The Manager of Professional Development will assist department leadership with the administration of transactions departments in areas related to assignments, associate support and counseling, training, professional development and act as a liaison between the partners and the associates/counsel in the departments. While the focus is on the NY office, the Manager will also work and collaborate with those in other US and non-US offices. The Manager of Professional Development will work closely with Practice Group Chairs and the Assigning Partners and will report to the Director of Attorney Development and Training. Responsibilities include:

Assignments

Coordinate staffing within the departments. Work with Assigning Partners to evaluate staffing requirements/needs and assist in making staffing recommendations.

Professional Development

• Build rapport with associates and liaise with the Director of Attorney Development and Training to help resolve issues that affect work experiences. Manage day-to-day associate relations issues and act as an ombudsman for associates. Inform the partners of concerns and issues that affect the functioning and morale of the group or an individual, while protecting confidences.
• Work with Director of Attorney Development and Training on firm-wide initiatives as they arise.
• Coordinate the mid-year, year-end and upward attorney evaluation processes. Participate in individual review meetings.
• Participate in and advise various committees at the firm.
• Plan, coordinate and participate in morale activities.
• Review, and assist attorneys with, career Development Plans.

Training

•  Assist partners, the Director of Attorney Development and Training with analyzing associates’ skills and potential training gaps. Work with individual attorneys on specific training needs.
• Assist attorneys in setting goals and preparing career development plans.
• Work with appropriate department representatives to design a multi-tiered training program for all attorneys. This includes a formal program, informal program, soft-skills training, integration training, first-year fundamentals and others.
• Collaborate with the Training Department in the organization and planning of each training course/CLE for the departments.

Department Administration

• Conducts department orientation for new hires and facilitate matters relating to the departure of attorneys, including conducting exit interviews.
• Assist in selecting summer associates for the departments.
• Assist in developing and managing the first-year associate class (including planning integration/welcome events).
• Assist Practice Group Chairs with practice group partner meetings and departmental meetings.
• Ensure that associates are current with time entries and prepare hours and availability reports as requested.