Nancy Carey – A Visionary Leader in Legal Recruitment
Exploring the Impact of Nancy Carey, Managing Director at McCormack Schreiber
Introduction
Nancy Carey, Managing Director at McCormack Schreiber, is a trailblazer in the field of legal recruitment. With more than two decades of experience, Nancy has transformed the way legal talent is identified, assessed, and placed in the highly competitive Chicago legal market. Her reputation as a trusted advisor, combined with a sharp legal acumen, has made her an influential figure in the realm of partner and associate placements as well as in-house counsel recruiting.
This article delves into Nancy Carey’s educational foundation, the start of her career, her journey from litigator to recruiting expert, her current achievements at McCormack Schreiber, and the legacy she continues to build.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nancy L. Carey |
| Current Role | Managing Director, McCormack Schreiber Legal Search |
| Nationality | American |
| Career Start | Early 1990s (Post-J.D. Graduation) |
| Education | J.D., University of Illinois; B.S. in Accountancy |
| Former Employer | Winston & Strawn LLP – Litigation Partner |
| Specialization | Legal Recruitment – Law Firms and In-House Counsel |
| Industry | Legal, Talent Acquisition, Professional Services |
Education and Academic Excellence
Early Academic Success
Nancy Carey began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, graduating with High Honors from the University of Illinois. Her analytical mindset was evident early on, as she passed the CPA exam, demonstrating both technical precision and financial literacy.
Legal Education Highlights
Nancy later pursued her Juris Doctor at the University of Illinois College of Law, where she graduated summa cum laude. She was a Harno Scholar, an Order of the Coif inductee, and served as Notes and Comments Editor for the Illinois Law Review. Her academic credentials firmly established her as a standout in both business and legal education.
Start of Career in Litigation
Legal Foundation at Winston & Strawn LLP
Nancy Carey launched her professional legal career at Winston & Strawn LLP, a prestigious law firm headquartered in Chicago. She quickly climbed the ranks and became a partner in the Litigation Department, an achievement that signified her deep legal expertise and client-facing excellence.
Recruiting Roots within Big Law
While practicing litigation, Nancy became actively involved in the firm’s Summer Associate Committee, helping mentor and evaluate incoming talent. This early exposure to recruitment became a foundation for her next career pivot, combining her passion for law and talent development.
Career Shift: From Law Practice to Legal Recruitment
Joining McCormack Schreiber Legal Search
In the early 2000s, Nancy Carey transitioned into the legal recruiting industry, joining McCormack Schreiber Legal Search. Her background in litigation and client services allowed her to deeply understand the needs of both law firms and attorneys seeking new opportunities.
Role as Managing Director
Today, Nancy Carey is the Managing Director at McCormack Schreiber, leading high-level attorney placement initiatives. She focuses on:
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Partner and associate placements in Chicago law firms.
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In-house legal roles at all seniority levels and across industries.
Her work spans various legal specialties, offering strategic career guidance and placement services rooted in decades of legal insight.
Reputation and Industry Influence
Trusted by Candidates and Clients
Nancy Carey is known in the Chicago legal market for her straightforward communication, ethical standards, and unmatched market knowledge. She is repeatedly praised for her responsiveness, strategic thinking, and personal investment in each candidate’s success.
Mentorship and Community Engagement
In addition to her professional success, Nancy has contributed to the legal community through speaking engagements for the Young Lawyers Section of the Chicago Bar Association. She also served on the Auxiliary Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, participating in charitable initiatives and outreach.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Building a New Generation of Legal Leaders
Through her work at McCormack Schreiber, Nancy Carey has helped countless attorneys find fulfilling careers in both firm and in-house settings. She has played a pivotal role in shaping leadership pipelines, particularly for women and diverse attorneys seeking partner-track or executive-level roles.
Institutional Knowledge and Career Strategy
Nancy’s legal background gives her an edge that most recruiters lack. Her deep understanding of legal practice areas, law firm dynamics, and corporate legal departments makes her a rare asset in legal recruiting. Her legacy is not just in placements, but in the confidence and growth of those she mentors.
Latest News and Developments
Continued Excellence in Legal Recruitment
As of 2025, Nancy continues her role as Managing Director at McCormack Schreiber, expanding the firm’s reach and maintaining its reputation as a top legal recruiting agency in the Midwest. While she remains discreet in the media, her name is well known among law firm partners, general counsel, and legal talent across Chicago.
Conclusion
Nancy Carey’s career is a testament to the power of combining legal expertise with human insight. From her beginnings as a high-achieving law student to a respected litigation partner, and now a leading figure in legal recruitment, Nancy Carey has consistently demonstrated excellence, integrity, and dedication. As Managing Director at McCormack Schreiber, she continues to influence the legal landscape—not only by placing great attorneys but by shaping the future of law firms and legal departments across the region.
Her journey offers inspiration to both aspiring attorneys and experienced professionals seeking impactful career transitions. With her guidance, many legal careers have flourished—and her impact will be felt for generations to come.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who is Nancy Carey?
Nancy Carey is the Managing Director at McCormack Schreiber Legal Search, with over 20 years of experience in legal recruiting.
What is Nancy Carey’s educational background?
She holds a J.D. from the University of Illinois College of Law (summa cum laude) and a B.S. in Accountancy (High Honors) from the University of Illinois.
What law firm did Nancy Carey work at before becoming a recruiter?
She was a litigation partner at Winston & Strawn LLP.
What does Nancy Carey do at McCormack Schreiber?
Nancy specializes in placing law firm partners, associates, and in-house counsel across various practice areas and seniority levels.
What is Nancy Carey known for in the legal community?
She is known for her honesty, strategic insight, and deep understanding of the Chicago legal market.
