Manager, Professional Development

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 Litigation Professional Development team and the partners in the DC office to oversee work allocation, utilization, performance and development, performance review process, onboarding and integration of new attorneys as well as organizing practice group and office-wide events.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

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

Staffing/ Work Allocation

• Work closely with the Litigation PD team to manage work allocation for litigation attorneys in DC.

• Monitor attorneys' availability and professional development.

• Create reports for partners to assist with staffing and utilization.

• Track attorneys' experience in order to maximize variety of work, exposure to different partners and counsel, and development of new skills.

• Assist with staffing Litigation associates across practice groups as needed.

Attorney Reviews

• Work with the PD team to coordinate the performance evaluation process for associates and counsel.

• Prepare written review summaries for associates and counsel.

• 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.

Attorney Retention

• Meet regularly with DC-based attorneys in litigation and corporate practice groups to monitor morale, answer questions, and address any concerns.

• Manage re-integration and conduct check-ins for attorneys returning from leave or secondment.

• Advise associates and counsel on professional development goals and progress.

• 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 and HR to conduct orientation for lateral attorneys.

• Conduct regular check-ins with lateral attorneys.

• Work with PD team to track admission to the DC bar.

Attorney Training

• Work with practice group leaders, knowledge management team and other PD managers to identify training needs and skill gaps, and organize training programs to address those needs.

Practice Group and Office-wide Activities

• Collaborate with DC office team to organize regular practice group meetings and social gatherings for the group and the attorneys in the DC office.

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

• JD degree preferred. 

• A minimum of three to five years’ post-graduate experience in a law firm or professional services organization expected. 

• Familiarity with Litigation practice preferred.

• Experience 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.