Senior Attorney Development Manager

Position Overview

The Attorney Development Manager works in collaboration with the Talent/Diversity Leads, Attorney Development Team, Practice Management, Talent, and other Business Professionals to support firmwide talent and development efforts for their associates across multiple offices for the practice group(s). This is a strategic role focused on supporting initiatives that enhance the attorney experience as it relates to integration, training, development, mentoring/coaching, performance management and career transitioning, with a focus on inclusion and wellbeing.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

This role will focus on the following areas:

Work Assignments

• Collaborate with Talent Leads to analyze associate availability and utilization.
• Facilitate equitable distribution of work, making strategic staffing recommendations based on associate skills, interests, and workload.
• Support associates in achieving individual productivity goals.

Metrics and Analytics

• Monitor and report on key metrics (e.g., productivity, engagement, skill development) to identify gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Utilize data-driven insights to inform talent strategies and developmental programs.

Performance Feedback and Management

• Manage feedback and performance review processes.
• Guide partners on providing clear, actionable, real-time feedback to associates throughout the year.
• Develop strategies to enhance associate performance and achieve annual objectives.

Workforce Planning

• Lead workforce planning efforts, including forecasting talent needs, managing recruitment activities, and coordinating secondments, leaves of absence, and flexible working arrangements.

Training and Development

• Assist with the design of, implement, and evaluate practice-specific skills training programs.
• Facilitate mentorships and individual career development plans, coaching associates on career goals and professional growth.

Integration and Career Transitions

• Oversee onboarding for entry-level and lateral hires, ensuring seamless integration into the practice group.
• Provide career transition coaching and outplacement support for departing attorneys.

Inclusion and Wellbeing

• Embed inclusion and wellbeing principles into all talent strategies and initiatives.
• Foster an environment of support and belonging within the practice group.

Employee Relations

• Collaborate with HR on handling sensitive and confidential associate relations matters.

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities

• Contribute to other planning development initiatives and programs as requested.

Working Conditions

• Job is performed in a hybrid work environment, but is subject to time pressures and constraints, and is often dependent on input from others.
• Travel required for in-person attorney one-on-one meetings.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree required. JD preferred.

Experience:

• Five years of related experience required, experience as a practicing attorney at a peer law firm preferred.
• Prior experience in staffing, professional development or practice support a plus.

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in the use of computer programs including Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
• Knowledge of talent systems such as ViGlobal a plus.

Attributes:

• Innovative thinker; creative problem solver; excellent interpersonal, team, and verbal and written communications skills; works effectively and collaboratively at all levels.
• Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects at once, realign priorities as needed, and drive projects to successful completion.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to leverage data for decision-making.
• Ability to work independently and flexibly, managing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Commands the respect of partners, associates and business support colleagues.
• Responds quickly and positively to shifting demands and opportunities.
• Ability to anticipate problems and independently propose solutions while maintaining highly confidential and sensitive information.

Qualifications:

• Sound judgment and ability to respect, protect and maintain highly confidential and sensitive information. Ability to work under tight deadlines and handle multiple, detailed tasks.