Senior Manager, Legal Skills Learning & Development

Position summary

The Senior Manager, Legal Skills Learning & Development - U.S. manages legal skills training programs for U.S. lawyers, including course and curriculum development, faculty support, and collaboration with external providers. Reporting to the U.S. Assistant Director of L&D, the role prepares reports on U.S. legal skills curricula and programs, and supports CLE compliance for in-house programs. The role has primary responsibility for the delivery and ongoing evolution of the firm's market-leading learn-by-doing programs, including our Trial Training and Deal Clinic in-person workshops.

Job duties and responsibilities

• Design, produce and manage internal legal skills training programs for U.S. attorneys, including developing curricula and courses, providing guidance on course development by other L&D staff, supporting internal faculty, and collaborating with outside providers. May also serve as a faculty member in select programs.
• Work with U.S. practice group leaders or their designees to develop and maintain a network of point partners in each practice and industry group to support attorney training needs.
• Oversee the design and delivery of approximately three multi-day learn-by-doing workshops per year, including Trial Training and Deal Clinic week-long workshops for senior associates, and Brief Writing Bootcamp, Deposition Skills Workshop, and Deal Skills workshops for junior and midlevel associates.
• Prepare and deliver reports on U.S. legal skills training curricula and programs to firm management, practice group leaders, and other stakeholders.
• Research, produce, and oversee non-technology and e-learning programs for internal attorney audiences, applying judgment to content design, format, and delivery methods.
• Proactively and independently assess the effectiveness of in-house training programs and recommend improvements.
• Maintain knowledge of CLE requirements in U.S. jurisdictions where the firm operates, as well as client jurisdictions, to ensure in-house and client programs comply with applicable requirements.
• Stay current on trends, developments, and best practices in attorney, paralegal, and staff development through research, professional reading, and attendance at relevant conferences and workshops.
• Travel to U.S. offices as needed to support L&D presence and engagement.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Job duties and responsibilities included are not exhaustive and may be supplemented asnecessary.  Reed Smith reserves the right to revise or modify job duties and responsibilities at any time. 

Requirements

Education: Bachelor's Degree and Juris Doctor (J.D.) required. 

Experience: 

• Minimum of 7 years' experience as a practicing litigator, with large law firm experience preferred. 
• Experience in a legal professional development or Knowledge Management role preferred. 

Skills:

• Highly organized, results-oriented, and capable of working independently and as part of a team, with excellent problem-solving skills. 
• High emotional intelligence and ability to foster a collaborative, positive, and inclusive work environment. 
• Strong organizational skills with a service-oriented approach to supporting stakeholders and business needs. 
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, sound judgment, and adaptability, with the ability to remain effective in dynamic or sensitive situations and adjust to evolving priorities and business needs.
• Strong written and oral communication, facilitation, and presentation skills. 
• Strong computer skills, with advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Zoom, and other firm systems. 

Additional information

Supervisory responsibilities: None

Equipment used: Personal computer and other office equipment such as telephone,  calculator, copier, scanner, etc.

Essential job functions

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods and perform tasks requiring prolonged and/or extensive computer use. 
• Ability to use computers, telecommunications, and digital collaboration tools to perform core job responsibilities. 
• Ability to engage in effective and professional communication. 
• Ability to analyze information, maintain attention to detail, manage multiple priorities, and exercise sound judgment. 
• Ability to access, use, and safeguard confidential and sensitive information while performing job responsibilities in work environments that support confidentiality, privacy, and information security requirements. 
• Ability to travel for meetings, training and conferences as required. 
• Ability to work extended hours and in the office as required to meet business or project needs.

Working conditions

You will be required to work in the office at minimum 4 days per week. Occasionally called upon to work hours in excess of your normal daily schedule. The details of your weekly schedule will be discussed further with your direct supervisor.

Pay ranges

This represents the presently anticipated low and high end of Reed Smith's pay range for this position. Actual pay may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to location and experience.

• Atlanta, Houston, Pittsburgh: $142,000 - $170,000
• Chicago, Philadelphia: $152,000 - $182,000
• Washington, DC: $162,0000 - $193,000
• Los Angeles, New York: $168,000 - $200,000

Employee benefits overview

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Medical Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Virtual Health Services
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-Term Disability Coverage
• Long-Term Disability Coverage
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Lyra Health Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Paid Family Leave (for eligible Exempt and Non-Exempt staff)
• Transportation Benefit
• Back-up Child Care Services
• College Coach Program
• Pet Insurance
• Paid Sick Time (for Exempt staff)
• Paid Time Off (available to all full-time, non-temporary employees)

Reed Smith offers a challenging work environment, business casual dress code and a total compensation package that includes a competitive salary, flexible benefits program, tuition assistance, and generous 401(k) plan.

Reed Smith is an Equal Opportunity Employer with Core Values of Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork & Respect, Innovation, and Impact. Reed Smith also provides reasonable accommodations in accordance with law, including in the application and interview process.

Qualified candidates only. No search firms.