Director of Attorney Development

Director Of Attorney Development

We're not just another law firm - we're something different. At Shumaker, our professional staff are the backbone of our success, providing the essential support that enables our firm to thrive. From operations and finance to marketing and technology, our team members enjoy a collaborative, people-first culture where their contributions truly make an impact. As one of the 200 largest law firms in the United States, we're looking for talented professionals who want to grow their careers and be part of a firm that values dedication, teamwork, and innovation. The Director of Attorney Development provides strategic leadership for the professional development and advancement of all attorneys. This role serves as a trusted advisor to attorneys, service line leaders, and firm leadership by designing and delivering development initiatives that support excellence in legal service delivery, innovation, client service, leadership effectiveness, and long-term firm success. The Director partners closely with service line leadership, executive staff, learning and development, and recruiting to align attorney development strategies with the firm's business objectives, culture, and talent priorities. Where you'll work This position is located in one of the following markets: Toledo, Columbus, or Cleveland, OH; Charlotte, NC; or Tampa, FL.

What you'll do Strategic Partnership & Collaboration

• Serve as a strategic advisor to service line leaders and firm leadership on attorney development matters.
• Build strong relationships with attorneys and professional staff to understand service line needs, leadership goals, succession priorities, and firm strategy.
• Collaborate with Attorney Recruiting and Human Resources leadership to identify developmental needs and implement aligned talent strategies.
• Actively supports the firm's leadership committees on attorney development initiatives, best practices, and market insights.
• Conduct needs assessments and supports strategic planning, benchmarking, and research related to attorney development.

Attorney, Partner & Equity Partner Development Programs

• Design and implement comprehensive development programs across the attorney lifecycle, including onboarding, integration, training, mentoring, sponsorship, leadership development, and career progression.
• Lead development initiatives for all attorneys, including leadership effectiveness, client development support, service line management, succession planning, and transition readiness.
• Partner with service line leadership to plan and deliver service line–specific training initiatives and annual curricula.
• Develop interactive, experiential, and skills-based learning programs tailored to attorneys at different career stages.
• Support partner and equity partner readiness for expanded leadership roles and firm governance responsibilities.

Performance Management, Feedback & Advancement

• Oversee associate attorney performance evaluation and feedback processes, including self-evaluations, supervisor reviews, and feedback discussions.
• Support partner and equity partner development planning, and leadership assessment processes, in collaboration with firm leadership.
• Identify performance or development issues and partner with service line leadership to implement and monitor development or improvement plans.
• Support competency frameworks, performance management processes, promotion readiness, and attorney advancement initiatives.

Exit Interviews, Transitions & Retention Insights

• Conduct exit interviews for attorneys, partners, and equity partners, as appropriate, to gather insights on engagement, development, leadership, and retention.
• Analyze exit interview data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities related to attorney and partner experience.
• Partner with Human Resources, service line leadership, and firm leadership to translate findings into actionable development, retention, and succession strategies.
• Support attorney career transitions, including leadership transitions and succession planning.

Communications, Systems & Operations

• Maintain and update attorney development communications, internal resources, and training materials.
• Develop and share best practices for attorney, partner, and equity partner development.
• Develop and maintain proficiency in learning management systems (LMS), CLE tracking systems, and compliance requirements.
• Build and manage learning tracks, reporting, and development analytics for attorneys.
• Assist with budget management, expense tracking, and vendor oversight.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop professional development team members as applicable.

What we're looking for Bachelor's degree in business, Human Resources, Organizational Development, Organizational Leadership, or related discipline is required Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or a master's in organizational leadership, leadership development, or organizational development is preferred Equivalent graduate degree with a demonstrated focus on leadership, organizational effectiveness, or change management Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a law firm or professional services environment managing complex programs, projects, and stakeholder relationships Experience with attorney and/or partner development, performance management, leadership development, or talent strategy strongly preferred

Skills & Competencies Strong leadership, project management, organizational, and time management skills Strategic thinking and enterprise leadership capability Ability to lead and develop people across functions and levels Organizational change and transformational leadership Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills Sound judgment, discretion, diplomacy, and ability to work under pressure Collaborative, innovative mindset with a commitment to continuous improvement Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and experience with LMS and CLE systems

Additional requirements Willingness to travel as needed Ability to work extended hours to meet business needs and deadlines Compliance with firm policies, confidentiality standards, and office requirements Ability to perform essential job functions with or without reasonable accommodation

Physical requirements Sitting frequently, approximately six out of eight hours per day. Sitting position static for up to one hour at a time. Standing or walking frequently, up to six hours per day. Lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds occasionally, up to one-half hour per day. Bending and stooping occasionally, up to one-half hour per day

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities to ensure equal access to employment opportunities. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know. Equal Employment Opportunity The firm is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law.