Director of Attorney Professional Development & Integration

The Director of Attorney Professional Development and Integration is responsible for firm-wide attorney integration, onboarding and professional development initiatives for lawyers and paralegals in all stages of their careers. This pivotal role will be responsible for facilitating a seamless integration of new attorneys (associates, laterals, new partners) into the firm, and fostering continuous professional growth and development, coaching, and mentoring for our attorneys. This role will report to the COO and will oversee firm-wide attorney and paralegal professional development and related training.
Responsibilities:

Integration of Lateral Attorneys:
· Create and implement a comprehensive onboarding program in partnership with sponsoring Partners to seamlessly integrate new lateral attorneys into the firm’s culture, policies, and practices.
· Collaborate with section heads / practice group leaders and department heads to facilitate smooth assimilation of lateral attorneys into their respective teams.
· Provide ongoing support and resources to ensure successful integration, mentoring and assimilation of new attorneys into the firm’s environment.

Attorney Professional Development:
· Design and execute a firm-wide professional development framework to enhance the skills, expertise, and competencies of all attorneys (approx. 400) across 13 domestic and international offices. Framework to include legal skills training, business skills training, leadership skills training, and critical thinking.
· Collaborate with attorneys, sections / practice groups to identify specific training needs and opportunities for growth. Work in concert with the Professional Personnel Committee, and firm leaders to assess professional development and training needs and related program development
· Organize and oversee workshops, seminars, and training sessions either in house or via third party vendors to address legal trends, industry developments, and practice-specific knowledge.
· Identify and engage with outside consultants, trainers and other resources, as necessary, in addition to in-house resources, to develop and provide appropriate professional development and training programs
· Incorporate on‐line training programs into the overall curriculum, as appropriate
· Integrate the Firm’s training program with applicable CLE requirements. Oversee CLE related activities, ensuring compliance with established standards outlined in the rules and regulations for CLE in jurisdictions in which Firm has bar members, and maintain knowledge of mandatory CLE requirements, including rule updates and changes to serve as a resource to lawyers, clients, and staff
· Work with the Firm’s Chief Marketing Officer to incorporate business development training as an element of professional development.
· Develop and coordinate the firm retreat planning and implementation with regards to attorney professional development within the scope as determined by Firm leadership and working with Retreat Planning Committee(s).
· Coordinate mentor/advisor programs (e.g., Associates advisor program) including developing supporting resources and programming by collaborating with Section Heads. Works with Section/Department Heads to assign mentors/advisors and coordinate periodic follow up meetings with Associates and their mentors/advisors.
· Coordinate orientation sessions for new Associates and new Partners, including new Lateral Attorneys
· Assist Section/Department Heads with integration efforts for new Associates and Lateral Attorneys
· Collaborate with Human Resources to promote wellness and wellness programs for lawyers and paralegals
· Assist Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee with initiatives in support of professional development

Performance Evaluation and Coaching:
· Provide input to the Professional Personnel Committee regarding the Firm’s evaluation process to assess performance and attorney progress.
· Provide constructive feedback, coaching, and mentoring to attorneys to support their career advancement and professional growth.

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives:
· Champion diversity and inclusion initiatives within the firm to foster an inclusive and welcoming work environment.
· Collaborate with HR and firm leadership to ensure diversity considerations are integrated into all aspects of recruitment and professional development.

Relationship Management:
· Develop and maintain relationships with legal recruiters, industry organizations (NALP), and law schools to enhance the firm’s recruitment efforts.
· Act as a brand ambassador for in legal communities and events to promote our reputation as an employer of choice.

Qualifications
· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both oral and written
· Ability to handle competing priorities
· Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships
· Ability to demonstrate effective problem solving and people management skills
· Highly developed project management skills
· Exceptional judgment, flexibility and professionalism, and ability to lead effectively while being a team player
· Professional presence, strong interpersonal, management and problem‐solving skills.
· Strong presentation skills and initiative
· Ability to make sound decisions and demonstrate a high degree of trustworthiness in handling confidential and sensitive information
· Ability to work within financial/budgetary guidelines
· Ability to be a change agent and drive new firm initiatives
· Ability to understand and act on strategic priorities
· Ability to define goals and follow though to achieve results
· Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively
· Ability to work in a fast‐paced environment while exhibiting a strong attention to detail
· Exceptional client service, both internal and external
· Availability to travel as needed to the Firm’s offices

Education/Experience:
· Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree preferred from an accredited law school.
· 5+ years of related experience, preferably in a larger law firm environment
· Proven experience in lateral attorney recruiting, preferably within a AMLAW law firm or legal organization.
· Strong understanding of the legal industry, market trends, and talent sourcing strategies.
· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build rapport with candidates, attorneys, and firm leadership.
· Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
· Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
· A track record of implementing successful attorney professional development programs is a plus.

If you are interested in this role please send your resume to Jill Tomarken, jtomarken@friedmanwilliams.com.  Thank you!