Job Description
We are working with a US law firm seeking an advisor for their professional development team.
The Professional Development team collaborates with partners and lawyers across practice groups to design, implement, and deliver the associate skills curriculum. They assist practice group leaders in creating and delivering practice-specific training for associates, oversee continuing legal education (CLE) accreditation/compliance, manage the Professional Skills Course (PSC) for trainees, and handle the associate and trainee review processes and advising/mentoring programs.
This full-time role supports all aspects of professional development for trainees, associates, and counsel in the London office, reporting to the Head of HR. It involves close collaboration with the New York-based Professional Development team and similar roles in other European and Asian offices.
As a Professional Development Advisor, your responsibilities will include:
- Developing and coordinating legal and professional development training for London partners, counsel, associates, and trainees to address their learning and development needs.
- Working with HR to coordinate the orientation process for new trainees, associates, and counsel.
- Managing the evaluation process for London trainees, associates, and counsel, including collecting evaluations, interviewing partners, organising review materials, participating in performance discussions, drafting career development messages, and ensuring performance feedback is delivered.
- Coordinating associate reviews and lawyer training across the firm’s Asian and European offices.
- Supporting the formal advising program for associates, including advisor assignments, orientation, and training.
- Providing career counselling and guidance for associates and counsel on professional development and practice issues.
- Convening and contributing to the firm’s Associate Liaison Committee, monitoring trends and best practices in professional development, and recommending improvements.
- Working closely with the New York-based Professional Development team on global projects and initiatives.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
- A minimum of 3-5 years of experience in the professional development field.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate and relate effectively with lawyers at all levels, clients, and administrative employees.
- Superior written communication skills.
- Proven ability to develop and implement programs and initiatives.
- Strong analytical skills for developing and reporting statistical information.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.