Senior Manager/Director of Professional Development & Talent

Senior Manager/Director of Professional Development & Talent

Van Ness Feldman is a nationally recognized law firm focused on energy, environmental, and natural 
resources law and policy. Home to 100 attorneys and policy professionals, the Firm has offices in 
Washington, DC; Seattle; the Bay Area; Houston; and Louisiana. For nearly 50 years, the Firm has 
provided strategic business advice, legislative and policy advocacy, legal and regulatory 
compliance counsel, representation in administrative proceedings and litigation, and support for 
project development, permitting, and transactions.

Van Ness Feldman seeks a Senior Manager/Director of Professional Development & Talent to play a 
critical role in supporting the Firm's efforts to attract, develop, and retain a top-tier legal and 
policy team, which includes attorneys, policy professionals, and other specialists such as 
paralegals, energy analysts, and litigation and administrative support. This position is central to 
building a dynamic, inclusive, and high-performing team across all functions of the Firm. A minimum 
of 5-10 years in law firm recruitment or law school career services experience, including all 
aspects of the attorney recruitment process, is required. A bachelor's degree is required, and a 
Master's or JD is preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Talent Acquisition & Lateral Hiring

✓ Design and manage full life-cycle recruitment for attorneys, policy professionals, and other timekeepers.
✓ Develop strong relationships with law schools, professional networks, and search firms.
✓ Oversee lateral hiring campaigns in collaboration with the Firm and Practice Group Leaders.
✓ Develop and implement competitive timekeeper compensation strategies.

Professional Development & Utilization

✓ Identify, develop, and execute training and professional development programs that support the professionals at the Firm, working collaboratively with Firm leadership.
✓ Work with Practice Group Leaders to identify support needs, utilization gaps, and recruiting strategies.
✓ Administer and facilitate the timekeeper performance review process, including materials preparation, facilitation, and implementation.
✓ Create individualized development plans for each timekeeper and monitor performance.
✓ Oversee and enhance mentoring, onboarding, and integration programs.

Strategy, Pricing, & Cross-Functional Collaboration

✓ Advise Firm leadership related to workforce planning, timekeeper professional
development, and retention; and work closely with timekeepers to enhance marketability.

✓ Create programs that support timekeeper professional development and are responsive to relevant 
industry trends (both in the legal industry and our clients' industries).
✓ Manage initiatives to enhance workplace inclusivity.
✓ Work with the pro bono coordinator to develop and foster relationships with legal aid services 
and nonprofit organizations needing legal services.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

✓  Professional Development: 5-10+ years of experience in timekeeper professional development, 
including core competencies, program design, and career progression.
✓  Project Management: Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects, perform well under 
pressure, and meet deadlines.
✓ Communication Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills for engaging with various 
stakeholders.
✓ Analytical Skills: Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and judgment skills for forming sound 
conclusions independently.
✓ Professionalism: Demonstrated executive presence, tenacity, integrity, and 
professionalism.
✓ Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills for working effectively in a consensus- driven 
organization.
✓  Work Ethic: Strong work ethic and willingness to take on a variety of assignments.
✓ Talent Management: Proven tenure and experience in retaining, developing, and motivating 
professionals.
✓  Industry Knowledge: Working knowledge of best practices and trends in employee engagement, 
retention, training, and professional development.
✓  Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with law firm tools and advanced proficiency in virtual 
platforms and Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Aderant, iManage, TRE AI, ADP Workforce Now).
Van Ness Feldman is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with applicable laws, the Firm 
prohibits discrimination against any applicant based on any legally-recognized basis. The Firm has 
a policy of positive action to ensure the fulfillment of our commitment to an inclusive and 
equitable workplace.

Salary range: $140,000 to $170,000, Senior Manager; $170,000 to $200,000, Director; salary to be 
commensurate with candidate's prior and relevant experience and may fall outside the range based on 
other reasons and individual circumstances.
Benefits include health, dental, 401(k), and a profit-sharing plan.