Director of Professional Development & Training

New York, NY, Washington, DC or Boston, MA

Position Summary

Premier, global, law firm is seeking a Director of Professional Development & Training responsible for firm wide lawyer training and professional development initiatives and assisting lawyers at all steps in their careers. The Director of Professional Development & Training will report to the Chief Talent Officer (CTO) and will oversee three Associate Development Managers and one specialist. 

Job Responsibilities

Develop and implement comprehensive, cutting-edge programs to train, mentor, develop, and retain Firm’s lawyers. 

Training and Development

• Design and implement all aspects of lawyer training and development for 250+ lawyers across 7 offices, including legal trainings, business skills training, and critical skills training
• Work with department Managing Directors (MDs), Practice Group Leaders (PGLs), and associates to conduct training needs analysis
• Identify and engage with outside consultants and trainers, as necessary, to provide programs, in addition to using in-house resources
• Incorporate on-line training programs into the overall curriculum, as appropriate
• Integrate the Firm’s training program with applicable CLE requirements. Oversee PD specialist on CLE related activities, ensuring compliance with established standards outlined in the rules and regulations for CLE to maintain the firm’s accredited provider status in key jurisdictions 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 CTO and Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) to create and oversee the firm’s business development program
• Design, develop, and lead firm-wide associate retreats
• Create and administer the associate advisor program, including assigning advisors and conducting follow up, troubleshooting issues if needed
• Evaluate, improve, and execute associate and partner orientation
• Oversee associate integration, including working with the Director and Manager of Legal Recruiting to ensure a smooth transition from onboarding to integration
• Act as a liaison for new and lateral lawyers
• Lead and facilitate the annual lawyer evaluation process
• Collaborate with HR and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion teams to promote the wellness of lawyers 

Work Assignment

• Lead a team of Associate Development Managers to manage work allocation to all associates
• Collaborate with Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to ensure equitable distribution of work and professional development opportunities 

Qualifications

To be successful, the candidate will need:

• 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 strategically maintain financial/budgetary information
• Ability to be a change agent and drive new firm initiatives
• Ability to demonstrate strategic focus
• 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

• JD required
• 5+ years of related experience, preferably in a large law firm environment