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Manager

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 us 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.
Job title
Manager, Professional Development
Location
New York
Department
Professional Development
Reports to

Director of Corporate Practice Coverage

Exempt/Non-Exempt
Exempt
Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 9:30 am – 5:30 pm (overtime as required)

Position Summary

The Manager of Professional Development will work closely with partners across multiple corporate practice groups, including IP, Executive Compensation, Trusts & Estates, Real Estate, and Environmental. The Manager will support the groups by overseeing work allocation as needed, fostering the professional development of associates, organizing group events and trainings, managing the annual review process for the groups, and assisting with the onboarding of new associates.  In addition, the manager will collaborate with other members of the Professional Development team to implement our performance review process, the corporate rotation system, lateral integration and new parent support.

Essentials Duties and Responsibilities

Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Assist with staffing associates as needed; with PD Managers and staffing partners, coordinate utilization of temporary help from other groups
  • Maintain associates monthly hours report
  • Keep track of important life events; coordinate wedding and baby gifts
  • Monitor utilization and track associates’ experience in order to maximize the variety of work, increase exposure to different partners and senior associates, address professional development priorities identified in the year-end review process, and develop new skills
  • Assist with training programs for attorneys in the practice group as needed.
  • Collaborate with others in the Professional Development Department to manage the performance evaluation process for corporate associates and counsel. Make recommendations for improving associate recruiting and retention.

GENERAL/MISC

  • Meet regularly with associates to assess morale, identify training needs, answer questions and address concerns.  Share information with other stakeholders when appropriate.
  • Assist with the rotation process for corporate associates.  Work with staffing partners and practice group coordinators to assess projected staffing needs.  Evaluate associates’ practice group preferences and meet with staffing partners to finalize allocation within each group.
  • Assist groups with planning regular social gatherings.
  • Assist with staffing other corporate practice groups as needed.
  • Assist with secondment requests, follow-up and reintegration.
  • Miscellaneous ad hoc projects.
Qualifications / Position Requirements
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral. Able to propose creative solutions to challenging problems.
  • Exceptional organizational skills.
  • Determination and ability to project confidence and optimism in high-stress environment essential.
  • Familiarity with Excel and comfortable creating and presenting PowerPoint presentations expected.
  • Must have excellent leadership skills and be able to inspire confidence among associates and firm leaders.
  • Availability during standard office hours is essential and the ability to respond to email promptly outside of standard office hours and on weekends is expected.
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality of personnel and other sensitive matters is critical.
Education and/or Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree required, JD preferred.
  • A minimum of three to five years’ post-graduate experience in a law firm or professional services organization expected.
  • Familiarity with corporate transactional practice a plus.
  • Experience with collaborating with partners in a large law firm setting expected.  
Compensation

The expected base salary for this position ranges from $200,000 - $225,000. 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.

To apply, please email a resume and cover letter.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.