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Professional Development, Manager – Litigation

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
Professional Development, Manager – Litigation
Location
New York
Department
Professional Development
Reports to

Chief Professional Development Officer

Exempt/Non-Exempt
Exempt
Work Schedule

Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (additional hours required as needed).

Position Summary

The Professional Development Manager will manage all aspects of professional development for mid-level and senior associates in the Litigation practice group.

Essentials Duties and Responsibilities

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

Staffing/ Work Allocation

  • Support staffing partners in our White Collar, Antitrust, Civil Litigation, and IP Litigation practice areas, focusing primarily on White Collar and Antitrust
  • Advise 4th - senior associates in the litigation department and assist with staffing 1st - 3rd year associates as needed
  • Monitor associates’ availability and professional development
  • Create reports for litigation partners to assist with staffing and utilization
  • Track associates’ experience in order to maximize the variety of work, exposure to different partners and senior associates, and development of new skills

Attorney Reviews

  • Coordinate the performance evaluation process for litigation associates and counsel
  • Prepare written review summaries for all mid-level and senior litigation associates
  • Provide oral summary reports on associates and counsel during review meetings and help identify performance issues and training needs
  • Track and facilitate the realization of Professional Development Priorities identified during year-end review process

Orientation & Integration of New and Lateral Attorneys

  • Conduct orientation for first year and lateral litigation associates
  • Meet regularly with all mid-level and senior associates to monitor morale, answer questions, and address any concerns
  • Provide support to new parents; manage re-integration and conduct regular check-in meetings
  • Assist with secondment requests, follow-up and re‑integration

Attorney Retention

  • 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 groups meetings and social gatherings

Attorney Training

  • Work with practice groups leaders, Litigation Training Committee and other PD managers to identify training needs and skill gaps, and organize training programs to address those needs
Qualifications / Position Requirements
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and oral. 
  • Able to propose creative solutions to challenging problems. 
  • Determination and ability to project confidence essential. 
  • Familiarity with Excel and comfortable creating and presenting PowerPoint and other presentations upon request expected. 
  • Must have excellent leadership skills and be able to inspire confidence among associates and firm leaders. 
  • Availability during normal office hours is essential and responsiveness to email after 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. 
  • Minimum 3-5 years of experience 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, 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.

Apply by email
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.