Associate Development Manager – Business Litigation

Cooley LLP

. Manage the work allocation process for associates with practice group leaders and staffing partners .

Posted 11/7/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • United StatesMid-Level💰 $170,000 - $210,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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

Demonstrates expertise in staffing and work allocation processes within a law firm, focusing on talent management, professional development, and performance evaluation. Proven ability to foster relationships, facilitate mentoring, and implement diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Staffing And Work AllocationTalent ManagementProfessional DevelopmentPerformance EvaluationInterpersonal Communication

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Work AllocationTalent ManagementCareer CoachingProfessional DevelopmentPersonnel ManagementMetrics AnalysisLegal Education ComplianceDiversity And Inclusion InitiativesTraining Program DevelopmentProject Ownership

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsCommunication SkillsPeople ManagementDetail-OrientedOrganizational Skills

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office SuiteIManageFirm Applications

Industry Keywords

Law FirmProfessional ServicesAssociate DevelopmentMentoringConfidential Information Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage the work allocation process for associates with practice group leaders and staffing partners
Monitor associate workloads and professional development and allocate new matters equitably according to client needs and attorneys’ development goals
Track, aggregate and analyze associate metrics, including availability and utilization rates
Partner with practice group leaders and associates to achieve productivity goals and maintain practice group productivity
Coordinate staffing needs and hiring targets with practice group leaders and supervising partners
Partner with Legal Talent to align hiring efforts with group goals and needs
Support the associate performance review process and ensure quality reviews are delivered on time
Monitor associate evaluations, prepare review delivery scripts and facilitate formal reviews
Help associates implement feedback and collaborate with Professional Development team members on coaching
Identify high-performing associates and associates facing challenges and facilitate mentoring, training and timely interventions
Facilitate frequent feedback between partners and associates
Support attorney onboarding and integration, including department orientation and onboarding schedules
Conduct exit interviews and use feedback to improve the associate experience
Develop, enhance and implement legal and professional skills training programs and initiatives
Ensure associates obtain and maintain licensing requirements and complete continuing legal education aligned with development goals
Champion and implement diversity and inclusion initiatives and events
Promote inclusive-culture best practices and serve as a resource for diverse attorneys
Promote associate wellness with HR and Wellness teams
Perform other duties as assigned or required

Requirements

What you’ll need

After orientation at Cooley LLP, proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite, iManage and other firm applications
Ability to work extended and/or weekend hours, as required
Ability to travel, as required
5+ years of direct experience with staffing and work allocation in a large law firm or professional services organization, or 5+ years combined law firm professional development and prior law practice experience
Senior level candidates: 7+ years applicable experience with 2+ years of exempt/management experience in relevant roles
Substantial experience in work allocation, talent management, career coaching, professional development, and/or personnel management
Ability to establish rapport and build relationships and credibility with internal stakeholders
Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills
Ability to respect and maintain highly sensitive or confidential information
Excellent people management skills, including serving as a mentor or coach
Professional demeanor and ability to use initiative, diplomacy and tact
Ability to make independent judgments and decisions based on principles rather than rules
Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with multiple constituencies
Detail-oriented, organized and driven, with ownership of projects and responsibilities and ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment
Strong time management skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks quickly and efficiently

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Health savings account
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Health and/or dependent care flexible spending accounts
Pre-tax commuter benefits
Life insurance
AD&D insurance
Long-term care coverage
Backup care for children and/or adults
Other parental support benefits
Firm-paid life insurance
Firm-paid AD&D
Long-term disability benefits
Short-term medical benefits
21 days of Paid Time Off (PTO)
10 paid holidays each year
Generous parental leave
Fertility benefits
Detailed benefit orientation for new employees