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Position Summary
The Manager, Professional Development - Litigation will work closely with the partners in the Civil and IP Litigation groups to oversee work allocation, utilization, performance and development, as well as organizing practice group events. In addition, this individual will collaborate with other members of the Professional Development team to implement our performance review process, onboarding and integration of new attorneys.
Essential Duties And Responsibilities
Typical responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
Staffing/ Work Allocation
- Work closely with staffing partners in our Civil Litigation and IP Litigation practice areas to manage work allocation across each group.
- Monitor attorneys' availability and professional development.
- Create reports for litigation partners to assist with staffing and utilization.
- Track attorneys' experience in order to maximize variety of work, exposure to different partners and counsel, and development of new skills.
- Assist with staffing 1st - 3rd year and White Collar and Antitrust associates as needed.
Attorney Reviews
- Coordinate the performance evaluation process for Civil and IP associates and counsel.
- Prepare written review summaries for all Civil and IP associates and counsel.
- Provide oral summary reports on associates and counsel during review meetings and help identify performance issues and training needs.
- Track and facilitate the realization of Professional Development Priorities identified during year-end review process.
Attorney Retention
- Advise 4th year - senior associates in the Civil and IP litigation practice groups on professional development goals and progress.
- Meet regularly with Civil and IP attorneys to monitor morale, answer questions, and address any concerns.
- Prepare data for discussion with practice group and firm leadership regarding professional development and retention of attorneys.
- Make recommendations for improving associate recruiting and retention.
- Organize regular practice group meetings and social gatherings.
Orientation & Integration of New and Lateral Attorneys
- Conduct orientation for lateral attorneys in Civil and IP.
- Provide support to new parents; manage re-integration and conduct regular check-in meetings.
- Assist with secondment requests, follow-up and re‑integration.
Attorney Training
- Work with practice group leaders, knowledge management team and other PD managers to identify training needs and skill gaps, and organize training programs to address those needs.
Qualifications/Position Requirements
- Strong time-management skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks quickly and efficiently.
- Detail-oriented, organized and driven, with the desire to take ownership of projects and responsibilities, but to also work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
- Able to propose creative solutions to challenging problems.
- Ability to maintain utmost discretion of confidential information.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to work confidently and collaboratively with individuals at all levels of the organization.
- Ability to establish rapport and build relationships and credibility with internal stakeholders.
- Ability to maintain professional composure in high- pressure situations and a fast-paced, multi-authority environment.
- Highly motivated, responsive and conscientious, with a commitment to delivering excellent client service.
- Availability during standard office hours and the ability to respond to email promptly outside of standard office hours and on weekends is essential.
- Familiarity with Excel and comfortable creating and presenting PowerPoint presentations expected.
Education And/or Experience
- JD degree preferred.
- A minimum of three to five years’ post-graduate experience in a law firm or professional services organization expected.
- Familiarity with Litigation practice preferred.
- Experience collaborating with partners in a large law firm setting expected.
Compensation
The expected base salary for this position ranges from $200,000 - $225,000. Salary offers are based on a wide range of factors including relevant skills, training, experience, education, and, where applicable, licensure or certifications obtained. Market and organizational factors are also considered. Davis Polk offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
