Our client, a prestigious Am Law 50 firm is seeking a Senior Career Development Manager to join its Professional Development Department. The ideal candidate will hold a J.D. with at least three years of legal practice experience, preferably in a large law firm, and have two or more years of experience in legal professional development or attorney personnel.
Reporting to the Director of Career Development, this individual will play a key leadership role in shaping and executing firmwide initiatives that foster attorney growth and long-term success. The role combines high-impact coaching, individual career advising, and development of strategic programming across departments, practice groups, and offices. This is an opportunity to work with a collaborative and forward-thinking team in an environment that values innovation and continuous improvement.
The Senior Career Development Manager will take primary responsibility for overseeing the firm’s external coaching program, including managing engagements, maintaining and expanding the coaching roster, evaluating outcomes, and identifying emerging needs across attorney cohorts. This role will also lead lateral associate integration efforts and career advising, manage the career development plan process, and contribute to programming for associates and partners, including orientation, milestone conferences, and professional skills training. This position requires a strong understanding of legal career trajectories and the nuances of professional growth in a law firm setting.
Candidates must demonstrate outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to build relationships across departments, and a strong commitment to supporting the professional advancement of attorneys. Experience with learning management systems (LMS), legal coaching, and collaborative cross-functional projects is a plus. This is a highly visible role with growth potential, offering a competitive salary of $200,000–$225,000+, eligibility for year-end bonus, and access to top-tier benefits. The firm offers a dynamic and inclusive workplace culture that emphasizes professional excellence, innovation, and attorney development.
J. Sheppard Associates represents talented Attorneys and other Legal Business Professionals.
