Job Description

Professional Development Manager (Dallas, TX)

We are partnering with a prestigious international law firm to hire a Professional Development Manager for its Dallas office. This position offers an excellent opportunity for a practicing attorney interested in transitioning into professional development, or an attorney with existing professional development experience, to play a meaningful role in advancing the growth and success of the firm's lawyers.

The Professional Development Manager will work closely with attorneys, practice leaders, and firm leadership to identify development needs, create strategic training initiatives, and support attorney career growth and engagement. Reporting to the Dallas-based Professional Development Director, this individual will collaborate with the broader Learning & Development team and supervise a Professional Development Specialist.

Why does this role stand out?

• Unique opportunity for a practicing attorney to transition into a professional development leadership role

• Prior formal professional development experience is not required

• Direct collaboration with attorneys, practice leaders, and senior firm leadership

• Opportunity to design and implement strategic attorney development programs and initiatives

• Meaningful involvement in shaping attorney training, mentoring, and career development at a leading international law firm

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver attorney training programs and professional development initiatives that support lawyer growth and client service

• Coordinate attorney orientation, lateral integration, and summer associate training programs

• Build relationships with attorneys and firm leadership to assess professional development needs and identify opportunities for improvement

• Design and implement strategic training and development programs at the local, regional, and firmwide levels

• Support attorney career development, mentoring programs, and professional growth initiatives

• Oversee Texas CLE compliance tracking and coordinate with attorneys and relevant firm departments

• Evaluate training effectiveness, analyze participation data, and prepare reports, presentations, and communications

• Supervise, mentor, and conduct performance evaluations for the Professional Development Specialist

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and legal practice experience required

• Minimum of 5 years of work experience in learning and development, law, or a related field

• Minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience

• Strong preference for Big Law practice experience, although other legal practice backgrounds will be considered

• Practicing attorneys interested in transitioning into professional development are encouraged to apply

• Exceptional relationship-building, interpersonal, and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with attorneys and firm leadership

• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop programs, work independently, and exercise sound judgment

• Strong project management, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including creating presentations, charts, graphs, and visual reports

• Ability to work effectively across offices and time zones, with occasional domestic travel

• Texas legal practice experience preferred

• Experience in adult education, program design, teaching, or public speaking preferred

• Familiarity with CLE requirements and experience with a national or international law firm preferred

If interested, email Bill at wzwirz@friedmanwilliams.com.