Director, Professional Development – Corporate
Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm (additional hours as required).
The Manager, Professional Development – Sponsor Finance will work closely with the partners in the group to oversee work allocation, performance and utilization and social events, and with the group’s partners and practice resources lawyer to oversee legal substance and skills training, database management and knowledge management. In addition, the manager will collaborate with other members of the Professional Development team to implement our performance review process, the corporate rotation system and lateral integration.
Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Knowledge Management/Attorney Training/Practice Resources
- Develop and maintain the group’s intranet, databases and collections, initially under the supervision of the practice resources lawyer.
- Work with practice resources lawyer and practice group leaders to identify practice-related training needs of the group and organize, design and lead group training programs to address those needs.
- Work with practice resources lawyer to update model forms and precedents for sponsor-side practice to reflect changes in applicable laws, regulations, market standards and best practice.
Staffing/Work Allocation
- Manage staffing for approximately 10 first- and second-year corporate associates in the Sponsor Finance group, in coordination with the staffing partner.
- Monitor utilization and track associates’ experience to maximize the variety of work, increase exposure to different partners and senior associates, and develop new skills.
- Manage group-wide vacation calendar and coordinate vacation coverage for junior associates, in coordination with the staffing partner.
Attorney Reviews
- Coordinate interim and year-end performance evaluation process for associates and counsel in the group.
- Collect feedback throughout the year regarding attorney performance and discuss with practice group leaders how best to deliver that feedback.
- Track and facilitate the realization of Professional Development Priorities identified during the year-end review process.
Orientation & Integration of New and Lateral Attorneys
- Conduct orientation for rotators and lateral attorneys joining the group.
- Provide support to attorneys returning from leave or secondment; manage re-integration and conduct regular check-in meetings.
Mentoring & Coaching
- Assign associate mentors to rotators and lateral associates.
- Oversee partner advisor assignment to all permanent associates.
Work with associates and counsel on individualized basis to identify coaching and training needs and facilitate the provision of resources to support them.
Additional Responsibilities
- Counsel associates on various issues including: practice group specialization, incorporation of review feedback, work-life balance, firm policies, client relationships, advancing to senior roles, delegating, presentation skills and career transitions.
- Meet regularly with associates to assess morale and group cohesion, identify training needs, answer questions and address concerns.
- Collaborate with other departments including Human Resources, Benefits, Recruiting, Facilities, Events and Business Development to ensure consistent firm policy administration and to contribute on special projects.
- Organize frequent practice group social gatherings.
- Manage practice group’s outreach to the firm’s summer associates.
- Miscellaneous ad hoc projects as requested by practice group and PD department.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and oral. Able to propose creative solutions to challenging problems.
- Prior experience providing knowledge management support is highly desirable.
- Aptitude for, and interest in, technology.
- Understanding of learning processes and different methods of training.
- Exceptional organizational skills.
- 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.
- Bachelor’s degree and JD required.
- Minimum of 2-4 years’ post-graduate experience in a law firm, practicing in leveraged finance or similar transactional groups.
- Familiarity with leveraged finance and/or corporate transactional practice a plus.
- Experience with collaborating with partners in a large law firm setting expected.
The expected base salary range 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.