Attorney Development Manager

Overview of the Firm and Function

Firm

Freshfields is a major international law firm, providing legal advice of the highest quality. We want to be the law firm that clients turn to for legal advice where it matters most, wherever in the world that may be. We deliver seamless client service across borders, cultures, and languages.

Our people make our firm – we are a people business and want to create a welcoming and supportive environment where all can flourish. We see diversity as a strength which creates fresh perspectives and generates new ideas. We enjoy our work and are determined to do an outstanding job. We deliver best when working in teams.

We think and work globally – we don’t just say we are one firm; we act like one firm right across the world. We work wherever our clients need us. This is how we define ourselves, not by reference to where we have offices. Cross-border work isn’t just what we do, it is what we excel at. We understand what it really takes to work across different legal systems and commercial environments and to bridge language and cultural gaps.

We aim to add value in everything we do – we are passionate about helping our clients succeed. We use our experience and creativity to help clients make judgments and achieve their goals. In everything we do, we seek to make a real difference to the communities in which we operate.

The Legal Recruiting team focuses on recruiting law students and lateral attorneys. The Talent  team focuses on attorney development.

The Attorney DevelopmentManager will be responsible for the recruitment and professional development of talented legal professionals from the time they are law students throughout their careers at the firm. This role encompasses full-cycle recruitment of summer and lateral associates in Boston, support for student programs in Boston-area law schools, support for our innovative Freshfields next program, and support for the implementation of attorney development initiatives in Boston and across the US region. The ideal candidate will have experience in attorney recruiting and/or professional development within a law firm or professional services environment.

Key responsibilities and deliverables

Talent and Career Development

• Work with Learning & Development, Recruiting, and Events team to manage the innovative Freshfields next program supporting pre-boarding of law students, including planning signature events, coordinating the Freshfields next mentor program, and supporting ongoing learning and social events. 
• Work with Career Advisor and Senior Manager of Learning & Development to manage associate mentor program as well as “buddy” onboarding programs. Ensure mentoring programs are coordinated seamlessly throughout the associate life cycle, recommend mentor assignments, monitor participation, report on measures of success, and manage the program budget.
• Oversee and facilitate lawyer integration process in Boston and support integration across US region
• Design and implement initiatives to increase associate engagement
• Serve as liaison to HR Department leadership, various committees and firm leadership
• Support the Learning & Development team, as needed, on US skills programs and , broader training initiatives for attorneys  including coordinating planning calls, calendar invitations, rooming, materials needs, and feedback on in-house programs and other special projects
• Support the Learning & Development team, as needed, on AI adoption, innovation, utilization and feedback from associates on same
• Coordinate with US Career Advisor and Manager – US Alumni Program on Boston-area secondment opportunities and alumni engagement strategy and events.

Recruiting

• Liaise with the Lateral Associate and Lateral Partner Recruiting Managers to support all associate, counsel, and partner hiring activity in the Boston office
• Work with the broader Legal Recruiting team to ensure that the firm is well-represented on campus, and serve as the main point of contact for key Boston law schools
• Manage 1L and 2L interview and follow up process for Boston candidates, including organizing lawyer outreach, planning and attending candidate events, scheduling callback interviews, meeting and greeting candidates, collecting feedback, answering candidate questions, working with Head of Recruitment and Recruiting Committee to manage yield, and participating in Recruiting Committee meetings
• Work with the broader Recruiting, Learning & Development, and Events teams to plan the summer associate program, including managing Boston-specific events and programs, and manage outreach efforts with Boston summer associates
• Collaborate with the summer associate work allocation manager and summer associate work allocation team to ensure Boston summer associates get the right mix and amount of work; check in regularly with Boston summer associates to gather and share their feedback
• Collaborate with summer associate work allocation manager to collect feedback for end-of-summer reviews and prepare materials accordingly; flag performance issues to Head of Recruitment and Recruiting Committee as needed
• Collaborate with the broader Legal Recruiting and Marketing and Business Development teams in connection with brand building, events and identification of high value opportunities profiling the firm, the Boston office and the attorneys in Boston

General Responsibilities

• Serve as an ambassador in the Boston office, including attending summer and new associate orientations, shepherding candidates and new joiners, and collaborating with Boston Business Services staff and lawyers as needed
• Stay apprised of industry trends, particularly within the Boston legal market, and proactively inform the US Head of Talent, US Head of Recruitment, and Recruiting Committee of relevant developments
• Maintain clear and effective communication, with discretion and sensitivity throughout the candidate/colleague experience
• Maintain applicant and training tracking systems
• Support overall department needs and special projects

Key requirements (Communication/skills/experience)

Essential

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• 5-7 years of professional experience, preferably at a law firm and with extensive knowledge of the Boston legal market
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Must exercise excellent judgment and discretion and have the ability to preserve confidentiality
• Must exhibit a high energy level, be able to work under pressure and have a professional demeanor
• Possess exceptional organizational skills and exhibit the ability to conform to shifting priorities, demands, and timelines
• Demonstrate strong attention to detail and ownership of projects and workflows

For individuals assigned and/or hired to work in New York and California, Freshfields is required by law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This compensation range is specific to the States of New York and California and takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. The disclosed range estimate has not been adjusted for the applicable geographic differential associated with the location at which the position may be filled, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $150,000 to $200,000.

EEO Statement
Freshfields US LLP is proud to be an equal employment employer. Our policies and practices will be free from unlawful discrimination based upon race, color, ethnicity, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions), national origin, citizenship, immigration status, ancestry, age, marital status, protected veteran status, military service, disability, medical condition, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any basis prohibited under federal, state or local law. We strive to promote an atmosphere that encourages equal opportunities and prohibits discriminatory practices, including sexual harassment.

Disability Accommodation for Applicants to Freshfields US LLP
Freshfields US LLP is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and provides reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in job application procedures. If you have any difficulty using our online system and you need an accommodation due to a disability, you may use the alternative email address below to contact us about your interest in employment at [email protected] , or you can send your resume to [email protected] , or you can call us at +1-212-277-4000.