Professional Development Manager ( Legal L&D )

Oakleaf are partnering with a leading international law firm to help them find a Professional Development Manager. The company have a substantial European practice of which the London office has more than 260 employees inclusive of lawyers, partners and support staff.

This position supports all aspects of trainee, associate and counsel Professional Development for the London office. The role reports into the Head of HR and will work closely with the New York-based Professional Development team, as well as similar positions in other offices within Europe and Asia.

We are looking for experienced candidates who have performed a similar role previously for another law firm.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and coordinate the delivery of legal and Professional Development training for London partners, counsel, associates and trainees to address their respective learning and development needs
• Oversee the trainee seat rotation and qualification process. Provide effective coaching and Professional Development support for our trainee cohort
• Work with human resources staff to coordinate the lawyering orientation process for new trainees, associates and counsel
• Manage the evaluation process for London trainees, associates and counsel, including supervising the collection of evaluations, interviewing partners to collect evaluations, organizing review materials for discussion of partners responsible for reviews, participating in discussions of associate performance, drafting career development messages, rankings and other performance messages, monitoring to ensure that performance messages are delivered, and participating in Evaluation Committee meetings
• Coordinate the associate reviews as well as lawyer training across the firm’s European offices
• Support the formal advising program for associates, including advisor assignments, orientation and training in advising-related matters
• Provide career counselling and guidance for associates and counsel on Professional Development and practice issues
• Convene, participate on and contribute, to the firm’s Associate Liaison Committee. Monitor trends and best practices in Professional Development and make recommendations for strengthening the office’s ability to develop and retain associates
• Convene, participate on and contribute, to the firm’s D&I Committee. Monitor trends and best practices and make recommendations for strengthening the office’s ability to promote DEI at all levels.
• Monitor trends and best practices in Professional Development and make recommendations for strengthening the office’s ability to develop and retain associates
• Work closely with the New York-based Professional Development team on global projects and initiatives

Requirements:

• Solid experience in the Professional Development field as well as previous legal experience
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate and relate effectively with lawyers at all levels, clients and administrative employees
• Superior written communication skills
• Ability to develop and implement programs and initiatives
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team