Careers

Within a global framework, the Assistant Director of Professional Skills Training - US will be responsible for identifying, developing and executing a structured professional skills learning and development program for lawyers and Business Services teams in the US offices and Mexico as well as working with contacts in other regions to improve the local and global professional skills offerings.

The Assistant Director of Professional Skills Training - US will also work closely with team members from Learning & Development, Human Resources, and Legal Risk Management in the US and other regions to ensure the delivery of a seamless service to lawyers and Business Services employees.

Essential Functions:

• Ensures that the Professional Skills team meets the needs of the business by supporting the development of lawyers and Business Services employees
  • Develops curricula and implements programs to maximize effectiveness, quality and continued professional development and to achieve stated learning objectives
  • Works in conjunction with practice group leaders, training committees, Knowledge Management practice support lawyers, partners, associates and department heads to conduct a training needs analysis and develop a strategic plan to align training content to the business priorities of the practices and departments. Use this information, along with lawyer competencies and other feedback, to revise and prioritize current programs and to design new dynamic, relevant and effective substantive training in keeping with this desired direction
  • Implements a professional skills training curriculum for each practice group and level of seniority in the US/Mexico offices and for various roles in administrative departments, ensuring this is tied to practice group/department bench marks and lawyer competencies.  Addresses priority issues and new developments.  Manage the content and format across groups and offices
  • Identifies cost-effective additional learning resources and content delivery methods/formats that range from face to face, blended and digital solutions; draw from existing access to on demand programs to supplement formal programming, and maintain and curate these on internal online platforms (GlobalNet, Stream, CE Manager) for target groups. For example, assist with developing varied approaches to information-based learning, such as online training modules, on-the-job learning, and associate participation in teaching. Look to increase interactivity across all programs
  • Ensures appropriate videoing/recording of training sessions in order to build up a library of training which can be utilized on demand by lawyers and Business Services teams in the relevant groups and departments
  • Ensures that a consistent approach is taken to the production, maintenance, dissemination and continued accessibility of training materials; develop effective internal communications that increase engagement with a continuous learning culture
  • Coordinates with internal and external instructors to ensure that courses can be accredited for continuing legal education (CLE) credit, when applicable
  • Captures feedback and develops metrics to measure effectiveness of training and programming for annual reporting (e.g. retention of subject matter, knowledge/skills acquired, number of programs run, associate attendance/corresponding client utilization, evaluations etc.). Use this for cross-group fertilization and course development
  • Communicates program information to relevant audiences and firm leadership
• Works with the regional Learning & Development leaders to identify, develop and execute global career development programs, including the New Partner Conference and the Senior Associate, Mid-Level Associate, and Junior Associate Development Centers
• Works with the Career Development Advisor and the regional Learning & Development leaders to identify coaching and mentoring needs and to provide training in support of the Firm’s global mentoring program, coaching programs, and career development topics 
• Collaborates with the Firm’s Legal Risk Management, Employment, and Compliance lawyers to ensure all lawyers and Business Services employees receive risk, employment, and compliance training to comply with local, national, and international legal regulations and firm policy. Examples of training programs include anti-harassment, malpractice, information security, and risk management
• Works with the wider HR&D team to develop the Firm’s feedback and performance review  training for lawyers and Business Services and ensure integration into our HR programs
• Works with the wider HR&D team and the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion to develop the Firm’s DE&I training for lawyers and Business Services and ensure integration into our HR programs
• Works with the wider HR&D team and the Global Director of Benefits and Well-Being to develop our well-being training for lawyers and Business Services and ensure integration into our HR programs
• Works in conjunction with L&D teams in other offices and global regions to develop cross-office training opportunities, standardize training, develop best practices and create programming
• Develops and maintains a network of go-to external faculty and internal faculty across the US & Mexico offices
• Delivers training personally, sources external training providers, or coach lawyer presenters in effective teaching techniques for adult learners
• Stays knowledgeable about market and skill areas for development on which training may be required
• Effectively manages the budget to support the strategy and key projects
• Collaborates with the Business Development team, the Director of Learning & Development, and the global Learning & Development team to develop training courses that may be offered to clients
• Ensures that learning management systems and online learning platforms support our strategy. Investigates and proposes alternative resources as appropriate
• Promotes opportunities for cross-group/department training to encourage generation of ideas, collaboration and improved relationships
• In conjunction with the Director of Learning & Development and the regional Learning & Development leaders to prepare reports, curricula, newsletters, presentations, and brochures regarding programs  
• In conjunction with the Director of Learning & Development, manages the administrative functions of the US Learning & Development Department
• Performs other duties as assigned or required to meet Firm goals and objectives

Management Accountabilities:

• Manages processes for direct and indirect reports in regards to development, training, performance appraisals, annual compensation, goal setting and performance counselling
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience
• Operational budget and expense analysis, tracking, and recommendations
• Conducts analysis of staffing levels and participation in the recruitment process
• Able to determine and implement change processes to improve workflow efficiencies
• Process- and service-oriented with strong leadership and project management skills
• Able to set priorities and delegate in an efficient manner

Education/Training/Certifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, required. MA or JD degree strongly preferred. An equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be considered in lieu of the degree when the experience has been directly related to the functions of the job
• Qualified to use psychometric tools, desirable but not essential

Professional Experience: 

• Minimum of ten years of experience working professional development and/or legal or professional education
• Experience working within the L&D function of a professional services firm desirable
• Experience linking business strategy to tangible pragmatic development programs
• Significant experience designing, developing, delivering and managing high quality learning and development programs
• Experience utilizing a variety of instructional / content delivery methods including, but not limited to, curriculum design principles, adult learning theory, e-learning and blended learning strategies (in-person and virtual); using standard and mobile device platforms
• Experience engaging and gaining support throughout an organization
• Experience of coaching or using coaching as a development tool
• Proven ability to innovate and execute to deliver results and meet business needs
• Experience managing a team and working within a matrix organizational structure

Technical Skills: 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products, WebEx, and Zoom
• Experience with learning management software (CE Manager) a strong plus
• Experience with e-learning, polling and survey/evaluation tools a strong plus

Performance Traits:

• Be comfortable acting as an advisor and presenting to senior stakeholders
• Skilled in public speaking, presenting, and teaching in both in-person and virtual environments
• Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills
• Ability to establish credible relationships at all levels
• Able to lead, motivate and develop a team to achieve objectives. Able to manage change, "see the big picture" and contribute to the development of the L&D global strategy
• A highly collaborative team player who leads by example
• A self-starter with enthusiasm and energy
• Resilient, flexible and adaptable to changing priorities
• Able to prioritize and manage tasks in a high pressure environment and meet deadlines
• A high level of personal integrity
• A global mind-set and an ambassador for the L&D function
• Ability to work in a diverse team environment and effectively support the demanding needs of the Firm
• Strong customer service skills, able to anticipate needs and exercise independent judgment
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, project management skills, and the ability to handle multiple projects
• Maintains confidentiality and exercises discretion
• Exercises solid strategic thinking and problem-solving skills

Physical Requirements:

• May require occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs
• May require travel to other offices as needed
• Availability to attend weekend and evening events

Mayer Brown currently follows a hybrid schedule, generally three (3) days in the office and two (2) days working from home each week.

The above is a general description of the essential duties associated with this position and does not represent an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all duties.

The Firm may modify and amend this job description at any time at its sole discretion. Nothing herein creates a contract of employment or otherwise modifies the at-will nature of employment.

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits, including medical/dental/vision/life/and AD&D insurance, 401 (k) savings plan, back-up childcare and eldercare, generous paid time off (PTO), as well as opportunities for professional development and growth. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.