Attorney Development Manager

Lowenstein Sandler•New York, NY

38d•$170,000 - $190,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Associate Development Manager (the “ADM”) is responsible for people development (PD) initiatives for junior corporate Associates in their first and second years of practice at the firm. All aspects of this role are focused on optimizing Associate integration, engagement, skills development, retention, and facilitating overall fulfilling experiences for Associates while at Lowenstein. The ADM will embed and nurture firm wide PD initiatives and programming within the practice and, working with Knowledge Management Attorneys and other trainers, supplement those with practice-tailored initiatives to meet their goals. Working closely with the group’s Practice Manager, the ADM aligns attorney development efforts to support and drive practice and firm goals. Their work is performed through intentional collaboration and communication with the PD Team and thoughtful collaboration with other BSG functions throughout the firm. This is an excellent opportunity to be an integral member of a dynamic law practice and progressive PD team.

Requirements

Juris-doctorate degree
5+ years of experience in a Professional Development Function or in a law firm management role significantly aligned with PD
Demonstrated ability to align people initiatives to firm growth and client objectives.
Knowledge of general corporate practices; knowledge of transactions and more specifically, Emerging Companies and Venture Capital, Investment Management and Mergers & Acquisitions a plus.
Demonstrated success and experience in managing by relationship and results; proven ability to be a positive member of a management team.
Strong business acumen and industry knowledge and significant experience with data management and analysis (e.g., spreadsheets, databases).
Exceptional executive presence, judgment, and relationship building skills, and the ability to deal with partners and senior leaders within the law firm setting.
Active involvement in change management initiatives.
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral. Ability to efficiently communicate with senior management.
Ability to organize and manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet multiple tight deadlines.
Self-starter who can operate independently, and as part of a team, to develop, manage and execute on people development strategies.
Ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality and exercise appropriate discretion.
Results-oriented.
Attention to detail.
Excellent emotional intelligence skills and reputation as a culture carrier.
Growth mindset and demonstrated engagement with AI tools and innovative processes.
Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
Strong project management skills.
Must display enthusiasm, patience, flexibility, a positive and upbeat attitude, and perceive challenges as client service opportunities.
Must be able to represent oneself professionally as a representative of the firm in an array of situations, interacting with all levels of the organization and various external resources.
Ability and desire to work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to anticipate issues and questions and take initiative.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of transactions and more specifically, Emerging Companies and Venture Capital, Investment Management and Mergers & Acquisitions

Responsibilities

Positioning oneself to be viewed as a trusted advisor within the group.
Understanding the practice, its clients and attorney and BSG members of the practice.
Understanding firm wide and practice-tailored programs, resources, and opportunities for Associate development.
Conducting regular 1:1 check ins with Associates to understand their unique and evolving career goals, needs, strengths and interests.
Facilitating Associate access to, and interest in, training, mentorship, sponsorship, shadowing, coaching and other PD programs, offerings, and initiatives as well as any group specific initiatives designed to supplement firmwide efforts.
Working collaboratively with the Practice Manager to understand and support the group’s overall business goals.
With practice leaders, managing work allocation in ways that meet client needs, optimize attorney utilization and productivity, and drive positive Associate experiences around skill building and broader professional development.
Collaborating with Practice Leaders, Practice Managers, and the Recruiting and Integration Functions to facilitate extraordinary onboarding, orientation, and integration experiences for Associates.
Supporting Associates heading into, during and following a secondment or leave of absence and collaborating with the Practice Management, Alumni, Marketing and PD Functions on successful Associate transitions to the role of Alumni Ambassador.
Managing various aspects of the Associate performance management process including scheduling, attending, and readying materials for performance roundtables, ensuring progress against goals and action items arising from roundtables, ensuring the timely delivery of reviews to Associates, facilitating regular real-time feedback between junior and more senior attorneys and facilitating the occurrence of timely career goals conversations.
Tracking, analyzing, and reporting on associate metrics that indicate engagement, productivity, and career growth (e.g.: capacity and utilization, participation in pro bono, engagement with the firm’s training, mentorship, sponsorship, shadowing and other PD offerings, initiatives, and resources, and the extent and value of participation in non-billable activities).
Performing practice-tailored training needs assessments and collaborating with content developers and faculty to ensure the “just-in-time” delivery of training that meets the needs of the practice and the Associates.
Collaborating with the PD Training Manager to identify 1:1 coaching opportunities for Associates.
Implementing measures and messaging to underscore the importance of an innovative, growth mindset and to foster the Associates’ exploration and adoption of new tools and processes for delivering value and efficiency.
Collaborating with BD and PD on external facing professional development opportunities.
Participating actively in various leadership groups and meetings (e.g., Corporate Catalyst Leadership Team).
Collaborating with Integration, Recruiting, PD and other business functions to optimize the group’s brand with respect to Summer Associates, and others throughout the firm.
Collaborating with the Inclusion and Wellness Teams to facilitate a culture that promotes inclusion, humanity, and wellness.
Establishing and maintaining extraordinary working relationships with members of the firmwide BSG Team.
Ensuring that associates in the group secure bar admissions and take steps to maintain their licenses to practice.
Knowing and adhering to Firm policies and procedures, with a particular emphasis on understanding the policies related to PD.
Maintaining and organizing program and project documentation.
Seeking timely solutions to work conflicts and priorities.
Keeping track of open items / initiating timely follow-up.