Associate Development Manager - Business Litigation

Cooley LLP•Palo Alto, CA

2d•$170,000 - $210,000

About The Position

Cooley is seeking an Associate Development Manager to join its Professional Development team. The role works closely with practice group leadership and colleagues in Professional Development and Legal Talent, primarily supporting associate staffing, utilization, integration, and development. The Associate Development Manager helps manage associate work allocation, monitor workloads and professional development, analyze associate metrics, and support staffing and hiring plans. The position also supports performance reviews, feedback and coaching, onboarding and integration, training initiatives, attorney licensing and continuing legal education, diversity and inclusion efforts, and associate wellness. The role may include other duties as assigned or required. The expected annual pay range for a full-time schedule is $170,000–$210,000. The final offer depends on geographic location, applicable experience, and skill set. Senior-level candidates may be considered and may be eligible for a higher salary range based on experience. Cooley offers competitive compensation and benefits and is committed to fair and equitable employment practices.

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 5 years of direct experience with staffing and work allocation in a large law firm or professional services organization, or at least 5 years of combined law firm professional development and prior law practice experience; preferably in a large law firm environment.
For senior-level candidates, at least 7 years of applicable experience in the field and at least 2 years of exempt or management experience in relevant roles.
Ability to establish rapport and build relationships and credibility with internal stakeholders.
Excellent interpersonal, listening, oral, 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, driven, and willing to take ownership while working collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Strong time-management skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks quickly and efficiently.

Nice To Haves

Juris Doctor (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 responsible for staffing to manage associate work allocation.
Monitor associate workloads and professional development and help allocate matters equitably in light of client needs and attorneys’ individual development goals.
Track, aggregate, and analyze associate metrics, including availability and utilization rates; partner with practice group leaders and associates to support individual productivity goals and practice group productivity.
Work with practice group leaders and supervising partners to identify staffing needs and hiring targets, partnering with Legal Talent to support the group’s goals and needs.
Support the associate performance review process and help ensure reviews are delivered on time.
Monitor associate evaluations, prepare review delivery scripts, facilitate formal review delivery, and help associates act on feedback, coordinating with Professional Development colleagues for coaching where needed.
Meet with practice group leaders to identify high-performing associates and associates facing challenges, and facilitate timely mentoring, training, other support, and feedback between partners and associates.
Partner with Legal Talent and internal administrative departments on attorney onboarding and integration, including department orientation and onboarding schedules; help conduct exit interviews and use feedback to improve the associate experience.
Collaborate with Professional Development and Legal Education colleagues to develop, enhance, and implement legal and professional skills training and development initiatives.
Collaborate with Attorney Licensing and Compliance colleagues to support associates in obtaining and maintaining licensure and pursuing continuing legal education aligned with development goals.
Collaborate with the Diversity and Inclusion team to champion and implement initiatives and events, promote inclusive-culture practices, 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.