Chicago - Career Development Advisor - Litigation Group

ABOUT US

At Winston Taylor, we set the standard, together. Winston Taylor is a transatlantic law firm built for the businesses, people, and markets driving capital and innovation. Here, you’re in the room. In the action. Sleeves rolled up. You’ll work with leading clients. Disruptors. Fast‑growth companies. And help them stay one step ahead of the moment and make critical decisions that shape their future. We’re present in the U.S., U.K., Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East, combining the scale and speed that clients demand. You’ll be trusted with real responsibility from the outset and build experience through hands‑on work. We take your progression personally. We provide the platform. You shape the work around your goals and aspirations. Step into the moments that matter. Join Winston Taylor.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Career Development Advisor ("CDA") is a broad‑based position operating at the center of the firm’s personalized and holistic approach to attorney talent development and well‑being. The CDA is primarily responsible for helping junior attorneys (1st–3rd year) in the Litigation Department to develop and thrive in successful careers. Reporting to the Director of Professional Development, the position works with leaders and professionals across the Firm including the Litigation Department Co‑Chairs, Litigation Practice Group Leaders, the Director of Practice Operations – Litigation, the Assignment and Operations Manager – Litigation, Talent Directors, other members of the Talent team, Diversity & Inclusion team, and Business Development team. The CDA champions the firm’s learning culture and supports execution of the firm’s Talent strategy by ensuring attorneys in the Litigation department have the knowledge, skills, and support to perform their roles successfully.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Works closely with the Director of Practice Operations, Assignment Manager – Litigation, Litigation Office Heads and Practice Group Leaders on cultivating the talent pipeline and staffing to meet client needs and with an eye toward department utilization objectives, experience, and individual attorney development goals. Analyzes utilization and work assignment data to proactively match associates with opportunities and existing firm resources and programs and helps facilitate access to both. Regularly meets with junior Litigation associates as a trusted advisor on their career development. Meets individually with first‑year associates when they join the firm and regularly through their first year and helps them to successfully integrate into the department. Assists attorneys in tracking their professional development and legal skills in relation to the firm’s Development Framework and Litigation practice group milestones and benchmarks. Develops and updates junior associate development frameworks. Works with the Director of Talent Management to support junior associates in achieving developmental goals and experience in areas for focus as identified in the annual evaluation process and assists in translating feedback into actionable goals. Meets regularly with partner leaders including Litigation office heads and assignment partners to support junior associate career development. Facilitates partner training and supports the firm’s culture of feedback. Collaborates with the Director of Coaching & Well‑Being to ensure that junior attorneys have access to confidential coaching and are utilizing all available firm resources (including relevant firm policies) to meet their career goals and develop into well‑rounded attorneys and trusted business advisors. Collaborates with HR, Attorney Recruiting, and Talent Management on attorney integration and retention programs; proposes and contributes to creative integration and retention strategies that are tailored to individual attorneys’ career objectives. Works closely with the Diversity & Inclusion team to ensure equitable access to and distribution of client opportunities and to support the firm’s strategic objectives in developing and retaining a diverse talent pool and pipeline. Identifies trends to provide input to the Learning & Development team that will enhance training programs and initiatives with a particular focus on integrating and developing new associates. Works closely within the Professional Development team to develop and deliver training program content focused on junior associates including New Associate Orientation and the Jumpstart training series. Keeps apprised of all applicable development initiatives, programs, and firm resources to advise associates on how to leverage them to advance their careers. Identifies relevant trends and information related to recruiting, retention, talent development, and morale and regularly communicates with firm leadership and department heads about how to address them. Supports junior attorneys in career planning through key career inflection points, including when leaving or returning from leaves of absence, and navigating flexible hours arrangements. Works with the Director of Professional Development to provide support for the firm’s training efforts and mentoring program. Partners with Attorney Recruiting to provide support and input that is relevant to the firm’s strategic hiring goals. Other Professional Development projects as needed.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree and J.D. required. 3+ years of experience in the professional development department of a law firm, litigation legal department, or comparable experience required. Must live within commutable distance to the firm office with ability to come into the office 3‑4 days per week.

CONTEMPENCIES

Strong client service focus with the ability to influence, and guide others in a complex, matrixed organization. Strong business acumen and understanding of law firm operations. Excellent judgment and discretion with respect to confidential information. Experience managing litigation professional development programs. Ability to establish credibility and build strong relationships at all levels of the firm across practices and geographies, particularly with Litigation Department Chairs, Practice Group Leaders, and administrative leaders. Outstanding interpersonal skills and innovative problem‑solving capabilities. Outstanding writing and verbal communication and excellent presentation skills. Ability to effectively tailor communications for different stakeholders. Tech savvy with solid Microsoft Office skills or ability to quickly learn. Extremely detail‑oriented, strong organizational, analytical, and excellent project management skills. Including ability to prioritize work in a dynamic environment to meet deadlines.

BENEFITS

Winston offers comprehensive benefits that provide a full spectrum of coverage and support for our full‑time employees and their families. Additional information about benefits and rewards can be found here.

SALARY

Illinois based applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $166,000 – $188,000 based on a regular, full‑time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. To‑tal compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus. New York based applicants only: The target annual salary range for this role is currently $182,000 – $206,000 based on a regular, full‑time schedule. The amount of compensation offered will be determined by several factors, including but not limited to experience, qualifications, market data and internal equity. To‑tal compensation includes a comprehensive healthcare benefits package, yearly retirement contribution, and may include an annual discretionary merit bonus.

EEO STATEMENT

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. #J-18808-Ljbffr Winston & Strawn LLP