Position: Director of Professional Development - M&A (Global Law Firm)
Company: Global Law Firm with Headquarters in NY
Location: NYC (hybrid)
Comp Package: Base Salary to $250K, Potential Sign-On Bonus, Year-End Bonus, Full Benefits, 401K+, etc.
Summary for Director of Professional Development (Corporate M&A): This person will act as a strategic partner to the Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) leadership team within the Corporate Department. In this capacity, the Associate Director oversees a comprehensive range of functions focusing on four key areas: staffing optimization, attorney career progression, performance management and policy implementation and management.
Responsibilities for Director of Professional Development (Corporate M&A):
- Leverage data-driven insights to maximize staffing efficiency, enhance utilization and align skills with business needs
- Proactively engage with M&A Heads and practice group leaders to identify emerging challenges, develop innovative strategies, and implement solutions that drive organizational success
- Execute the annual evaluation cycle to ensure alignment with firm objectives, ensuring integration of robust feedback and linking outcomes to targeted professional development initiatives
- Provide strategic guidance to attorneys on work allocation, career progression and professional challenges, positioning the firm as an employer of choice in the M&A sector
- Implement a data-driven approach to monitor and enhance attorney morale, preemptively address skill gaps, and foster an environment of continuous improvement
- Create a comprehensive integration program for lateral hires, ensuring rapid acclimatization and maximizing long-term retention and productivity
- Conduct in-depth departure analyses and implement targeted retention strategies to maintain a competitive edge in the talent market
- Foster partnerships across Professional Development & Training, Career Development, Recruiting and Finance to align talent management with broader organizational goals
- Lead the M&A Legal Personnel team with strategic staffing of projects, promote professional growth and development
Qualifications for Director of Professional Development (Corporate M&A):
- Undergraduate degree and J.D. required and 7-10 years of professional service experience, with 3-5 years minimum experience in a law firm
- Preference for experience in talent management in a law firm
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills
- Highly organized and self-directed
- Thrives in fast-paced environments
- Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritize effectively
- Creative problem-solving skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality