Senior Attorney Development Manager-Mergers & Acquisitions & Capital Markets

Houston, Dallas or New York

Summary
The Senior Attorney Development Manager – M&A/Capital Markets works in collaboration with Practice Group Leaders, Talent/Diversity Leads, Talent Management, and other Business Professionals to lead firmwide talent and development efforts for more than 130 associates across multiple offices for the practice group. This is a strategic leadership role focused on managing initiatives that enhance the attorney experience as it relates to integration and onboarding, training, development, mentoring/coaching, work and performance management and career transitioning, with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion.  

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

In collaboration with Practice Group Leaders, Talent/Diversity Leads, Professional Development Leads, Talent Management, and other Business Professionals, this role will focus on the following areas: 

Feedback/Performance Management – Manages the associate feedback and performance management process. Provides guidance to partners on ways to continue to develop associate performance as part of the formal annual process as well as throughout the year Facilitates frequent, real-time feedback between partners and associates to ensure associates are receiving clear and actionable feedback as well as going-forward strategies to achieve their annual goals

Work Assignments – Oversees associate work assignment process by regularly performing analysis of associate availability and utilization information to facilitate equitable distribution of work. Makes strategic staffing recommendations based on knowledge of associate skills, interests and workload. Support associates in achieving individual productivity goals

Coaching, Mentoring, Development Plans – Provides confidential coaching for associates on work and career issues and strategies for success. Facilitates mentor pairings and conversations between mentors and mentees. Works with associates on individual career development plans and action items to achieve personal career goals

Workforce Planning – Oversees workforce planning including projecting talent needs, managing recruitment efforts, and supporting secondments, leaves of absence, and flexible working arrangements

Training – Contributes to the planning, design and implementation of a comprehensive practice-specific formal skills training program

Integration / Onboarding / Transition – Facilitates on-boarding and integration for entry-level and lateral new associates. Coaches departing attorneys on career transitioning, outplacement and conducting exit interviews

Employee Relations – Handles sensitive and confidential associate relations matters

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion – Ensures DE&I is considered as part of all talent discussions and initiatives within the practice group

Metrics – Reviews and reports on metrics regularly to identify gaps and opportunities for associate development 

Secondary Duties and Responsibilities

• Contribute to other planning development initiatives and programs as requested 

Working Conditions

• Firm will require COVID vaccination for all employees who will have any in-office presence with proof of vaccination being required. Individuals with medical or religious reasons for remaining unvaccinated may request an accommodation.
• Job is performed in a typical office environment, but is subject to time pressures and constraints, and is often dependent on input from others. 

Qualifications

Education – Bachelor’s degree required. JD preferred. 

Experience – Five years of related experience required, experience as a practicing attorney in a corporate practice at a peer law firm preferred. Prior experience in staffing, professional development or practice support a plus.  

Technical Skills – Proficient in the use of computer programs including Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and PowerPoint. Knowledge of talent systems such as ViGlobal and Oracle a plus. 

Attributes – Innovative thinker; creative problem solver; excellent interpersonal, team, and verbal and written communications skills; works effectively and collaboratively at all levels. Excellent organizational skills with ability to manage multiple projects at once, realign priorities as needed, and drive projects to successful completion. Ability to work independently and flexibly, managing multiple tasks simultaneously. Commands the respect of partners, associates and business support colleagues. Responds quickly and positively to shifting demands and opportunities. Ability to anticipate problems and independently propose solutions while maintaining highly confidential and sensitive information.  

Qualifications – Sound judgment and ability to respect, protect and maintain highly confidential and sensitive information. Ability to work under tight deadlines and handle multiple, detailed tasks.