Talent Manager, Dispute Resolution

About the role

The North America Dispute Resolution Group (NA Disputes) works collaboratively with the NA Disputes Practice Group Leader (PGL) and the PG Business Manager (BM). This role aims to accelerate practice group and individual lawyer performance and development, aligned with North America’s strategic direction, vision, and values in a highly matrixed organization. While primarily supporting a practice group, it will also assist with regional (North American) activities, including the regional Associate Committee and regional professional development programs such as RISE, a sponsorship program focused on a particular cohort group.

The PG TM team ensures processes and programs supporting lawyers in NA are effective, current, and aligned with the high-performing culture at Baker McKenzie. The role-holder will be a key member of this team, assisting with the deployment and coordination of the NA mentoring program and various associate surveys. They will also act as a liaison across the Americas to facilitate communication and alignment for Mexico and Latin America Disputes practices, collaborating with regional teams across functions such as recruiting, human resources, mobility, ID&E, leadership & learning, and office administration.

Responsibilities

• Support and coordinate the annual performance review and mid-year check-ins for NA Disputes.
• Work with the PGLs and the BM to identify and implement solutions and programs for underperforming as well as high-potential talent on an ongoing basis.
• Coach partners on associate performance issues and attend meetings with associates to discuss improvement plans, as necessary.
• Sit in on performance review meetings when appropriate and escalate high-risk or employee relations situations to Human Resource Managers.
• Support and coordinate the promotion process from Associate to National Partner/Counsel, compiling materials for candidates and advising on the annual matriculation process.
• Facilitate discussions with PGLs to support the talent mapping/pipeline process.
• Coordinate with the PG Business Manager to complete business justifications for hiring and shepherd them through the approval process.
• Serve as a key liaison to support and facilitate integration of lateral partners, associates, and incoming first-year associates, including developing and coordinating one-year integration plans for lateral partners and overseeing ramping up/down of attorneys from temporary departures/leaves of absence.
• Coordinate nominations for internal and external programs, assess and identify lawyer training needs, and address them in partnership with PGL & Leadership and Learning team.
• Lead regional career conversations program focusing on high-level discussions between attorneys and firm leaders to support desired career paths.
• Work with knowledge management to ensure practice-specific training is appropriate and well-attended.
• Provide individual career development coaching and counseling sessions, working with individuals on their development and business plans.
• Coach attorneys through performance issues.
• Host practice group orientations for new lawyers and serve as a resource.
• Liaise with other functional teams to support new joiners in learning firm tools, technology, operations, and strategies.
• Facilitate mentoring program logistics for NA Dispute and coordinate regional associate integration mentoring program for North America.
• Liaise with Global Mobility and office-based Human Resources on mobility requests.
• Oversee paralegal management, including time management, work allocation, and professional development.
• Follow up on internal feedback surveys and campaigns, focusing on improving engagement.
• Coordinate closely with office-based Human Resources to support the PGLs and BM on people-related issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree focusing on Talent, Professional Development, Organizational Development, Management, or other related areas; JD or law firm experience preferred.
• Extensive experience in Talent Management, preferably in a professional services environment.
• Experience working across multiple locations and jurisdictions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail; fluent written and spoken English is required.
• Demonstrated ability to solve problems and drive results with a sense of urgency in setting strategies and executing against objectives.
• Proven ability to influence, interact, and consult with senior leaders, strong collaboration skills, and effective stakeholder management.
• Strong coaching, counseling, business acumen, and overall communication skills.
• Knowledge of and involvement in the larger professional development/talent management community is a plus.
• Prioritizes collaboration and teamwork values.

Schedule

• Some travel is required.

Location: Any Baker McKenzie Office in the US or Canada

Reports to: Director of Talent Management, NA