Talent Manager, Disputes Resolution

The North America Dispute Resolution Group (NA Disputes) work 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 this position will primarily support a practice group, it will also help with some 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 works together to ensure the processes and programs that support the lawyers in NA are effective, current, and supportive of the high-performing culture at Baker McKenzie. The role-holder will be a key member of the PG TM team, assisting with the deployment and coordination of the NA mentoring program and various surveys for associates. The individual also will act as a liaison across the Americas region to facilitate communication and alignment for Mexico and Latin America Disputes practices. They will be expected to work collaboratively with regional teams across other functions in North America, including recruiting, human resources, mobility, ID&E, leadership & learning, other regional practice group talent managers, and office administration, as necessary to support the Disputes practice group and its members. They will operate as a Talent Management business professional for the PGL and BM, understanding the strategic needs of their people and coordinating with the appropriate business professionals to execute.Main responsibilitiesPerformance Management: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 a routine and ongoing basis throughout calendar and fiscal years; andCoach partners on associate performance issues and sit in on meetings with associates to discuss improvement plans, as necessarySit in on performance review meetings when appropriateEscalate high-risk or employee relations situations to Human Resource ManagersMatriculation:Support and coordinate the promotion process from Associate to National Partner/Counsel, working with the Business Manager for the practice group to compile materials for candidatesAdvise on the annual matriculation process for Associates advancing class yearsTalent Mapping: Facilitate discussions with PGLs to support the talent mapping/pipeline processTimekeeper (non-partner) Recruitment: Coordinate with PG Business Manager to complete the business justification (“Hire Request”) and shepherd through the approval processIntegration:Serve as a key liaison to support and facilitate integration of lateral partners, associates, and incoming first-year associates Develop and coordinate a one-year integration plan for lateral partnersOversee ramping up and down of attorneys from temporary departures/leaves of absenceCareer Development:Coordinate nomination for internal and external programs, assess and identify lawyer training needs, and address them in partnership with PGL & Leadership and Learning teamLead regional career conversations program focusing on high-level conversations between attorneys and firm leaders to support desired career path.  Work with knowledge management to ensure practice-specific training is appropriate and well-attendedCoaching and Counselling:Provide individual career development coaching and counselling sessions and work with individuals on their development plans and business plansCoach attorneys through performance issues.Onboarding:Host practice group orientations for new lawyers and be available as a resourceLiaise with other functional teams to support new joiners in learning firm tools, technology, operations, and strategiesMentoring:  Facilitate mentoring program logistics for NA Dispute Coordinate regional associate integration mentoring program for North AmericaMobility:Liaise with Global Mobility and office-based Human Resources on mobility requestsParalegal Management: Oversee, among other things, Time managementWork allocationProfessional developmentOrganizational Development:Follow-up on internal feedback surveys and campaigns; focus on improving engagementClose coordination with office-based Human Resources to support the PGLs and BM on people-related issuesOther duties as assignedSkills and experience: A bachelor’s degree focusing on Talent, Professional Development, Organizational Development, Management, or other related areas; JD or law firm experience preferredExtensive experience in Talent Management, preferably in a professional services environmentExperience working across multiple locations and jurisdictionsExcellent written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail; fluent written and spoken English is requiredDemonstrated ability to solve problems and drive results with a sense of urgency in setting strategies and executing against the objectivesProven ability to influence, interact, and consult with senior leaders, strong collaboration skills, and effective stakeholder managementStrong coaching, counselling, business acumen, and overall communication skillsKnowledge of and involvement in the larger professional development/talent management community a plusPrioritizes collaboration and teamwork valuesLocation: Any Baker McKenzie Office in the US or Canada Reports to:  Director of Talent Management, NATravel requirements: Some travel is required.Position type: RegionalDevelopment framework: Manager