Purpose Of The Job
The Learning & Development Manager is responsible for designing, implementing, and sustaining a strategic learning framework that supports the growth, performance, and engagement of professionals across the firm. This position leads firmwide training and development initiatives, ensuring alignment with firm priorities, professional standards, and compliance requirements.
The role combines strategic leadership and hands-on program execution to build a culture of continuous learning. Working closely with firm leadership, department heads, and practice group leaders, the Learning & Development Manager enhances performance, productivity, and professional excellence across all levels of the organization.
Key Responsibilities
- Learning Strategy & Framework
- Design and execute a comprehensive learning and development strategy aligned with the firm’s goals, talent priorities, and growth initiatives.
- Establish and maintain a structured framework encompassing onboarding, compliance, technical training, leadership, and professional development.
- Needs Assessment & Capability Development
- Partner with firm leadership to identify capability gaps and future workforce needs through skill assessments, interviews, and performance analysis.
- Develop and manage learning pathways tailored to specific job families and roles.
- Program Design & Delivery
- Lead the design, curation, and facilitation of engaging learning experiences using multiple formats—live workshops, eLearning, blended learning, and peer programs.
- Collaborate with subject-matter experts to ensure content accuracy, accessibility, and consistency with firm standards.
- Technology & Accessibility
- Leverage digital tools, the firm’s LMS, and the intranet to deliver learning content through an omni-channel approach.
- Enhance accessibility, participation, and impact through innovative learning technologies.
- Evaluation & Reporting
- Evaluate program effectiveness through analytics, feedback, and assessments.
- Provide regular reports and insights to firm leadership regarding participation, learning outcomes, and ROI.
- Use data to refine learning content and drive continuous improvement.
- Operations & Governance
- Establish and oversee learning routines, delivery workflows, and branded communications that reinforce firm culture.
- Manage internal and external training vendors, budgets, and resources to ensure cost-effective delivery.
- Engagement & Culture Building
- Drive employee engagement through creative programming, recognition of learning achievements, and integration of learning into firm culture.
- Promote professional excellence and continuous improvement across all departments.
- Partnership & Collaboration
- Work closely with practice group leaders and department heads to design and deliver tailored programs that support business readiness and team performance.
- Collaborate cross-functionally to align learning initiatives with operational and strategic firm goals.
- Innovation & Best Practices
- Stay informed on emerging trends in adult learning, instructional design, and legal industry training.
- Introduce best practices that modernize and scale the firm’s learning programs.
- Other Duties
- Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to support firm objectives and team performance.
Required Qualifications
- Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Education, Human Resources, Law, or a related field required.
- Experience
- 7+ years of experience in learning and development, instructional design, or professional education.
- Experience within a legal or professional services environment strongly preferred.
- Skills
- Expertise in adult learning principles, instructional design methodologies, and learning evaluation frameworks.
- Proficiency in LMS administration, eLearning tools, and virtual facilitation technologies.
- Proven ability to manage and mentor training teams or specialists.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong project management and organizational abilities with attention to detail.
- Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on program delivery.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to remain seated for extended periods while working on a computer or facilitating sessions.
- Frequent interaction with staff, attorneys, and external vendors through meetings, calls, and virtual platforms.
- Occasional lifting or movement of training materials up to 20 pounds.
Performance Measures
- Goals
- Successful implementation of firmwide learning programs aligned with strategic goals.
- Increased engagement, participation, and completion rates across learning initiatives.
- Measurable improvements in performance, retention, and capability development.
- Competencies
- Strategic thinking and innovation in learning design.
- Effective collaboration and communication with all levels of the organization.
- Strong leadership and accountability in program execution.
Working Conditions
- Standard office environment with frequent use of digital learning tools and communication technologies.
- Occasional travel or extended hours may be required to support training sessions or firmwide initiatives.
