduct timely, polished outreach to prospective candidates, introduce HFZ and its patent-focused practice, and serve as a professional representative of the firm throughout the recruiting process.
Provide candidates with timely scheduling updates, clear next steps, interview preparation details, and dependable follow-up throughout the recruiting process.
Work in tandem with the Recruitment Manager, the Reception Team, and HFZ’s IT service in support of a smooth onboarding experience for new employees.

What We’re Looking For

An individual who is eager to learn recruiting fundamentals, candidate sourcing, interview coordination, and the basics of transitioning a new hire from candidacy to employee.
A polished and professional communicator who is comfortable speaking with candidates and representing the firm in interviews, recruiting events, campus outreach, and other external interactions.
Clear, consistent and positive communication with candidates, the Recruitment Manager and the Management Committee.
Proactive and effective interaction with university and college Career Services personnel and, if applicable, outside recruiters.
Demonstrated ability to organize detailed information, manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and follow through reliably without losing track of candidate or stakeholder commitments.
Curious, proactive, and comfortable asking questions to learn our business and understand the “why” behind the work.
Escalate questions or issues appropriately to ensure alignment and candidate care.

Requirements

Required

An early-career professional with 0–2 years of experience in HR, recruiting, project coordination, business operations, communications, customer service, or a related field; relevant internships are welcome.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
Comfortable using Microsoft Office tools, including Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
This is a full-time position based in HFZ’s Chicago office, with limited hybrid flexibility.
Willingness to travel to Chicago/Midwest based universities and colleges (minimal travel).

Helpful But Not Required

Experience in recruiting, HR, campus recruiting, recruitment coordination or a customer-facing role (internships welcome).
Experience working with an Applicant Tracking System.

Benefits

The salary range for this position is $48,000-$52,000. Actual salary may vary based on qualifications.
Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
401K plan.
Ongoing mentorship and direct access to HFZ’s Recruitment Manager.

About the Firm

HFZ is a twenty-five-year-old patent law firm that provides high-quality patent prosecution and counseling services to numerous Fortune 500 companies and global technology leaders. Our patent attorneys and professional staff deliver exceptional patent prosecution and portfolio management services to a diverse clientele. We offer an inclusive, team-focused environment, ongoing mentorship and career development, excellent work-life balance, and a competitive benefits package.

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