Associate Development Manager - Capital Markets

Cooley LLP • Washington, DC

1d • $145,000 - $210,000

About The Position

Cooley is seeking an Associate Development Manager to join the Professional Development team. Working closely with practice group leadership and team members in Professional Development and Legal Talent, this role primarily supports associate staffing, utilization, integration, and development.

The manager works with practice group leaders and staffing partners on associate work allocation, monitors workloads and development, and analyzes availability and utilization metrics. The role also supports hiring plans, performance reviews, feedback and coaching, onboarding and integration, training programs, attorney licensing and continuing legal education, diversity and inclusion initiatives, and associate wellness. Other duties may be assigned or required.

The position requires at least five years of relevant experience, with additional experience and management background required for senior-level candidates. A JD and substantial experience in work allocation, talent management, career coaching, professional development, or personnel management are preferred. The expected annual pay range for a full-time schedule is $145,000–$210,000; senior-level candidates may be eligible for a higher range. Final compensation depends on location, experience, and skillset.

Requirements

• After orientation at Cooley LLP, demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office, iManage, and other firm applications.
• Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours as required.
• Ability to travel as required.
• At least five years of direct staffing and work-allocation experience in a large law firm or professional services organization, or at least five years of combined law firm professional development and prior law practice experience, preferably in a large law firm environment.
• Senior-level candidates must have at least seven years of applicable experience, including at least two years of exempt or management experience in relevant roles.
• Ability to establish rapport and build relationships and credibility with internal stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, listening, and written communication skills.
• Ability to respect and maintain highly sensitive or confidential information.
• Excellent people-management skills, including the ability to serve as a mentor or coach.
• Professional demeanor and ability to use initiative, diplomacy, and tact.
• Ability to make independent judgments and decisions based on principles rather than rules.
• Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with multiple constituencies.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and driven; able to take ownership while working collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Strong time-management skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks efficiently.

Nice To Haves

• JD degree.
• Substantial experience in work allocation, talent management, career coaching, professional development, and/or personnel management.

Responsibilities

• Work with practice group leaders and partners in charge of staffing to manage associate work allocation.
• Monitor associate workloads and professional development, and help allocate matters equitably in line with client needs and attorneys’ development goals.
• Track, aggregate, and analyze associate metrics, including availability and utilization; partner with leaders and associates to support productivity goals.
• Coordinate with practice group leaders and supervising partners to identify staffing needs and hiring targets, and partner with Legal Talent on hiring efforts.
• Support associate performance reviews and timely delivery of quality reviews.
• Monitor evaluations, prepare review delivery scripts, facilitate formal reviews, and help associates act on feedback, including arranging coaching where needed.
• Meet with practice group leaders to identify high-performing associates and those facing challenges, facilitate partner-associate feedback, and help arrange appropriate mentoring, training, or other support.
• Partner with Legal Talent and administrative departments on attorney onboarding and integration, including department orientation and onboarding schedules.
• Conduct exit interviews and use departing associates’ feedback to help improve the associate experience.
• Collaborate with Professional Development and Legal Education teams to develop and implement legal and professional skills training.
• Collaborate with Attorney Licensing and Compliance to help associates meet licensure requirements and pursue continuing legal education aligned with development goals.
• Collaborate with Diversity and Inclusion on initiatives and events, promote an inclusive culture, and serve as a resource for diverse attorneys.
• Collaborate with HR and Wellness teams to promote associate wellness.
• Perform other duties as assigned or required.

Benefits

• Medical insurance options.
• Health savings account with applicable medical plan.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision insurance.
• Health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts.
• Pre-tax commuter benefits.
• Life insurance, including firm-paid life insurance for benefited employees.
• AD&D coverage, including firm-paid coverage for benefited employees.
• Long-term care coverage.
• Backup care for children and/or adults.
• Other parental support benefits.
• Firm-paid long-term disability coverage for benefited employees.
• Firm-paid short-term medical benefits for benefited employees.
• 21 days of paid time off annually for benefited employees.
• 10 paid holidays annually for benefited employees.
• Generous parental leave.
• Fertility benefits.
• Competitive compensation package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed