Professional Development Assistant

McDermott Will & Emery

. Coordinate logistics and communications for firmwide attorney development programs and initiatives .

Posted 9/15/2026full-timeChicago • Illinois • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $55,000 - $76,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong organizational and communication skills to effectively coordinate attorney development programs and logistics. Proficient in managing project timelines, participant tracking, and data analysis to enhance program delivery and participant experience.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Bachelor’s DegreeMicrosoft 365 SuiteOral Communication SkillsWritten Communication SkillsOrganizational Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Data AnalysisEvent Logistics CoordinationProgram AdministrationSurvey CreationFeedback Collection

Soft Skills

Attention to DetailClient Service SkillsCollaborationCritical ThinkingAbility to Work Under Tight Deadlines

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordMicrosoft OneDriveMicrosoft Project Planner

Industry Keywords

Attorney Development ProgramsIn-Person TrainingVirtual ProgramsProgram EvaluationConfidential Information Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Coordinate logistics and communications for firmwide attorney development programs and initiatives
Support program administration, including invitations, registration, participant tracking, material preparation, attendance monitoring, and feedback collection
Create surveys, compile participant feedback, and prepare program evaluations, summaries, and reports
Assist with planning and executing practice excellence workshops, attorney onboarding and orientation, practice group boot camps, and other in-person and virtual programs
Travel to other firm office locations to provide on-the-ground support for in-person attorney trainings and events
Coordinate conference rooms, AV support, catering, program materials, and other event logistics
Maintain timelines and project plans to move initiatives forward
Exercise critical thinking and judgment in training and event logistics
Maintain program records, participation data, metrics, and electronic files; assist with reporting and data analysis
Assist with attorney development resources, intranet pages, and internal program materials
Collaborate with attorneys, business professionals, and external vendors to support program delivery and participant experience
Prepare client-ready written communications for attorneys, business professionals, external vendors, and other stakeholders
Provide administrative support for team operations, meeting coordination, cross-functional collaboration, special projects, and department initiatives

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree
Knowledge of Microsoft 365 Suite (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, OneDrive, and Project Planner)
Strong oral and written communication skills
Strong organizational and attention to detail skills
Strong client service skills
Ability to work well within a collaborative team environment
Ability to work under tight deadlines and prioritize responsibilities
Ability to handle and maintain confidential information
Ability to learn new concepts and skills quickly
Some travel required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive total rewards package
Opportunity to earn performance-based bonuses
Comprehensive benefits package
Work-life balance support for physical, emotional, mental, and financial health
Wellness support
Career development and advancement opportunities
Supportive, inclusive, collaborative workplace culture