A highly respected and rapidly growing Midwest law firm has engaged SuiteSpot Executive Search, LLC to assist in its search for a Director of Professional Development. Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer, this is an exempt salary position located in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Position: The Director of Professional Development will work collaboratively with Practice Group Leaders to further the Firm’s strategic objective of training and retaining attorneys to ensure quality and innovative legal services. This position will develop Firm-wide and practice specific training programs and succession plans, thereby ensuring all attorneys have access to the resources, support and services available to enable them to perform at their best and achieve the mission of the Firm. The position will manage all aspects of the attorney evaluation process, act as an integral part of the Mentoring and Associate Development Committees and manage the budget to fund professional development programs.
The Essentials:
- Cultivate, implement and streamline a core training curriculum across all practice groups, exemplifying the Firm's Way and improving overall client service, firm culture and reputation.
- Establish core competencies for all levels of legal staff and direct all aspects of the firm’s professional development and training programs based upon those competencies.
- Working with Department Chairs, develop six-month on-boarding process.
- Continually evaluate and assess all aspects of the professional development program, including analysis of development opportunities, course congruency and consistency, and other training resources in order to make future recommendations to improve curriculum.
- Ensure that a full but focused array of training and professional development opportunities is provided. Identify speakers, consultants, and coaches for programming.
- Assist with legal education matters by ensuring all attorneys are completing bar-mandated continuing legal education.
- Provide general counseling to legal staff to resolve job/career-related concerns as appropriate and assist associates in creating individual career development plans.
- Develops and maintains relationships with Firm and Office Managing Partners, Practice Group Chairs, Executive Committee Members, Office Administrators, and Recruiting Committee members regarding ongoing needs.
- LAW FIRM EXPERIENCE IS A MUST.
The Candidate: The ideal candidate must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college and three to five years of relevant experience. JD or advanced degree preferred. Experience in leading a legal professional development program required.
The successful candidate will be a creative, strategic, innovative and highly effective leader. He/she will additionally possess:
- Demonstrated leadership, organizational, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
- A strong desire to mentor and coach attorneys.
- An engaging demeanor and the ability to build relationships quickly.
- A proven, professional and people-focused sophistication in aligning, inspiring, producing and managing change.
- Confidence, humility, high emotional intelligence and the fortitude to effectively drive professional development initiatives to a standard of success.
- Enthusiasm and proactivity towards the opportunity to help strengthen and structure a vital role and the ability to work autonomously to do so.
- Excellent listening and communication skills, attention to detail and an exceptional customer service attitude.
- Must be a highly organized and adaptable team player willing to collaborate and share ideas to better the process.
The Search: As the exclusive recruiter for this position, SuiteSpot Executive Search, LLC will conduct an expedited search process per the client’s request. To be considered in the selection process, please submit your information and resume below.