Professional Development Manager

CM Legal
Professional Development Manager
Our client is looking for a Professional Development Manager. This position will be responsible for managing a full range of professional development and staffing activities for a given practice area(s). They will work within the Global Attorney Development team and collaborate with the Practice Leader, Staffing Partner and Attorney Development Partner to facilitate the successful implementation of the Firm's associate development objectives at the practice level. Additionally, this position will:
- Build trust and credibility with partners and counsel.
- Develop a professional relationship with each associate, including an in-depth understanding of professional aspirations, experiences, strengths, development needs, and relevant personal circumstances.
- Monitor associate development to promote progress along the practice area's desired developmental trajectory and follow-up on development plans.
- Work closely with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion department to carry out Firm objectives and support practice group inclusion initiatives.
- Recommend the Firm's career resources as appropriate and facilitate forward progress on exit strategies.
- Coordinate associate and counsel review and evaluation process (e.g. collect feedback, convene department meeting to review files, prepare performance summaries, work collaboratively with partners in determining department messages, draft messages and participate in the review meetings) for the practice with the Attorney Development team.
- Promote participation in all required CLE programs.
- Participate in defining the overall training agenda for practice area and coordinate training to meet identified development needs.
- Work with Partners to create a fair and comparable level of utilization across the department and to provide attorneys with the opportunity to work on a variety of matters and with a variety of partners, while balancing development opportunities with client needs.
- Maintain consistency of experiences and equitable distribution of assignments across the practice area. Monitor high-end and low end of utilization and intervene as appropriate.
- Track vacation schedules to ensure that plans are in place for coverage.
- Cull and synthesize information for practice leader, including missing time, status of reviews, and distribution of workload.
- Monitors critical attorney utilization metrics and provides weekly report to practice department partners.
- Manage information flow in the required systems and policy compliance, e.g., bar admission status updates, mentor assignments, time recording compliance.
- Work on a variety of ad hoc projects as needed.
- Organize group events and team building activities.
- Demonstrate effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others.
- Manage Firm resources responsibly.
Qualifications
- Knowledge of relevant firm computer software programs (e.g., Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn new software and operating systems
- Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing
- Demonstrates close attention to detail
- Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational, and planning skills
- Ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities
- Proven project management skills
- Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality
- Ability to organize and prioritize work
- Ability to work well in a demanding and fast-paced environment
- Ability to work under pressure and conflicting circumstances
- Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team
- Ability to use discretion and exercise independent and sound judgment
- Strong interest and experience in professional development
- Strong demonstrated leadership
- Flexibility to travel as needed
- Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs
Experience/Education
- Bachelor's degree required
- Juris Doctor degree and prior professional coaching/counseling experience preferred
- Minimum of three years of professional development experience at a professional services firm
Salary Details
The starting base salary for this New York position is expected to be between $140,000 to $180,000 annually. Actual salary will be determined based on skills, experience (to the extent relevant) and other-job related factors, consistent with applicable law.
Benefits
The overall well-being of our team is important to our client. They offer generous benefits to help you achieve wellness in all areas of your life.
Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses.
- Comprehensive healthcare (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k), and voluntary benefits.
- Generous PTO.
- Paid leave options, including parental.
- In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning & professional development opportunities.
- Robust well-being classes and programs.
- Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.