Manager, Professional Development

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP; New York (NY); On-site; USD 200,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP is seeking a Manager, Professional Development to collaborate with the Capital Markets partners to oversee staffing, performance, and development initiatives for associates and counsel. The role focuses on rotation, onboarding, evaluation, and retention in a fast-paced, high-caliber environment.

The position requires 3–5 years post-graduate experience in a law firm or professional services setting and a Bachelor’s degree (JD preferred).

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; JD preferred.
• 3–5 years post-graduate experience in a law firm or professional services organization.
• Familiarity with capital markets practice a plus.
• Experience collaborating with partners in a large law firm.

Responsibilities

• Staff Securities Distribution associates and monitor staffing coverage.
• Create reports for staffing and utilization to assist partners.
• Implement performance evaluation processes for associates and counsel.
• Prepare written performance review summaries for associates and counsel.
• Identify training needs and organize training programs.
• Advise associates and counsel on professional development goals and retention.
• Organize regular practice group meetings and social gatherings.
• Coordinate orientation for rotators and lateral attorneys joining the group.
• Assign associate mentors and oversee partner advisor assignments.
• Assist with rotation processes and secondment coordination.

Skills

Time management

Detail oriented

Strong communication

Relationship building

Discretion

Problem solving

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

JD preferred

Tools

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP (including its associated entities) is an elite global law firm with world-class practices across the board. Clients know they can rely on Davis Polk for their most challenging legal and business matters. From offices in the world’s key financial centers and political capitals, our more than 1,000 lawyers collaborate seamlessly to deliver exceptional service, sophisticated advice and creative, practical solutions. Visit davispolk.com.

Position Summary

The Manager, Professional Development will work closely with the partners in the Capital Markets group, including both the Securities Distribution and Derivatives practices, to oversee work allocation, performance and utilization, and social events. In addition, the manager will collaborate with other members of the Professional Development team to implement our performance review process, the corporate rotation system, as well as onboarding and integration of new attorneys and new parent support.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following and in some cases will be done in collaboration with the practice director:

Staffing/Work Allocation

• Staff Securities Distribution associates as needed in consultation with staffing partners.
• Keep track of and staff coverage for Securities Distribution counsel and associates, in consultation with staffing partners.
• Monitor utilization and track associates’ experience to maximize the variety of work, increase exposure to different partners and senior associates, and develop new skills.
• Create reports for partners to assist with staffing and utilization; manage master staffing chart tracking assignments.

Attorney Reviews

• Collaborate with other members of the Professional Development team to implement our performance evaluation process for associates and counsel in the group.
• Prepare written performance review summaries for associates and counsel.
• Track and facilitate the realization of Professional Development Priorities identified during the year-end review process.

Attorney Training

• Work with Knowledge and Innovation attorneys and practice group leaders to identify training needs and skill gaps, and organize training programs to address those needs.

Attorney Retention

• Meet regularly with Capital Markets associates and counsel to monitor morale, answer questions and address any concerns.
• Advise associates and counsel on professional development goals and progress.
• Prepare data for discussion with practice group and firm leadership regarding professional development and retention of attorneys.
• Make recommendations for improving associate recruiting and retention.
• Organize regular practice group meetings and social gatherings.

Orientation & Integration of New and Lateral Attorneys

• Collaborate with Recruiting, HR and other members of the Professional Development team to conduct orientation for rotators and lateral attorneys joining the group.
• Conduct regular check-ins with new and lateral attorneys in the group.
• Manage re-integration and conduct check-ins for attorneys returning from leave or secondment.

Mentoring

• Assign associate mentors to rotators and lateral associates
• Oversee partner advisor assignment to all permanent associates

Additional Responsibilities

• Assist with the corporate rotation process. Work with staffing partners and practice group coordinators to assess projected staffing needs for the group.
• Assist with staffing other corporate practice groups as needed.
• Assist with secondment requests, follow-up and reintegration.
• Miscellaneous ad hoc projects as requested by practice group and PD department.

Qualifications/Position Requirements

• Strong time-management skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks quickly and efficiently.

• Detail-oriented, organized and driven, with the desire to take ownership of projects and responsibilities, but to also work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

• Able to propose creative solutions to challenging problems.

• Ability to maintain utmost discretion of confidential information.

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

• Ability to work confidently and collaboratively with individuals at all levels of the organization.

• Ability to establish rapport and build relationships and credibility with internal stakeholders.

• Ability to maintain professional composure in high- pressure situations and a fast-paced, multi-authority environment.

• Highly motivated, responsive and conscientious, with a commitment to delivering excellent client service.

• Availability during standard office hours and the ability to respond to email promptly outside of standard office hours and on weekends is essential.

• Familiarity with Excel and comfortable creating and presenting PowerPoint presentations expected.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required, JD preferred.
• Minimum of 3-5 years’ post-graduate experience in a law firm or professional services organization expected.
• Familiarity with capital markets practice a plus.
• Experience with collaborating with partners in a large law firm setting expected.

Compensation

The expected base salary for this position is $200,000.00 - $225,000.00. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, anticipated assignment, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Davis Polk offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.