Professional Development Manager

A New York City mid-sized law firm seeks a Professional Development Expert to help spearhead the professional development of thier Associates and Counsel. The individual will be responsible for the development of attorneys across the firm’s practice groups, including overseeing a broad range of attorney development and practice group initiatives, overseeing a robust performance review process, and participating in strategic workforce planning in order to support the growth and development of each attorney. The Professional Development position works collaboratively with other firm management positions including but not limited to Managing Partners, Attorney Development Committee, COO/CFO, and Head of HR.

RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to):

• Serve as a resource to attorneys and develop and identify appropriate professional development opportunities.
• Lead the attorney feedback processes by gathering and organizing feedback and guidance on performance including working with partners to ensure associates and counsel are receiving clear and actionable feedback, as well as suggesting strategies for attorneys to achieve their goals prior to the next formal review period
• Facilitates constructive feedback conversations and maintain records on individual attorneys pertaining to their development
• Analyzes metrics, including availability and utilization information, and makes recommendations to appropriate stakeholders
• Coordinate associate and counsel work assignments by addressing specific growth opportunities for attorneys, as well as through fast and appropriate coverage for all staffing needs while monitoring assignments across practice areas
• Partners with HR department members to create and execute orientation, onboarding schedules, and trainings
• Acts as main point of contact for newly joined associates for work product questions
• Collaborate with Firm leadership, Associate Recruitment Committee, and Attorney Development Committee to ensure that the professional development needs of attorneys are being addressed and Firm maintains accountability for a diverse talent pipeline
• Other projects as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPECTATIONS

• 4-6+ years’ experience working in a law firm with at least 1 year of experience in attorney development
• Experience with working with Associates at all levels, especially mid and senior-level.
• Must have strong communication skills, both oral and written
• High attention to detail with superior organizational and project management skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively on multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously
• JD from an accredited institution ideal but not required
• Sound judgement and ability to maintain high degree of confidentiality and discretion
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word and Excel and a willingness to learn new technical systems
• Resourceful, dependable, proactive, can-do attitude

This position has a current hybrid schedule of 3 days in-office, 2 days working remotely.