Manager of Legal Professional Development

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP; New York (NY); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP in New York seeks a Professional Development role focused on training programs for attorneys and business professionals. You will collaborate with teams to design curricula, execute innovative programs, and support strategic attorney mentoring.

Ideal candidates should have a Bachelor's degree, J.D., and at least five years of legal experience, with strong communication and project management skills. The base annual pay ranges from $150,000 to $180,000, complemented by a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• At least five (5) years of legal experience in a professional services firm.
• Proven capacity to manage and adapt to multiple competing priorities.
• Willingness to travel as needed for firm-wide training programs.

Responsibilities

• Design and execute training programs for attorneys and business professionals.
• Lead planning of practice group training initiatives.
• Develop and implement professional skills curricula.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong problem-solving abilities

Project management skills

Relationship-building skills

Strong written and verbal communication

Leadership skills

Adaptability

Self-initiative

Education

Bachelor's degree and J.D.

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Department: Professional Development

Job Number: 100554

Offices: Los Angeles; Chicago; Washington, D.C.; New York; Boston; Orange County; Sacramento; San Diego; San Francisco; Silicon Valley

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Director of Training and Development, Legal, and practice group leaders to design and execute training programs for attorneys and business professionals.
• Lead the planning and execution of practice group training initiatives, including designing annual curricula and overseeing the delivery of core programs in partnership with the Director and team.
• Design, develop, manage, and execute interactive mock-style trainings (e.g., mock trials, corporate simulations) in partnership with the Director and team.
• Create and deliver orientation programming for summer associates, first-year associates, counsel, and partners with the Director and team.
• Collaborate with other Manatt departments to develop and execute relevant programming.
• Develop and implement leveled training programs, academies, and professional skills curricula in collaboration with the Director and team.
• Conduct research and stay informed on emerging trends and best practices in legal and professional services training.
• Cultivate relationships with outside speakers and vendors, and make recommendations as needed.
• Meet with new lateral associates and partners and conduct welcome programming (including individual orientations).
• Develop a deep working knowledge of the LMS and CLE system and have a general understanding of the CLE rules in the states where Manatt has offices; use LMS to build training tracks as needed.
• In partnership with the Director, work on the strategic direction and administration of attorney mentoring programs, including developing and implementing communications, training initiatives, and related programming and events.
• Conduct surveys and analyze results to identify training and professional development needs.
• Support the Director and Performance and Advancement team in refreshing and maintaining competency frameworks.
• Proactively contribute ideas to enhance CLE and training initiatives.
• Work with the Director to manage the budget and expenses.
• Assist with general training and development and CLE projects as needed.
• Assist with performance and advancement projects on occasion.
• Supervise junior team members.

Qualifications And Skills

• Bachelor's degree and J.D. required
• At least five (5) years of legal experience in a professional services firm
• Prior experience working with CLE tracking systems or databases
• Exceptional attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and a results-driven mindset; outstanding project management skills required for high-accuracy work
• Proven capacity to manage and adapt to multiple competing priorities
• Willingness to travel as needed for firm-wide training programs
• Comfortable working across teams and departments; strong relationship-building skills
• Excellent client service orientation and problem-solving capabilities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to exercise discretion and handle confidential information
• Strong interpersonal skills as a relationship builder who can flex work style and adapt to the styles of others and work across teams
• Demonstrated leadership and team-building skills, including planning, organizing, decision-making, and problem-solving; ability to lead multiple teams and workstreams
• Solid understanding of project management principles; proven ability to develop, implement, and manage large-scale, long-term initiatives
• Strong judgment and discretion in decision-making processes
• Strong self-initiative with an eagerness to learn, roll up sleeves, and pitch in
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team with a positive can-do attitude
• Advanced use of computer programs including Microsoft Office, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

The base annual pay range for this role is between $150,000-$180,000. The base pay to be offered will vary and depend on skills and qualifications, experience, and location. A full range of medical, financial and/or other benefits dependent on the position will also be offered.

EEO/AA EMPLOYER/Veterans/Disabled

Manatt is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including race, color, physical or mental disability, religion, creed, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sex or gender (including gender identity, gender expression, status as a transgender or transsexual individual, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), age (over 40), genetic information, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, sexual orientation, political activity or affiliation, genetic or and any other protected classes or characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Consistent with the American Disabilities Act, applicants may request accommodations needed to participate in the application process.

IMPORTANT: If the Government cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to provide you written instructions and an opportunity to contact SSA and/or DHS before taking adverse action against you, including terminating your employment.

Employers may not use E-Verify to pre-screen job applicants or to re-verify current employees and may not limit or influence the choice of documents presented for use on the Form I-9. In order to determine whether Form I-9 documentation is valid, this employer uses E-Verify’s photo screening tool to match the photograph appearing on some permanent resident and employment authorization cards with the official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services’ (USCIS) photograph. If you believe that your employer has violated its responsibilities under this program or has discriminated against you during the verification process based upon your national origin or citizenship status, please call the Office of Special Counsel at 1-800-255-7688 (TDD: 1-800-237-2515).