Associate Development Manager - Business Litigation

Cooley•San Francisco, CA

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 to support associate staffing, utilization, integration, and development. The position manages work allocation, monitors associate workloads and development, analyzes productivity metrics, and helps ensure staffing and hiring efforts meet the group’s needs and attorneys’ professional development goals. The manager supports associate performance reviews, coaching, mentoring, onboarding, and integration. The role also collaborates with Legal Education, Attorney Licensing and Compliance, Diversity and Inclusion, and HR/Wellness teams on training, licensing and continuing education, inclusion initiatives, and associate wellness. The position may require extended or weekend hours and travel. Cooley offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. The expected annual pay range for a full-time schedule is $170,000–$210,000; senior-level candidates may be considered for a higher range based on experience. Final compensation depends on geographic location, applicable experience, and skillset.

Requirements

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 and at least 2 years of exempt/management experience in relevant roles.
After orientation at Cooley LLP, proficiency in Microsoft Office, iManage, and other firm applications.
Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours as required.
Ability to travel as required.
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 mentoring or coaching.
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, with ownership of projects and responsibilities and the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Strong time-management skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks quickly and 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 staffing partners to manage associate work allocation.
Monitor associate workloads and professional development, and allocate new 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 work with Legal Talent to support hiring efforts.
Support associate performance reviews, including coordinating with practice group leaders and Associate Review Committee members to deliver quality reviews on time.
Monitor associate evaluations, prepare review delivery scripts, and facilitate formal review delivery.
Help associates implement feedback, partnering with Professional Development colleagues to provide coaching where needed.
Meet with practice group leaders to identify high-performing associates and associates facing challenges so appropriate mentoring, training, or other actions can be taken promptly.
Facilitate frequent feedback between partners and associates.
Partner with Legal Talent and internal administrative departments to support 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 colleagues to develop, enhance, and implement legal and professional skills training programs and initiatives.
Collaborate with Attorney Licensing and Compliance colleagues to support associates’ licensing requirements and continuing legal education aligned with development goals.
Collaborate with the Diversity and Inclusion team to champion and implement initiatives and events, promote inclusive practices, and serve as a resource for diverse attorneys.
Collaborate with HR/Wellness teams to promote associate wellness.
Perform other duties as assigned or required.