A law firm in Fairfield County, Connecticut, is seeking a Professional Development Manager to support its 30+ attorneys across its four offices. This position is primarily on-site but allows for some schedule flexibility. It offers an exciting opportunity for growth within this expanding law firm, collaborating with senior management including the Directors of Operations and Human Resources.
The Professional Development Manager will play a crucial role in fostering the integration, continuous growth, and improvement of the firm's lawyers. The ideal candidate is a dynamic individual with experience in law firm practice, training, education, and professional development, including managing seasoned and summer associate programs.
The primary responsibility of this role is to design, implement, and manage comprehensive training and mentoring programs for attorneys that align with the firm's strategic goals and support the career development of its lawyers.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
• Strategic Planning, development and oversight of firmwide attorney professional development, mentoring and training.
• Manage professional development programs critical to attorney integration into the firm and attorney career progression.
• Lead the development, design and delivery of firmwide training/education for attorneys.
• Stay abreast of the latest law firm trends and developments to ensure that the Firm's training programs remain current and relevant.
• Work with stakeholders to identify professional development needs.
• Oversee CLE credit delivery, programs, and opportunities.
• Serve as the Associate Attorney Liaison.
• Develop Associate Attorney Mentoring Programs and follow up with mentoring activities
• Collaborate with partners and the Management Committee on offsite attorney retreats.
• Identify external training opportunities.
• Monitor attorney professional development budget.
• Manage attorney Career Development Plan.
• Monitor and encourage attorney pro bono activities and Bar Association involvement.
• Provide guidance and support to enhance attorney performance and professional growth.
• Ensure new attorneys are effectively integrated into the firm's culture, operations, and internal relationships.
• Develop and implement innovative training programs and curricula that address the evolving needs of attorneys and the firm.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, technology, programs, and best practices to continuously enhance the firm's professional development offerings.
• Proactively respond to changing training and development needs in the legal profession, both internally and externally, to remain competitive in the legal market.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• A deep understanding and working knowledge of law firms and attorney development.
• Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and group situations to all levels of attorneys, professionals, and legal staff.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks and projects to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated good judgment, tact, diplomacy and flexibility in a fast paced environment.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and execution skills.
• Strong people skills with the ability to foster relationships and influence others to succeed.
• High emotional intelligence and professionalism.
• Expert communication and presentation skills, verbal and written.
• Proactive and responsive with the ability to follow up and follow through on initiatives.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The expected annual salary for this position ranges from $95,000 to $115,000, plus discretionary bonus. The specific salary offered will be determined by various factors, including, but not limited to, experience level, education, certifications, training abilities, references, background, tenure, and other relevant skills.
The Firm offers a comprehensive employee benefits package, a retirement plan, and a profit-sharing plan.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field with a minimum of 3 years of attorney Professional Development experience in a mid to large law firm is required. While a Juris Doctor is not mandatory, it is considered a plus.