Vedder Price's Chicago office is looking for an Associate Development Manager. The Associate Development Manager is responsible for the development of associates, including overseeing a broad range of associate development initiatives and providing support to practice area leaders on associate work allocation, integration, engagement, and career development. The Associate Development Manager will work closely with the Chief Attorney Professional Development Officer, Senior Manager of Professional Development, Practice Area Leaders and Firm Management. The position reports to the Chief Attorney Professional Development Officer and will be based in the Firm's Chicago office but will work with attorneys Firm-wide.
As an Associate Development Manager, your duties will include but not be limited to:
- Partner with practice area leaders on monitoring work allocation amongst associates, including facilitating real-time work allocation reporting and outreach to associates. Work with practice area leaders to regularly assess and enhance their associate work allocation systems.
- Provide and/or coordinate regular coaching and support to associates with respect to their individual performance, development, and career goals.
- Assist in the management of the associate mentor program to ensure that the program is enhancing associate engagement and professional development, including assigning mentors to new associates, monitoring mentor relationships, and soliciting feedback from mentors and mentees. Assess the mentor program regularly and make recommendations to enhance and improve the program.
- Assist in the implementation of the associate evaluation process, including understanding the evaluation tools, process, and strategy, and working with the Chief Attorney Professional Development Officer to identify associate performance issues and facilitate additional coaching and training as-needed.
- Collaborate with the Senior Manager of Professional Development to identify associate training needs and suggest program ideas to support associate professional development. Work with the Chief Attorney Professional Development Officer, Senior Manager of Professional Development, and other team members on planning associate retreats.
- Partner with Practice Area Leaders and key internal departments to ensure successful associate on-boarding and integration, including facilitating introductions to other attorneys and conducting regular check-ins with new associates.
- Support the Firm's Diversity and Inclusion strategy and assist with Diversity & Inclusion Committee initiatives as-needed.
- Collaborate with other team members to execute on department, practice area, and firm-wide associate development and engagement initiatives, as needed.
Skills & Competencies:
- Excellent writing, communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to respect, protect, and maintain highly confidential and sensitive information
- Ability and strong desire to work as part of a team in a demanding, client-service oriented legal services environment
Qualifications & Required Experience:
- Bachelor's degree required; JD a plus
- Minimum 3 years' experience preferred, working in training and professional development, preferably within a law firm, corporate or academic environment OR at least 2 years preferred of experience working as an attorney in a large law firm environment
- Position also requires the ability to work under pressure to meet strict deadlines
Computer Skills:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be proficient in the following software:
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Experience using CE Manager, viDesktop, or other learning management systems
Equal Employment Opportunity
Vedder Price P.C. is an equal opportunity employer. We value and encourage diversity and solicit applications from all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability (where applicant is qualified to perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodations), medical condition, protected veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. We participate in E-verify.
Applicants who are interested in applying for a position and require special assistance or an accommodation during the process due to a disability should contact the Vedder Price Recruiting Team at vprecruiting@vedderprice.com.