Development Chef

Katten is a fullservice law firm with approximately 650 attorneys in locations across the United States and in London and Shanghai. Clients seeking sophisticated, high-value legal services turn to Katten for counsel locally, nationally and internationally. The firm’s core areas of practice include corporate, financial markets and funds, insolvency and restructuring, intellectual property, litigation, real estate, structured finance and securitization, transactional tax planning, private credit and private wealth. Katten represents public and private companies in numerous industries, as well as a number of government and nonprofit organizations and individuals. Professional Development Manager Under the direction of the Director of Professional Development and Well-Being, the Professional Development Manager (“PDM”) is responsible for managing a full range of professional development (“PD”) programs, processes, and initiatives attorneys at the firm. In addition to these core responsibilities, this position serves in a leading role on the firm’s non-partner lawyer evaluation process, working closely with the Director and other Professional Development Managers on the non-partner lawyer evaluation process. This position supports the Litigation Department and leads the firm's Mock Trial Advocacy Program, Mock Deposition Training Program, and Litigation Fundamentals Series. The PDM collaborates with the Talent, Practice Management, Marketing & Business Development, and other administrative teams to develop effective programs that positively contribute to staff and attorney development, retention, and progression. The Professional Development Manager maintains professionalism and strict confidentiality in all client and firm matters. The Professional Development Manager can be located in our New York, Chicago, or Dallas offices. Katten offers a hybrid work model, allowing the flexibility to work both on-site and remotely on a regular basis (KattenFlex). Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Training and Development Initiatives: Responsible for the selection, development, and execution of training and development initiatives for lawyers. Partner with management to analyze performance gaps, identify needs, and present recommendations for training and development. Plan, design, and implement training programs in alignment with the firm's Lawyer Success Factors and Associate Competency Frameworks and to meet the objectives of the Department / Practice Group. Partner with department heads, practice group leaders, and talent development partners to assess and support the professional development needs of lawyers within assigned practice groups. Manage and deliver tailored mentoring programs, training initiatives, coaching opportunities, and other development resources to support the growth, retention, and success of attorneys. Milestone Events / Department Training Events: ~ The PDM will design and implement Firmwide Academies and other practice group/department specific training programs, including the firm’s Mock Trial Advocacy Program and Mock Deposition Training Program, that align with the firms strategic goals and support the growth and progression of lawyers and staff at key career stages. Performance Evaluations: Serve in a managing role in the design, implementation, communication, and execution of the firm's non-partner lawyer evaluation processes. Develop communications, guidance materials, and training to ensure reviewers and lawyers understand the process, tools, and expectations. Manage the administration of the evaluation process, including scheduling, monitoring completion, quality control of written feedback, preparation of review messaging, and facilitation of the delivery of formal reviews. Advise partners on specific and sensitive performance-related situations and coach lawyers on implementing the feedback they receive. Individual Development Plans and Performance Improvement Plans: Support a structured IDP process for lawyers in assigned practice groups, working with individuals to translate evaluation feedback and competency expectations into concrete goals and measurable milestones, with follow-up throughout the year. Collaborate with the Talent Management team on the development, documentation, and monitoring of PIPs, including identifying appropriate development resources and tracking progress against defined expectations. Career Coaching / Advising: For attorneys, provide individually tailored guidance in development of both near and longer-term career goals, and then provide advice and feedback on strategic plans to achieve those goals. Coach attorneys through the process of identifying a range of possible career options, taking into account attorney's professional and personal background, needs, goals, and preferences. PD Intelligence: Keep abreast of trends in professional development for attorneys. Evaluate content and presenter effectiveness to ensure efficient delivery of content and that the topic is of interest to the firm. Assist Talent team on other projects, as required. Directly supervises professional development staff (specialist/coordinator/assistant) and is responsible for their overall direction, coordination, and evaluation. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with firm’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing and training; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; addressing complaints and resolving problems; Bachelor’s degree is required; Five or more years of professional development experience at a law firm, law school, or other professional services firm is required. Comfort with emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence tools, and an interest in thoughtfully applying them to professional development programs, processes, and content in a manner consistent with firm policy. Advanced knowledge of Windows-based systems, particularly the Microsoft Office 2010 suite. Familiarity with viDesktop/Aderant Eval and LMS, CE Manager, and SharePoint highly desirable. Familiarity with document management systems and other legal applications highly desirable. Excellent organizational, planning and project management skills including accuracy, record keeping, data collection and system information. Ability to compile and analyze data and furnish concise, detailed information in report format, written correspondence, e- mail or verbally. Commitment to staying informed of industry standards and best practices through professional development, to including professional reading, membership in industry groups and organizations, and participation in seminars and conferences. Ability to occasionally retrieve and distribute files, written documentation, or office supplies weighing up to 10 pounds. Must be flexible to work overtime, travel on occasion, accept tasks outside of normal job duties, and be open to assume new responsibilities if the needs of the department changes. For the New York Office, the annualized salary range for this position is $155,000 to $175,000. For the Chicago office, the annualized salary range is $150,000 to $170,000. We offer an outstanding benefit package which includes: medical/dental/vision, 401k with employer contribution, parental leave, transportation fringe benefit program, back-up care option, generous paid time off policy, and long-term and short-term disability policies. 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.