Crowell & Moring was founded in 1979 by 53 lawyers who left a large national firm to begin a different kind of law firm. Since then, we've grown to more than 500 lawyers in Washington, D.C., New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County, London, and Brussels. And we've created some impressive milestones along the way.

Job Summary:

The Professional Development Counselor is responsible for providing strategic professional development counseling, coaching, and support to associates and counsel regarding the full range of their development needs including staffing, performance, training and the building of internal and external professional relationships.  

Job Responsibilities:

•    Conducts counseling/coaching sessions with associates and counsel to ensure they are executing on level appropriate practice group benchmarks, firmwide competencies and personal objectives established through the annual performance review process.
•    Collaborates with Practice Group leaders and Staffing Partners to ensure that associates and counsel  (i) are fully utilized; (ii) have the opportunity to work on a variety of matters that are level appropriate to practice group benchmarks; and (iii) achieve progress toward their personal objectives and firmwide competencies.  
•    Implements an individual development planning process and provides personal coaching support for associates and counsel drafting their plans.
•    Works with developing lawyers to clarify expectations for performance and productivity.
•    Supports the Senior Director, Diversity & Professional Development in the firm’s performance review process and identifies and implements solutions for underperforming and high potential talent.
•    Serves as confidential, trusted advisor that can offer information on job search techniques, placement opportunities, and career information for transitioning associates or counsel.
•    Offers support and coaching for lawyers regarding offboarding and onboarding in connection with approved leaves of absence and/or client secondments to ensure smooth transitions in and out of the firm.  
•    Orients new lawyers on the C&M Development Framework, performance expectations, and Professional Development Department resources.
•    Conducts exit interviews, identifies and assesses any recurring trends/themes relating to lawyer departures in collaboration with the Senior Director, Diversity & Professional Development to redress any such concerns and enhance the experience and retention of lawyers.
•    Collaborates with the Senior Manager, Diversity & Inclusion to effectively implement strategic diversity and inclusion-related objectives (e.g., sponsorship, diversity review of annual performance process, focused retention initiatives, etc.)

Requirements:

Education
The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree and JD, or relevant advanced degree.

Experience
The position requires a minimum of five (5) years of increasingly responsible, directly related experience in a law school, law firm or similar professional services environment, during which the knowledge, skills and abilities applicable to the position were demonstrated.  Career counseling experience strongly desired.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

 •    Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing with attorneys, staff and external contacts, including the ability to develop  rapport and address sensitive matters  in a discrete and confidential manner with empathy, professional demeanor, discretion and tact.
•    Ability to work independently, proactively and under pressure.
•    Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing priorities and maintain a productive and committed work effort, meeting deadlines and managing workload.
•    Ability to provide quality and efficient client service to both internal and external clients.
•    Must possess the interpersonal skills necessary to communicate effectively with all levels of management and personnel and work collaboratively across all firm departments.  Involves the use of considerable tact and persuasion in gaining the cooperation of others.
•    Ability to analyze and interpret information from a variety of sources, apply critical and creative thinking to draw conclusions or develop solutions to complex problems.
•    Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize multiple projects in a dynamic and complex environment to meet deadlines and daily requirements.
•    Demonstrated ability to respond quickly and positively to shifting demands and opportunities.
•    Demonstrated ability to represent the firm with honesty, integrity and professionalism, consistently acting in an ethical manner.

Crowell & Moring LLP offers a competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package which includes progressive options such as back up child care, wellness programs, cultural events and social activities. We take great pride in our positive, friendly culture that rewards hard work and success, at the same time recognizing the importance of family and community service.

EOE m/f/d/v
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