Associate Development Manager
COMPANY PROFILE:
Our client is a large, full-service law firm with a national and international presence, recognized for the strength and depth of its practice groups, including a well-regarded Cyber/Data/Privacy practice. The firm has invested in a robust Professional Development and Legal Talent infrastructure dedicated to supporting associate staffing, integration, and long-term career growth.
The firm places strong emphasis on equitable work allocation, mentorship, and structured career development, reflecting its commitment to cultivating talent and maintaining a collaborative, high-performing culture across its practice groups.
FEATURES AND BENEFITS of our Client
This role offers the opportunity to work closely with practice group leadership and cross-functional Professional Development and Legal Talent teams in a collaborative, mission-driven environment. Our client provides a competitive compensation and benefits package, along with meaningful opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and exposure to firm leadership. The role may require extended and/or weekend hours and occasional travel, and offers the chance to make a direct impact on associate development, culture, and firm-wide talent strategy.
THE ROLE YOU WILL PLAY:
- Partner with practice group leaders and partners in charge of staffing to manage the work allocation process for associates within the group
- Monitor associate workloads and professional development, helping allocate new matters to ensure an equitable distribution of assignments consistent with client needs and individual development goals
- Track, aggregate and analyze associate metrics, including availability and utilization rates, partnering with practice group leaders and associates to support productivity goals
- Coordinate with practice group leaders and other supervising partners to identify staffing needs and hiring targets, partnering with the Legal Talent team to align hiring efforts with group goals
- Support the associate performance review process, working with practice group leaders and review committee members to ensure timely, quality reviews
- Help monitor associate evaluations, prepare review delivery scripts, and facilitate delivery of formal reviews; support associates in implementing feedback and provide coaching in partnership with the Professional Development team
- Meet regularly with practice group leaders to identify high-performing associates and those facing specific challenges, facilitating mentoring, training and frequent feedback between partners and associates
- Partner with Legal Talent and other internal departments to support attorney onboarding and integration, including conducting department orientations and building onboarding schedules; help conduct exit interviews to inform continuous improvement
- Collaborate with Professional Development and Legal Education teams to develop and implement legal and professional skills training programs and initiatives
- Collaborate with Attorney Licensing and Compliance teams to ensure associates obtain and maintain licensure and engage in continuing legal education aligned with development goals
- Collaborate with the Diversity and Inclusion team to champion related initiatives, promote an inclusive culture, and serve as a resource for diverse attorneys
- Collaborate with HR/Wellness teams to promote associate wellness
BACKGROUND PROFILE:
- 5+ years of direct experience with staffing and work allocation in a large law firm or professional services organization, or 5+ years of combined law firm professional development and prior law practice experience, preferably in a large law firm environment
- Senior-level candidates should have 7+ years of applicable experience in the field, including 2+ years of exempt/management experience in relevant roles
- Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite and other firm applications (training provided upon joining)
- Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours and to travel, as required
- JD degree preferred
- Substantial experience in work allocation, talent management, career coaching, professional development and/or personnel management preferred
- Ability to establish rapport and build relationships and credibility with internal stakeholders
- Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
- Ability to respect and maintain highly sensitive or confidential information
- Excellent people management skills, including serving as a mentor or coach
- Professional demeanor and the ability to use initiative, diplomacy and tact
- Ability to make independent judgments and decisions based on a set of principles rather than rigid rules
- Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with multiple constituencies
- Detail-oriented, organized and driven, with a desire to take ownership of projects while also collaborating effectively within a team-oriented environment
- Strong time management skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks quickly and efficiently
ABOUT ABA Search
At ABA, we value professionalism, honesty, and hard work. We are positive, innovative thinkers who use creativity to turn challenges into opportunities. We love to learn and continuously seek new ways to deepen our expertise in the Legal and Life Sciences industries. We are passionate about staffing and committed to the success of our clients and candidates. That is what makes us “the name to know in recruitment.”
