Akin Gump Strauss Hauer & Feld LLP is a leading international law firm with more than 900 lawyers in offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. We are currently seeking a Director of Attorney Training & Development in our Attorney Recruiting & Development department, reporting directly to the Chief Legal Talent Officer.  

The position can reside in the New York or Washington, DC office and will be responsible for designing, developing and executing the firm’s professional career advancement, training and development program for attorneys. The Director of Attorney Training & Development is expected to serve as a positive role model and mentor, and to perform all responsibilities with a commitment to provide superior service to the firm’s attorneys, advisors and staff, and efficient and effective departmental operations, and to foster an atmosphere of teamwork and continuous improvement.

Key responsibilities of this position include:

  • Oversee the development, direction and execution of the overall attorney career advancement, training and development strategy of the firm in consultation with firm management, the Firm-wide Development Partner and the Chief Legal Talent Officer (CLTO) supporting the firm’s short- and long-term strategic plans.
  • Substantive Legal Training and Curriculum: In collaboration with Practice Group Leaders and Practice Management, contribute to the design and implementation of practice specific substantive legal training curriculum and professional skills training in alignment with the firm’s core competencies.
  • Attorney Academies: Design and execute various attorney retreats and academies including the First Year Associate Academy, the Midlevel Academy and the Counsel Academy.
  • Industry and PD Knowledge: Follow industry trends in professional development for attorneys, and oversee ongoing benchmarking analyses to ensure the firm remains competitive and in line with peer and aspirational peer firms. Evaluate seminar content and presenter effectiveness to ensure efficient delivery of content and attorney interest on topics.
  • Mentoring: Design and implement mentoring activities and programs and solicit feedback from both mentors and mentees to ensure that the programs are meeting the goal of enhancing attorney professional development.
  • CLE: Oversee the CLE team and ensure firm and lawyer compliance with CLE rules and policies in various jurisdictions.
  • Assemble, lead, manage and develop a highly effective, efficient and results-driven team that provides exceptional client service and serve as excellent ambassadors of the firm. Evaluate, coach and mentor team members.
  • Oversee budget and monitor spending to ensure expenses adhere to budget.
  • Coordinate and collaborate with other business services departments to streamline and improve processes.  

Qualifications (Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

  • Bachelor’s degree required; JD or advanced degree preferred
  • Minimum of ten years of experience in legal talent and/or training and development in a law firm, with at least five years in a managerial role desired.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and written and oral communication skills
  • Strong service orientation and an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers; attorneys; office, firm and practice management; and outside business partners
  • Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure
  • Ability to think strategically
  • Ability to manage multiple projects with specific deadlines and adjust to changing priorities in a professional manner
  • Strong organizational and project management skills
  • Ability to use initiative and judgment to accomplish results
  • High proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Outlook and Excel.
  • Ability to work independently and with a team
  • Ability to delegate and manage resources effectively
  • Strong attention to detail
  • Ability to use assessments and critiques to improve performance
  • Ability and willingness to travel to other firm offices
  • Commitment to professional growth and development