Professional Development Specialist

Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP

Specialist in Professional Development working closely with attorneys at Davis Polk, an elite global law firm. Managing performance, development, and onboarding for legal professionals in the DC office.

Posted 7/9/2026full-timeWashington • Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $100,000 - $120,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in professional development within a law firm, focusing on attorney support, performance evaluation, and mentorship program management. Strong collaboration with legal teams and HR to enhance recruitment, retention, and training initiatives is essential.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Professional Development ManagementMentorship Program ManagementPerformance Evaluation CoordinationCollaboration With PartnersLitigation Practice Familiarity

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Soft Skills

CommunicationProblem-SolvingInterpersonal Skills

Industry Keywords

Law FirmProfessional ServicesAttorney SupportRecruitingRetentionDC Bar AdmissionUtilization MonitoringStaffingTraining Needs AssessmentMorale Monitoring

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Work closely with the NY-based PD team supporting attorneys in DC
Monitor attorneys’ availability and utilization, as well as assist with staffing attorneys as needed
Advise associates and counsel on professional development goals and progress
Work with the PD team to coordinate the performance evaluation process for DC associates and counsel
Track and facilitate the realization of Professional Development Priorities identified during year-end review process
Meet regularly with DC-based attorneys to monitor morale, answer questions, and address any concerns
Manage mentorship program for DC associates
Manage re-integration and conduct check-ins for attorneys returning from leave or secondment
Make recommendations for improving associate recruiting and retention
Collaborate with Recruiting and HR to conduct orientation for lateral attorneys
Conduct regular check-ins with lateral attorneys
Work with PD team to track admission to the DC bar
Work with practice group leaders, knowledge management team and other PD managers to identify training needs and skill gaps

Requirements

What you’ll need

A minimum of three to five years’ post-graduate experience in a law firm or professional services organization expected
Familiarity with Litigation practice preferred
Experience collaborating with partners in a large law firm setting expected

Benefits

Comp & perks

comprehensive benefits package