Manager of Learning & Development

Ballard Spahr; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Ballard Spahr, a nationally recognized law firm with over 750 lawyers across 19 offices, seeks a Manager, Learning & Development to lead firmwide training programs. This hybrid role requires three in-person days per week at the Philadelphia office and close collaboration with legal leadership, HR, and subject matter experts to align development with strategic goals.

The role emphasizes competency-based learning experiences, program evaluation, and ongoing improvement to support attorney growth

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; JD or other advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience in attorney professional development, learning and development, talent development, or related function.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of learning curricula and career development pathways for attorneys.
• Conduct training audits and needs assessments to identify skill gaps and development opportunities.
• Build competency-based learning programs, including courses, materials, and job aids.
• Partner with firm leadership, practice groups, HR, and Employee Relations to deliver impactful training initiatives.
• Facilitate training programs and serve as a learning and development resource across the firm.
• Measure program effectiveness, track learning outcomes, and implement improvements.
• Manage learning systems, content libraries, and related processes.
• Drive firmwide learning initiatives to support growth, performance, and business objectives.

Skills

Growth Mindset

Communication

Detail-Oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree

JD or advanced degree

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Department: Talent

About Us:

Ballard Spahr is a nationally recognized law firm with more than 750 lawyers across 19 offices in the United States. A career at Ballard Spahr means joining a team of talented mentors, colleagues, and friends, supported by strong leadership that actively encourages professional growth.

We are seeking a Manager, Learning & Development to lead the design, evaluation, and enhancement of firmwide training and professional development initiatives. This position plays a critical role in creating competency-based learning experiences that support the growth of attorneys while aligning with the firm's strategic goals. Working closely with legal and administrative leadership, Human Resources, and subject matter experts, the Manager will ensure learning programs are practical, engaging, and aligned with organizational objectives.

This hybrid position offers a work schedule of 3 days a week in the Philadelphia office.

Why Join Us?

• Innovative Work Environment: Become part of a forward-thinking firm that enjoys substantial support and visibility from the firm’s executive leadership.
• Professional Development: Take advantage of continuous learning opportunities and avenues for career growth.
• Inclusion: Join a Business Resource Group and share cultural, experiential, or job-related interests, experiences, and/or backgrounds.
• Impactful Contributions: Play a pivotal role in developing industry-leading solutions that make a significant difference in legal practice and client service.

Your Role:

As a Learning and Development Manager within our Talent Team, you will:

• Lead the design, development, and maintenance of learning curricula and career development pathways for attorneys.
• Conduct training audits and needs assessments to identify skill gaps, learning priorities, and development opportunities.
• Build competency-based learning programs, including courses, materials, and job aids.
• Partner with firm leadership, practice groups, Human Resources, and Employee Relations to develop and deliver impactful training initiatives.
• Facilitate training programs and serve as a learning and development resource across the firm.
• Measure program effectiveness, track learning outcomes, and recommend continuous improvements.
• Manage learning systems, content libraries, and related learning and development processes.
• Drive firmwide learning initiatives that support employee growth, performance, and business objectives.

What We’re Looking For:

• Growth Mindset: Self-motivated with a passion for continuous learning to improve knowledge and generate innovative ideas.
• Communication: Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
• Detail-Oriented: Demonstrate careful attention to detail, anticipate challenges, and effectively manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently.

Required Experience:

• Bachelor's degree required, JD or other advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of two years of experience in attorney professional development, learning and development, talent development, or a related function.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

Ballard Spahr offers an excellent benefits package. A summary of available benefits can be found here in the Careers section of the firm’s website.

At Ballard Spahr, we believe that our skills, perspectives, and backgrounds drive innovation and excellence, while our unique culture fosters collaboration and success. Our culture of thriving together forms the cornerstone of how we deliver exceptional service and position our firm for a strong future. We welcome and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Ballard Spahr is an equal opportunity employer. We offer equal consideration to all qualified applicants, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, age, national origin, handicap or disability, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, transgender status, sex stereotyping, genetic information, ancestry, veteran status or any other category protected by applicable law.

The firm is not accepting resumes from search firms for this position.