Specialist, People Strategy

About the role

The Opportunity We are seeking a Specialist, People Strategy to join the firm. You will support the strategic and day-to-day people operations of an assigned region or practice group, with a strong focus on People Strategy, practice support, staffing coordination, talent processes, communications, and operational execution.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a primary People Strategy contact for an assigned region or practice group, partnering with Practice Leaders, Partners, staffing partners, Partners, counsel, and associates on people-related initiatives and priorities.
• Supports and independently manages cyclical talent and operational processes, including performance management, counsel and partner selection, and pipeline meetings.
• Helps translate practice or regional priorities into actionable People Strategy plans, coordinating with relevant parties to support execution.
• Develops, coordinates, and delivers practice group communications, helping to ensure timely, consistent messaging and alignment with department and firmwide objectives.
• Partners with the centralized Knowledge Management team to organize and maintain practice area or regional resources.
• Liaises with Business Development and Marketing teams to support alignment between departmental goals, pipeline priorities, and broader firm strategies.
• Tracks alumni engagement activity and assist in coordinating secondments.
• Helps identify opportunities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of departmental operations, and recommends practical solutions.
• Coordinates with Centers of Excellence (COEs) to support implementation of practice-specific goals, including talent acquisition strategies, training and development needs, and operational improvements.
• Supports staffing partners and practice leaders with planning efforts, including global mobility resourcing where applicable.
• Supports career development programs tailored to the region, practice and individual attorneys.
• Coordinates the associate and counsel evaluation processes, helping to ensure timely feedback and follow-up on development actions.
• Provides day-to-day developmental support and guidance to attorneys, escalating more complex issues to the People Strategy Manager as appropriate.
• Reinforces regional or practice group-specific competencies and professional development expectations.
• Identifies gaps in associate and counsel experience or development and coordinate with COEs on training resources and targeted support.
• Supports the onboarding and integration of new attorneys into the department and help foster a strong sense of community and engagement.
• Supports Associate Development Partners, staffing partners, and practice leaders with planning and resource allocation activities.
• Prepares regular updates and materials for practice leadership related to utilization, upcoming events, employee relations matters, and process improvements.
• Aids in identifying and coordinating resources to support partners and promote effective staffing.
• Facilitates communication between associates/counsel and practice group leadership, in collaboration with the People Strategy Manager.
• Manages the administrative aspects of the performance management and talent review processes for the region or practice group including timelines, documentation, meeting preparation, follow-up items, and tracking of outcomes.
• Supports communications across the region and/or practice area, including announcements, meeting materials, and follow-up items.
• Aids in forecasting financial and budget needs for the department, preparing reports, and tracking against budget.
• Maintains accurate data, records, and reporting related to practice and/or attorney development.
• Maintains regular and reliable physical presence to work as part of a team and meet with internal clients.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills to facilitate effective work relationships with others.
• Manages Firm resources responsibly.
• Complies with and understands Firm operation, policies and procedures.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of relevant firm computer software programs (e.g., Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint), with the ability to learn new software and operating systems.
• Demonstrates effective interpersonal and communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrates close attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical, troubleshooting, organizational, and planning skills.
• Ability to handle multiple projects and shifting priorities.
• Proven project management skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive matters and maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work.
• Ability to work well in a demanding and fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work under pressure and conflicting circumstances.
• Ability to work well independently with limited oversight, as well as effectively within and across teams.
• Use discretion and exercise independent and sound judgment.
• Strong interest in professional development, talent strategy and practice support.
• Strong demonstrated leadership presence, accountability and client service orientation.
• Flexibility to travel.
• Flexibility to adjust hours and work the hours necessary to meet operating and business needs.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of five years of professional development or other related experience in a law firm or professional services environment.
• At least two years of experience in Professional Development, Practice Management, Business Development, Attorney Development, Attorney Recruiting, or a closely related function.
• Experience supporting attorneys, talent processes, or practice-facing initiatives in a law firm strongly preferred.

Benefits

The overall well-being of our team is important to us. We offer generous benefits to help you achieve wellness in all areas of your life. Competitive salaries and year-end discretionary bonuses. Comprehensive health care (medical, dental, vision), savings plan/401(k) and voluntary benefits. Generous paid time off. Paid leave options, including parental. In-classroom, remote, and on-demand learning and professional development opportunities. Robust well-being classes and programs. Opportunities to give back and make an impact in local communities.

Pay

$125,000 - $140,000 EEO Statement Skadden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. It does not discriminate against applicants or employees based on any legally impermissible factor including, but not limited to, race, color, religion, creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, alienage or citizenship status, marital or familial status, domestic partnership status, caregiver status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, change of sex or transgender status, genetic information, medical condition, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, sexual and reproductive health decisions, disability, any protected military or veteran status, or status as a victim of domestic or dating violence, sexual assault or offense, or stalking. Applicants who require an accommodation during the application process should contact Alex Taylor at (212) 735-2176. Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Skadden Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law Applicants Have Rights Under Federal Employment Law In accordance with the Transparency in Coverage Rule, click here to review machine-readable files made available by UnitedHealthcare: Transparency in Coverage Applicants Have Rights Under California Law Applicants Have Rights Under California Law Skadden will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.