Overview As a Professional Development Manager, you drive attorney growth through structured training, mentoring, and evaluation programs. You will partner with practice group leaders to design curricula aligned with Lawyer Success Factors and competency frameworks, and lead firmwide initiatives like Mock Trial and Mock Deposition programs. You'll serve as a strategic advisor for practice leadership, shaping development plans that enhance retention and progression. This role supports the Litigation Department and collaborates with Talent, Marketing, and other teams to advance the firm's learning culture and performance.
Compensation / Benefits- medical/dental/vision
- 401k with employer contribution
- parental leave
- transportation fringe benefit
- back-up care option
- generous paid time off
Responsibilities- Design, implement, and manage training and development initiatives for attorneys
- Analyze performance gaps with management and propose training solutions
- Plan and deliver department and practice group-level programs aligned with firm frameworks
- Manage mentoring, coaching, and other development resources to support growth and retention
- Serve as strategic advisor to practice group leadership on learning and career progression
- Design and implement Firmwide Academies and practice group training, including Mock Trial and Mock Deposition programs
- Oversee non-partner lawyer evaluation processes: design, rollout, and communication of the framework
- Administer the evaluation process: scheduling, quality control, reporting, and feedback delivery
- Develop and maintain IDPs and PIPs, translating feedback into goals and milestones
- Provide career coaching for attorneys and advise on strategic career options
- Monitor industry trends in professional development and assess content effectiveness
- Assist Talent team on additional projects as needed
- Supervise professional development staff, including interviewing, training, and performance management
- Ensure confidentiality and professionalism in all matters
Key requirements- Bachelor's degree required; JD highly preferred
- Five+ years of professional development experience in a law firm or professional services environment
- Two+ years of supervisory experience
- Working knowledge of CLE rules and state requirements (CA, FL, IL, NY, NC, TX preferred)
- Comfort with emerging technologies and AI tools in PD programs
- Proficiency with Windows and Microsoft Office; familiarity with viDesktop/Aderant Eval, LMS, CE Manager, and SharePoint
- Experience with document management systems and legal applications is highly desirable
- Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
- Strong organizational, planning, and project management abilities
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Availability for overtime and occasional travel
- Interpersonal and diplomatic communication
- Strategic advisory mindset
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Microsoft Office 2010 (and newer)
- viDesktop/Aderant Eval
- LMS (learning management system)
