Attorney Development, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager

The Attorney Development, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Manager oversees the overall administration of the attorney development and diversity and inclusion functions in the Palo Alto office, including management of attorney onboarding and departures, evaluations, training and development, mentoring, affinity networks, diversity and inclusion programs and associate engagement programs and activities. The manager works closely with office, attorney development and diversity and inclusion leadership as well as global leadership in the New York office. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Oversees incoming and lateral attorney orientation and monitors their integration into practices and the firm.
• Oversees evaluation processes for associates and counsel. Includes managing the mid-year and year-end evaluation and review processes and coordinating individual training, coaching, or outplacement, when appropriate.
• Participates in conversations with firm leadership regarding associate performance and utilization and works with partners to implement/track appropriate follow-up.
• Administers the associate mentor program, including recommending mentor assignments, monitoring participation and reporting.
• Provides support to the office diversity and inclusion committee, including drafting meeting agendas, collaborating on committee priorities and objectives, and administering the committee's affinity network sponsor program; and implements derivative projects.
• Manages diversity and inclusion efforts to support attorney development through coordination with the local diversity and inclusion committee, affinity networks, and global diversity and inclusion team.
• Manage local affinity networks to ensure that annual planning, budget and programming align with the firm's diversity and inclusion objectives.
• Oversees attorney departure process, includes conducting exit interviews.
• Responsible for ensuring attorney personnel records and databases are maintained accurately, includes monitoring attorney compliance with annual policy acknowledgements/mandatory online trainings/videos, etc.
• Creates and implements professional development programs, as well as attorney retention and engagement initiatives, to meet the firm and office objectives and foster community.
• Serves as a confidential resource to attorneys, providing career guidance and support.
• Oversees California bar admissions, MCLE accreditation and compliance.
• Collaborates with the marketing team, providing CLE guidance for client programs.
• Oversees coordination of attorney training. Includes working closely with global attorney learning group to implement firm-wide curriculums at the local level, as well identifying local training needs, working with consultants to provide programming, and soliciting feedback on program effectiveness.
• Plans and attends attorney development and diversity and inclusion events and programming.
• Daily interaction with attorneys, secretaries and staff regarding attorney policies and procedures, expenses, billing time, etc.
• Prepares attorney development and diversity and inclusion annual budget and reviews, monitors and approves related expenses throughout the year.      
• Performs financial analysis and contract term review in line with firm procedures related to events.
• Works with global attorney development and benefits staff on administrative matters related to attorney benefits, flexible schedules, leaves of absence, disability and other leave arrangements.      
• Manages attorney development team in the Palo Alto office, including selection, training, outlining annual objectives and evaluation of staff performance.
• Monitors time, attendance, overtime and expense reports to ensure accuracy and compliance with firm policies.
• Ensures current knowledge of firm policies and practices for staff, current knowledge of industry trends, and continued professional development for staff.
• Recommends guidelines and practices to promote efficiency, effectiveness, top class service and improved employee engagement, in alignment with the firm's core values.
• Performs other related duties, as assigned.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND OTHER JOB-RELATED COMPETENCIES:

• Strong ability to engage and collaborate with firm leaders, lawyers, students, career placement offices and business services professionals
• Ability to handle difficult situations with poise and diplomacy and to use discretion and exercise independent and sound judgement
• Current knowledge of industry best practices, trend and techniques
• Knowledge of Firm operations, policies and procedures
• Knowledge and implementation of an annual budget process
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrates close attention to detail
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational and planning skills
• Demonstrated experience with leading and supervising others
• Ability to administer firm policies and procedures
• Ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities
• Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to organize and prioritize work and delegate effectively
• Ability to work well in a demanding and fast-paced environment
• Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team
• Flexibility to travel
• Demonstrates ability to lead and develop collaborative working relationships
• Excellent responsiveness, organizational and problem-solving skills
• Superior time-management skills, including the ability to prioritize projects, meet deadlines and solve problems
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships with attorneys
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, viDesktop and Micron CE Manager, with the ability to learn new software and operating systems
• Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• At least six to eight years of attorney professional development/HR experience with a law firm or other professional services firm environment