Senior Manager, Legal Training & Professional Development

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP in Los Angeles, CA seeks a seasoned Training and Professional Development Lead to design and execute training programs for attorneys and staff. You will plan annual curricula, oversee core programs, and create mock-style trainings and orientation for summer associates and partners.

Responsibilities include developing leveled training, managing LMS/CLE systems, mentoring initiatives, researching best practices, and coordinating with other departments, vendors, and

Qualifications

• 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.

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.

Skills

Legal experience

CLE tracking systems

Attention to detail

Project management

Travel willingness

Relationship building

Communication skills

Discretion/confidential

Leadership

Office suite

Education

Bachelor's degree

J.D.

Tools

LMS

Microsoft Office

Job description

Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP in Los Angeles, CA seeks a seasoned Training and Professional Development Lead to design and execute training programs for attorneys and staff. You will plan annual curricula, oversee core programs, and create mock-style trainings and orientation for summer associates and partners.

Responsibilities include developing leveled training, managing LMS/CLE systems, mentoring initiatives, researching best practices, and coordinating with other departments, vendors, and